Your first step to becoming an international barista!
SCA / IBS Barista Skills Certification Course!
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a global organization formed in 2017 by the merger of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE). It is a highly reputable body that hosts world championships. The International European Barista Certificate is recognized worldwide, and all examinations, evaluations, and certification are administered by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE).
The SCA Barista Certificate is the most specialized credential for cafe employment and entrepreneurship, validating your professional expertise as a barista. With coffee imports and the overall market growing each year, specialty-focused cafes are on the rise, making this certificate even more promising for future career prospects.
At First Barista Academy, we offer specialized coffee knowledge and comprehensive hands-on training, along with expert instructors and an ideal learning environment to help you achieve your dream of becoming a barista.SCA Barista Foundation Certification?Recommended for:
- Those seeking cafe employment or looking to open a cafe
- Those who already hold domestic certifications but want a competitive edge
- Anyone aiming to gain professional barista expertise
- Those wanting advanced, specialized coffee education
SCA Barista Certification
6 Courses
At FIRST Barista Academy, we teach the Barista Skills certification course based on the curriculum of SCAE
(Specialty Coffee Association of Europe) and by mastering all six areas, you can earn the SCA Diploma and be recognized as a top barista.
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INTRODUCTION COFFEE Coffee Introduction Course
From bean to cup: the complete coffee production and consumption process.
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BARISTA SKILLS Barista Skills
We provide hands-on training in essential barista skills such as grinder setup, milk steaming, latte art, safety protocols, and customer service.
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ROASTING Roasting
We cover roasting cycles and profiles, defect and physical change analysis, as well as workspace management and efficient production techniques.
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SENSORY SKILLS Sensory Skills
Sensory Skills covers essential evaluation techniques, including how we perceive flavors and assess coffee characteristics.
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BREWING Brewing
Learn coffee brewing methods and the variables that affect quality, and train in yield/concentration measurement and extraction techniques.
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GREEN COFFEE Green Coffee
Master green bean evaluation from origin to distribution.
SCA Certification System

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Lv.1 Foundation Level
Introductory coffee training to explore the basics and choose your next step.
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Lv.2 Intermediate Level
Perfect for coffee professionals and anyone with solid basics looking to advance.
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Lv.3 Professional Level
Advanced training for specialized expertise?completion sets you apart in the field.
SCA Diploma
Earn your diploma by reaching 100 total points.
Course Goals
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Acquire a theoretical understanding of coffee and how to express its flavors, fully grasp recipes, and master coffee preparation techniques.
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In the intermediate Barista Skills course, you can achieve balanced espresso extraction and competently operate espresso machines and grinders.
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We offer structured hands-on classes tailored for exam preparation, ensuring you acquire the proven know-how to pass the barista certification.
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We aim to train baristas who will lead coffee culture by providing top-quality education so every student can achieve their dreams.
Lecture Overview
Start Dates | 59 Batch - Weekdays: 07/07 (Mon), Weekends: 07/12 (Sat) 60 Batch - Weekdays: 07/21 (Mon), Weekends: 07/26 (Sat) |
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Capacity | 20 persons |
Duration | 2 month program |
Class Format | Mon?Fri or weekends. |
Class Times | Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Weekend ※Please contact each branch for exact times. |
First Academy's
Unique Education System
First Academy boasts a certificate pass rate of 85%+. With core theory lectures and 1:1 support from full-time instructors, students prepare for written exams and submit practical work in stages, receiving 1:1 feedback to focus on weak areas and improve success rates.

1:1 Structured Support
from Full-time Instructors
Core theory lectures and practice questions combined with personalized 1:1 support to boost practical skills.

