SCA COURSES
SCA Introduction to Coffee
Course: 10 points
Duration: 5 hours
Course fee: R2500
SCA Introduction to Coffee
The introduction to coffee course is ideal for anyone who is new to speciality coffee. It charts coffee’s journey from its origins in Ethiopia to the major commodity that it is today.
This course gives a general overview of the speciality coffee supply chain and explores topics such as history and cultivation, variables that affect the coffee quality, basics of sensory analysis, fundamentals of roasting, factors of coffee freshness, and principles of brewing. In addition, learners will discuss the importance of water quality, cleanliness and maintenance.
This interactive course also includes a cupping, an industry-specific process for evaluating coffee through a sensory experience. There is an online written exam administered upon the completion of the course.
SCA Barista Skills
Focused on developing practical skills behind the espresso bar, from foundational techniques to advanced management of coffee service operations.
Foundation
Introduces essential practical skills needed behind the espresso bar with focus on core techniques.
- Make basic espresso drinks correctly
- Learn proper cleaning methods
- Practice basic service skills
Intermediate
Advances barista knowledge with deeper focus on coffee science and quality.
- Analyze espresso extraction variables
- Create consistent milk texture
- Master efficient workflow management
Professional
Masters advanced barista skills and management techniques for leading coffee operations.
- Lead bar quality programs
- Design custom drink recipes
- Perfect advanced latte art
SCA Brewing
Focused on developing practical skills behind the espresso bar, from foundational techniques to advanced management of coffee service operations.
Foundation
Learn fundamental coffee brewing methods and their proper execution.
- Use brewing equipment properly
- Follow standard brewing recipes
- Understand extraction basics
Intermediate
Develops deeper understanding of brewing variables and their effects on coffee quality.
- Adjust recipes for flavor
- Measure brewing strength accurately
- Master multiple brewing methods
Professional
Masters advanced brewing science and quality control for optimum results.
- Perfect advanced brewing techniques
- Control water chemistry precisely
- Design custom brewing recipes
SCA Roasting
Covers the art and science of coffee roasting, from basic principles to production roasting management.
Foundation
Introduces fundamental roasting concepts and basic machine operation.
- Understand roasting changes
- Follow basic roast profiles
- Learn roaster safety
Intermediate
Introduces fundamental roasting concepts and basic machine operation.
- Control roast profiles accurately
- Match roast colors precisely
- Understand heat transfer
Professional
Masters production roasting and advanced profile development.
- Design custom roast profiles
- Perfect production techniques
- Master quality control
SCA Sensory Skills
This module teaches coffee tasting and evaluation methods.
Foundation
Introduces essential concepts of coffee sensory evaluation.
- Identify basic flavors
- Learn cupping protocol
- Understand sensory basics
Intermediate
Advances tasting abilities and sensory evaluation methods.
- Master flavor identification
- Run sensory tests
- Lead tasting sessions
Professional
Masters professional sensory evaluation and program management.
- Lead professional cuppings
- Design testing programs
- Train coffee tasters
Our Happy Clients!
“Chris’s training simplified advanced coffee theory and boosted my brewing confidence. TP Coffee Academy is essential for serious coffee enthusiasts.”
“Chris Abrahams transforms coffee training with deep expertise, humility, and tailored guidance—empowering consistent, confident, and intentional roasting outcomes.”
“Chris Abrahams emphasized the importance of mindful extraction, which taught me to focus on flavour clarity and balance, elevating my coffee brewing skills significantly.”
