Specialty Coffee Association Unveils New SCA Skills Diplomas Recognizing Job Readiness in the Specialty Coffee Industry
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing job readiness and expertise within the specialty coffee industry: the SCA Skills Diploma program. This new set of diplomas provides in-depth knowledge and practical experience that professionals can immediately apply in various industry settings.
Each diploma in the program requires a combination of advanced-level learning and foundational coursework, designed to equip learners with the skills necessary to excel in specific areas of the coffee industry. The diplomas focus on different aspects of the coffee supply chain, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
SCA Café Diploma
The SCA Café Diploma is tailored for those aspiring to lead in the creation, preparation, and promotion of specialty coffee experiences. It emphasizes effective communication with customers and colleagues about the retailer’s role in fostering a sustainable coffee industry.
Courses Required:
- Coffee Skills Program:
- Barista Skills (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Brewing (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Roasting (Foundation)
- Sensory Skills (Foundation)
- Coffee Sustainability Program:
- Foundation
- Coffee Technicians Program:
- Water and Preventive Maintenance (Foundation)
SCA Roastery Diploma
The SCA Roastery Diploma is designed for those who aim to lead in the development, production, and quality assurance of roasted coffee. This diploma also focuses on the roaster’s role in promoting sustainability within the industry.
Courses Required:
- Coffee Skills Program:
- Brewing (Foundation)
- Green Coffee (Foundation)
- Roasting (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Sensory Skills (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Coffee Sustainability Program:
- Foundation
- Coffee Technicians Program:
- Water and Preventive Maintenance (Foundation)
SCA Coffee Trade Diploma
The SCA Coffee Trade Diploma prepares learners for leadership in handling, evaluating, and trading green coffee. It includes courses that emphasize the importance of sustainability in the coffee trade.
Courses Required:
- Coffee Skills Program:
- Brewing (Foundation)
- Green Coffee (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Roasting (Foundation)
- Sensory Skills (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Coffee Sustainability Program:
- Foundation
- Coffee Technicians Program:
- Water and Preventive Maintenance (Foundation)
SCA Sustainable Coffee Diploma
The SCA Sustainable Coffee Diploma focuses on leadership in developing and implementing best practices and projects that promote sustainability across the coffee industry. This diploma covers a broad range of skills applicable in various sectors of the coffee supply chain.
Courses Required:
- Coffee Skills Program:
- Barista Skills (Foundation)
- Green Coffee (Foundation, Intermediate, Professional)
- Roasting (Foundation)
- Sensory Skills (Foundation)
- Coffee Sustainability Program:
- Foundation, Intermediate, Professional
- Coffee Technicians Program:
- Water and Preventive Maintenance (Foundation)
Transition from the Retired SCA Coffee Diploma
The introduction of these new diplomas marks the retirement of the former SCA Coffee Diploma, which was a 100-point system. The new diplomas provide a more structured and focused approach to learning, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern specialty coffee industry.
Application and Enrollment
Professionals who have completed the required courses for any of the new diplomas can apply for certification through the SCA. This certification not only recognizes their expertise but also enhances their employability and readiness to contribute to a sustainable and thriving coffee industry.
