What skills & knowledge would I need to become a qualified barista?
The critical aspects for assessment include:
- being able to recognise quality in espresso coffee and identify all the factors that affect quality in the espresso coffee making process.
- being able to meet customer requirements and expectations in relation to espresso coffee type, strength, temperature, portion sizing, presentation and milk type.
- being able to identify and make adjustments in the espresso coffee making process when problems are encountered.
- being able to make quality espresso coffees in taste and presentation within realistic timeframes
- being able to comply with all workplace hygiene and food safety regulations and to exercise safe work practices when making espresso coffee.
The other skills you would need to demonstrate include:
- techniques for dosing, tamping and purging group head.
- milk texturing skills
- extraction and presentation of quality coffee across the full range of espresso coffee types
The knowledge of espresso coffee making you would need to posses includes:
- major coffee types and their characteristics
- types of bean, blends and the espresso coffee roast
- key principles of espresso coffee making
- appropriate extraction rate
- factors that can affect the quality of espresso coffee and how to mitigate them.
- types of grind and grinding equipment
- types of espresso coffee machines - their main features and differences
- types and size of filter baskets, tampers and other equipment used in the espresso making process
- the different types of milk products and their characteristics when heated and textured
- the storage conditions and requirements for coffee beans & ground coffee.
- the cleaning and maintenance procedures for the coffee grinder and the espresso coffee machine
- symptoms of potential faults in espresso coffee machines and grinders
- sequencing and production of orders
To get the necessary online training for this qualification, see the link above.