Advanced Barista Course /Barista Intermediate skills SCA

Immerse yourself in our advanced barista class in Italy, mastering espresso, latte art, extraction techniques, and coffee cocktails, while aiming for SCA and IBC certifications

The Advanced Coffee and Barista Class is designed to provide you with a comprehensive immersion into coffee, covering everything from the basics to advanced latte art.

This course is perfect for those seeking a professional, up-to-date approach to coffee, aiming for international SCA and IBC certifications, and who identify as true home baristas.

Alongside other courses in the “Espresso Academy Coffee Week,” this will be an unforgettable coffee experience in Italy, offering hands-on learning in espresso extraction, latte art, specialty espresso tasting, and more.

  Courses are held in English

Installment payments

You can pay our courses in three installments with Stripe, making it easier to manage your budget and enjoy flexibility.

One Week Coffee

This course is part of the “Espresso One Week Coffee Route”. Discover more about coffee through the Espresso Academy Coffee Week

Are you interested in this course?

 
 

During this advanced class in Italy, you will:

  • Understand the concepts of TDS and extraction. Using the refractometer we will learn how to…
  • … change the extraction parameters according to the coffee varietal and blend we want to use
  • How to taste espresso in a professional way, starting to build your “tasting skills library”
  • How to make latte art, unmissable for any barista and source of fun for every coffee lover!
  • Setting your espresso machine: the volumetric system, the temperature, pressure and so on… 

 

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This course allows access to two international certifications, both widespread and recognized in the world: IBC and SCA Barista Intermediate.

Why Espresso Academy?

  • 1500+ students from all over the world at our Italian headquarters
  • All courses taught in English by certified trainers
  • 30+ branches around the world 

 

  • #1 school in the world on Tripadvisor and Google 
  • The highest number of SCA, LAGS and IBC certified students
  • And… we are in Florence, a city worth  visiting

Program of the Advanced Barista Course.  DAY 1

  • The world of coffee: arabica, robusta, varietals from bourbon to catimor.
  • Coffee in the plantation: washed, natural and the new fermentation methods..
  • A brief history of coffee: from Yemen to the plantations in Sicily.
  • Introduction to roasting and how coffee blends are made. We visit the roastery area!
  • The invention and evolution of espresso machines from 1900 to today
  • Practical work begins with the extraction of the espresso and coffee tamping
  • Coffee grinding: how to manage it and how to modify it with the various types of coffee grinders
  • Make and taste espresso made with historical espresso machines: from the lever one to the modern machines (where you can set all the parameters…)
  • Which is the best machine for your project of for your home? Leveller, special tampers, special filters or needles are important?
  • How to choose the best coffee for my project or for my house? 
  • A technical section: setting the volumetric system, setting the temperature, changing the gaskets and.
  • The perfect milk frothing managing different temperatures and frothiness. 
  • Vegetable (Plant Based) milks: try soya, oats and milks specifically designed for the barista
  • Cappuccino in practice: lots of exercises on milk frothing  and classic cappuccino
  • Italian preparations: latte macchiato, latte coffee, espresso macchiato etc.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of espresso machines. The softeners, the blind filter and the cleaning of the showers.

Eventual practical exam for the Italian Barista Certificate
Eventual support in SCA exam (SCA foundation level is only theoretical)

Program of the course. Day 2

  • Introduction to professional coffee tasting: body, acidity, bitterness, sweetness and flavours.
  • The use of the refractometer in extraction measurement. The concept of TDS and extraction.
  • Espresso tasting exercises : commodity arabica e robusta, coffee blends, caffè specialty.
  • Grinding setting exercises with dose and extraction weighing, preparatory to the IBM and SCA exam
  • Not just espresso: brewing, filter coffee and pour over, practical tests
  • Worldwide trends: babyccino, flat white, cortado and other preparations.
  • Latte art basics: height of pouring, flow control and movement of the wrist
  • Practice latte art base: the heart 
  • Basic latte art practice: the figure of the leaf or rosetta  
  • Basic latte art practice: the tulip
  • Basic setting and fixing of the espresso coffee machine: showers, volumetric, temperature

Eventual exam for the Italian Barista Certificate advanced certification (this exam involves a quite demanding speed test, any participation in this course will therefore be evaluated during the course according with the trainer)
Possible additional procedure for SCA intermediate exam.

SCA Barista Skills

Barista Skill SCA - Intermediate Level

At the end of this course it’s possible to part-take in the SCA Barista Coffee Foundation level certification. Anyone wishing to part-take in the certification exams is asked to report it to us when registering for the course. In our school you can also book the courses for Professional certifications.

