Education Policy
The SCAE knows that, throughout Europe, there is a need for quality educational programmes and a process or system for the certification of both achievement and skills in virtually all aspects and levels of the speciality coffee industry. The SCAE also realises that it is not in a position to operate an ongoing pan-European multilingual educational programme. Both education and certification should be easily accessible, so that people who work in the speciality coffee business are able to obtain the education, training, and certification they require close to where they work and preferably also in their own language.
Consequently, the SCAE has devised a new strategy which integrates the best of what the private sector and, in particular, a number of exciting educational entities have to offer, with the ideal and goals of the Association.
To reach these objectives the SCAE will now be offering the following:
- Educational programmes through SCAE authorised trainers.
- Barista certification through SCAE authorised certifiers.
- Golden Cup grinding and filter brewing education and certification through the SCAE and through authorised trainers and certifiers.
- A comprehensive annual education, training and certification programme at the SCAE Conference and exhibition.
- Regional activities organised by individual SCAE chapters.
1. THE SCAE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME THROUGH AUTHORISED TRAINERS
Under this programme the SCAE recognises and authorises individual trainers, who are members of the SCAE and who have demonstrated throughout their careers that they have the knowledge required to cover particular areas and topics related to the speciality industry. Courses offered by authorised trainers, provided they cover the content of different educational modules stipulated by SCAE, will be recognised as authorised trainer courses.
The SCAE educational programme has been designed in three levels:
- Basic--This is designed to last a minimum of half a day.
- Advanced--This is broken up into 12 modules.
- Master--The master programme will be designed based on the experiences in operating the basic and the advanced programmes.
This programme is based on education only, as the SCAE cannot endorse written or practical exams prepared by others. In time we expect to be in a position to take a more active role in this area, but this is something for the longer term.
The SCAE, however, will offer to issue SCAE diplomas of participation in the relevant authorised trainer courses to those who require a diploma.
2. HOW TO BECOME AN SCAE-CERTIFIED BARISTA
The SCAE offers a three-level international certification programme for baristas: Basic, Advanced and Master.
The programme is based only on testing skills and knowledge through written, practical and oral tests. We do not ask where and how you became a barista; we just give you an examination based on the most common international standards. You can also take a preparation course, which the SCAE offers as well.
You can pass the test in most of the European languages with one of our SCAE Barista Certifiers, who are spread all over Europe. For more information click here and you will find details of the programme.
3. THE GOLD CUP GRINDING AND FILTER BREWING EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME
This comprehensive three-level education and certification programme was launched in Berne in May 2006. It is based on a theoretical and practical course, followed by written and practical exams, which if passed will lead to a certificate being issued.
It is a long-term aim to incorporate the educational part of the Gold Cup programme into the SCAE educational programme. Details of the SCAE Gold Cup Programme are available by clicking here.
4.THE ANNUAL SCAE EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME
This will be an integrated part of the SCAE annual exhibition and conference.
5. REGIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL SCAE CHAPTERS
These programmes will be different from country to country depending on the engagement of the individual SCAE chapters and their National Coordinators.
They are ongoing events, often linked to national competitions.