The Barista Skills Professional course is designed to test advanced skills and detailed knowledge of the science behind processes used by a professional barista (for example, a barista with 12 months or more of work experience).

Successful candidates will have explored and demonstrated the advanced skills typically expected of a head barista. In particular, participants will learn a sophisticated tasting methodology and descriptive explanation of coffee flavors; gain a detailed understanding of drink ingredients and the techniques available to maximize the quality of the drinks made; understand how to manage the skills of others to produce quality drinks; demonstrate an understanding of how to develop brew recipes and a systematic method of structuring beverage menus; and finally be able to consistently apply the highest standard of latte art and milk steaming techniques.

A written exam tests professional course knowledge while a practical exam tests the skills described above based on different working activities carried out during the course.