BARISTA SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SCA COURSE.

Three days. Florence, February 28th, March 1st and 2nd 2025


Three months after passing the intermediate exam, SCA allows you to aim for the Barista Skills SCA professional exam.

A journey more than a course, through the influence of water on extraction, the TDS measurements of the various calibrations, the preparation of single-origin coffee in espresso and latte art at the highest levels.

Here the programs and upcoming dates.

 

What You Will Learn in the Advanced Barista class

From roots to sky: this is the poetic approach of this class.

In the first part of the course, you'll learn how cultivation and roasting affect the final taste of espresso.

Next, we dive into the barista's world. You’ll explore the evolution of espresso machines from the 1900s to today and evaluate the best machine for your needs, along with essential accessories like levelers and special filters.

You'll practice extracting espresso, adjusting parameters based on the coffee used. Tasting with trainers, you'll learn how to use the “coffee flavor wheel” and measure extraction with a refractometer. No advanced barista training is complete without latte art. You’ll get plenty of practice and latte art training for great hearts, rosettas, and tulips on your cup!

Are you ready to begin?

Your Barista Course in Florence, Italy

It sounds like a wonderful opportunity to combine a Barista Course with the cultural and artistic riches of Florence, Italy.

Upon completing the course, which is ideal for home barista and coffee enthusiast and regularly features a diverse group of students from across the world in a highly international setting, participants will have the opportunity to explore sites such as the Uffizi Museum, Ponte Vecchio, The Duomo, and immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of Florence's medieval city center.

If you wish to enjoy the city or participate in several courses, we have numerous accommodations offering discounts to Espresso Academy students.

It will be a great coffee course, It will be a fantastic journey, It will be an unforgettable experience!

Combine Multiple Courses in One Trip! 

Are you interested in expanding your coffee knowledge beyond tasting and cupping? Our courses are always organized on consecutive days allowing you to participate in multiple courses through a single training trip. Check out our course schedule!

All the professional SCA courses in a row

Do you want to get the best for your coffee education? Join the SCA professional Coffee line. Take all the intermediate coffee SCA classes consecutively, maximizing the value of your time.

[Find out more]

The Espresso Academy Coffee Campus

Are you aiming for  professional level education? This course can also be one of the starting points of the “Espresso Academy Coffee Campus”. The most comprehensive coffee training program globally for coffee professionals.

[Find out more]

Student says...