Session-based Practical Training
with 1:1 Feedback
Individual ingredient practice, thorough material education, and 1:1 feedback after each submission.
1:1 Personalized Hands-On Training Steps
The barista skills curriculum aligned with SCA standards is delivered through personalized one-on-one practice.
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Step 1 Theory Lesson
Easy-to-understand, theoretical training, about coffee
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Step 2 Instructor Demonstration
Verified professional instructor’s, demo, organized by, exam sequence
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Step 3 1:1 Tailored Practice
Based on the demo, students practice coffee, preparation
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Step 4 Recipe & Service Training
One-on-one guidance on, coffee recipes and barista, service
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Step 5 Pre-Test Feedback
Identify improvement areas, and provide corrective, guidance
First Cooking Academy Full-Time Instructors
We assign full-time instructors to ensure high-quality education and provide thorough student support.
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Park Hye-wonBarista
Once brewedPark Hye-wonBarista
- Barista Instructor- Zoo Coffee Barista, China BranchDetail
- Harbor Coffee Barista
- Full Member of Korea Barista Certification Council
- Supervisor at Korea Barista Qualification Certification Association -
Kang Seok-kyungBarista
Coffee Master A to ZKang Seok-kyungBarista
- Barista Head- Gusto Coffee RoasterDetail
- D&G Company C27 Main Branch Head Barista
- Getsome Coffee General Manager
- SCA(Specialty Coffee Association) AST
(Certified Trainer/Judge at International Specialty Coffee Association)
- EUCA(Europe Universal Coffee Association) AET
(Certified Supervisor at European International Coffee Association)
- IBS(Italian Barista School) Trainer
- Full Member of Korea Barista Certification Council
- Supervisor at Korea Barista Qualification Certification Association -
강승관Barista
맛있는 커피레시피강승관Barista
- 바리스타 학과장- 현 퍼스트 바리스타 아카데미 학과장Detail
- U.F.O Coffee Company 수퍼바이저
- parc15 헤드 바리스타
- 카페 키츠네 홍대 매니저
- 아방가르드 파주 헤드 바리스타 & 로스터
- 서울여자대학교 총 동창회 카페 매니저
- roll coffee 대표
SCA Barista Skills Foundation Curriculum
Train from basic coffee techniques to professional barista skills for elite SCA certification.
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Session 1
Machine & Grinder Basics
- Machine & grinder operation
- Machine & grinder cleaning
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Session 2
Espresso Extraction
- Espresso extraction process
- Extraction technique
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Session 3
Coffee Science
- Origins & History of Coffee
- Definition & Types of Coffee
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Session 4
Milk Steaming & Pouring
- Milk Steaming
- Pouring
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Session 5
Cappuccino Preparation
- Milk Steaming for Cappuccino
- Pouring
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Session 6
Written Exam
- Written Test
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Session 7
Practical Exam Preparation
- Preparation Phase (5 min)
- Demonstration Phase (10 min)
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Session 8
Practical Exam
- Practical Test
My Academy,
Reasons to Choose First Barista Academy
Expert instructors and tailored education ensure student satisfaction.
- Reason 01 Veteran Full-Time Instructors by Course
Full-time instructors ensure quality education and attentive student care.
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Reason 02
Hands-on Ingredient Practice
Theory and one-on-one practice for better learning.
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Reason 03
Expert Seminars
Professional seminars offering career and exam tips.
Student Testimonials

5★★★★★
- Q. What motivated you to attend First Academy?
- I have always been interested in coffee, and my interest grew even more after starting a part-time job at a cafe. When I decided to seriously study to become a barista, I researched several academies, and First Academy’s curriculum appealed to me the most, so I chose it.
- Q. What was the most memorable part of the classes?
- I was impressed that the instructors corrected my posture during the practical exam and provided detailed feedback on all my questions. Combining theory and practice improved my understanding of coffee trends, and the classes were always enjoyable thanks to the instructors’ cheerful preparation.
Vivid Photo Stories
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First Global Barista Project ? 3rd Cohort Review!
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First Global Barista Project ? 1st Cohort Review!
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Brewing Class with a Great View!
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The 2nd EUCA Examiner Certification Exam Held!
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EUCA Supervisor Seminar Held for the First Time in Korea!
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Coffee Latte Art Swan
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My Unique Signature Cafe Menu: Handmade Grapefruit Ade
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Matcha Shot Latte That Reminds You of Jeju Island~
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First Barista #Hand Drip Coaching in Progress
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Full of vibes Cafe Startup Class~~ Blue (Purple) Lemonade
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Tiramisu latte perfect for chilly weather~
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Grapefruit Ade Making Challenge!!!
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First Step at First Academy: Introduction Video to the Barista Program
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Coffee Latte Art Advanced Latte Art Practice
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Latte Art Practice by Domestic Barista Course Students
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Coffee Barista Class Latte Art Practice
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Basic Latte Art Demo by Full-Time Barista Instructor
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Coffee Barista Class: Americano & Latte Practice
1:1 Personalized Job Support Process for Students’ Dreams and Successful Chef Employment
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Employment Support Program
- Support team intro
- Dedicated manager
- Trainee management
- Program schedule
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Resume & Cover Letter
- Sample templates
- Writing tips
- Application cases
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1:1 Mock Interviews
- Resume review
- Field consultation
- Career planning
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Trainee Evaluation
- Outfit review
- Interview skills
- Q&A techniques
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Company Matching
- Instructor evaluation
- Company matching
- Personalized success
Recommended Courses to Take Together
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SCA Green Coffee & Roasting
SCA Coffee DiplomaSCA Diploma Course mastering 6 modules to earn a Coffee Degree
- WD06/09
- WE06/07
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SCA Sensory & Brewing
SCA Coffee DiplomaSCA Diploma Course mastering 6 modules to earn a Coffee Degree
- WD06/09
- WE06/07
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Advanced Coffee Sensory & Brewing
Advanced ClassA course teaching sensory skills to select coffee and understanding of brewing tools
- WD06/09
- WE06/07
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EUCA Diploma Program
EUCA Coffee DiplomaThe EUCA Diploma track leads you to master all six modules and earn your Coffee Science degree
- WD06/09
- WE06/07