Stefano AmbrogiStefano Ambrogi
11:04 17 Nov 24
Well done course especially for people new to this industry
V IvanV Ivan
03:12 02 Nov 24
I attended it in November this year..just a fantastic experience..Roberto ,the lecturer, is an amazing guy ,delivering lessons in asuch easy manners.He also takes you for a lunch break to experience real Italian cuisine for little money.Overall, I cam only recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about coffee machines and have fun along the way.Highly,highly, highly recommend.
Basic barman course meets expectations
SarahSarah
16:14 19 Oct 24
It was a great experience with very nice teachers who spoke English very well. We received a warm welcome and learned a lot about coffee.
Ryan LevyRyan Levy
19:00 10 Jul 24
Traveled to Florence and thought it was a great area to learn more about espresso. The Espresso Academy class was fun, informative and the instructor was very knowledgeable. Would recommend!
Alberto Nuñez GomezAlberto Nuñez Gomez
14:46 14 Jun 24
Not only is it a great school full of great coffee enthusiasts and professionals, they also make you live a unique experience in a beautiful city. The combination between theory and practice is perfectly balanced for any level. I recommend it 100% to all those who have a passion for coffee and want to delve deeper into this world. Thank you!
Ollie de SavignyOllie de Savigny
19:56 17 Mar 24
I found Espresso Academy after doing some research into espresso machine maintenance courses; after reading the reviews, and not finding anything suitable based in the UK, I reached out to ask some questions about the course...From the very first email, Cristina was so friendly, knowledgable and welcoming that she put my mind at rest and showed me that Espresso Academy know exactly what they are doing.I booked my flights, my accommodation, and told the team I was coming for the course!I could not recommend these guys enough - they are knowledgable, friendly and absolutely professional. I learned so much in such an engaging, interesting and thorough way that I have come home and been able to apply my knowledge immediately - starting my own small business in the UK.The course leader - Robert - is so kind, welcoming and full of knwoledge - but most importantly he is an excellent teacher, delivering the information in an easy to understand way to a mix of abilities in the class.I met some fantastic people and have made some friendships for life - and for even more joy, you get to stay in Florence when you're visiting for a course and what a beautiful city to stay in!Thank you for such a wonderful experience, and I hope to come back and visit again in the future :)
StephenStephen
20:19 17 Jan 24
Fantastic course on coffee machine maintenance, learned a lot in the short amount of time the course runs. Robert is a great teacher, easy going, explains things well and answers all questions. All other staff members we met during the course were also incredibly polite and welcoming. Well worth the travel.
Andrew HenleyAndrew Henley
13:04 14 Jan 24
The course at the academy was very good. very friendly team and professional teaching.
Daniel AguadoDaniel Aguado
21:00 13 Jan 24
I would like to thank the academy for providing a qualitative formation in a time where such things are difficult to find and sadly underrated.I would also like to particularly commend Robert, our teacher, who has managed to show me in a very short amount of time a wealth of accessible and comprehensible information on a difficult subject. He is awesome, poised, didactic, knowledgeable, approachable and generally very pleasant to be around.
Amit BiswasAmit Biswas
16:33 03 Dec 23
It was fantastic 3 days of learning. It was one of the important learning experiences I had. Trainer was very professional, calm, respectful and friendly. If you are in coffee business, you must do one of their course depending on what you need. Highly recommend.
Ferdinando FerraraFerdinando Ferrara
09:47 27 Nov 23
Excellent experience, recommended to all those who want to expand their knowledge of the world of coffee. I was followed by Professor Michele Cantarella at the Castorino roasting company and here I had the opportunity to see the roasting, to taste many types of coffee, to learn the basics ofMilk art.
Tobias EngelTobias Engel
12:53 02 Nov 23
If you want to learn everything about Coffee, the way how to do your own tasty Espresso, Latte Art this is the place to go. Enthusiatic trainers, very good mix of theory and practice. I wish the team of Espresso Academy all the best and a big thank you for the 2 day's of introduction of italian coffee philosophy 🙂
Maha HamdanMaha Hamdan
09:42 28 Apr 23
I’ve been planning to follow my passion for coffee with a professional training course and I found what I was looking for at The Espresso Academy. From the start Cristiana was very helpful for planning and booking this course for me, responding promptly and making it easier for my needs. During the course Gabriele was doing his best for me to get the most of this course, he was very kind, helpful and attentive. He went above and beyond to give the best experience. It was obviously about the coffee and the passion of coffee rather than just another commercial training course. , I really enjoyed every moment and learned a lot. I also gained confidence in my knowledge and skills. Thank you Espresso Academy.
Sherly CSherly C
11:21 20 Feb 23
High quality classes offered by friendly, serious and very experienced teachers??? i loved it- i can only recommend!
Yuanshi NiYuanshi Ni
09:51 17 Feb 23
Super recommended!!! Instructor was super nice, the content was engaging , I made my first espresso & cappuccino, it was an absolutely fun experience ?
Martyna PakoszMartyna Pakosz
19:20 11 Oct 22
An excellent experience, highly recommend to someone just getting into coffee. Very calm, patient and knowledgeable teachers with whom it was only pleasure to work with. :) 10/10
Pinja ErikssonPinja Eriksson
16:42 12 Dec 21
Took the two day advanced barista course and it exceeded my expectations. Great teachers, great content, and even though it was a short course we got plenty of time to practice actual coffee making without sparing milk. And a bonus is the opportunity to meet coffee students from all over the world, that most likely share similar goals to yours. Highly recommend for anyone getting into coffee business.
Arianna BärArianna Bär
21:22 15 Feb 21
I've attended many courses at Espresso Academy Firenze and I loved it! The staff is incredibly friendly and the courses very nice structured. Theory and lots of practice and we could even visit the roastery! The whole place smells of coffee :) During the pandemic I've also attended a couple Online Courses which were great and the teacher answered all the questions. I totally recommend going there to learn about coffee and become friends with the most amazing teachers :) Hope to see you soon guys!!
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Our trainers

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Gabriele Cortopassi

After many years of experience he´s assisted and done consultancies for many bars and restaurants in Italy and abroad. Gabriele is also the founder of aprireunbar.com, which is one of the most followed blogs for bars and restaurants and the the title of his book (Hoepli editions). He´s an official SCA Trainer and also teaches the Bar Management course.
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Simone Celli

A real barista, with many years of experience behind the counter. His blog ilcaffeespressoitaliano.com is the most read italian coffee blog in the world! He´s a trainer for the Barista, Brewing and Latte Art courses and official LAGS certifier.

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