KCS: SCA Overview, Courses, and Certification
Specialty Coffee Academies are Coffee training Hubs / HORECA dedicated to professional coffee education, often aligned with global standards like the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) or offering proprietary programs like KCS (Knowledge of Coffee Skills). Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect from a Specialty Coffee Academy Licensing, including courses, fees, certifications, and career benefits.
1. What is a Specialty Coffee Academy by KCS?
A Specialty Coffee Academy is an institution that provides structured training in Coffee Industry:
- Coffee brewing & barista skills
- Roasting & green coffee analysis
- Sensory skills & cupping
- Coffee farming & sustainability
- Business & café management
Examples of Well-Known Specialty Coffee Academies:
- KCS Premier Training Schools (e.g.,Kenya Coffee School, Boot Coffee Campus, Barista Hustle)
- University of Coffee (illy)
- Blue Bottle Coffee’s Training Program
- Local Specialty Coffee Schools (e.g., Five Senses Coffee Academy, Academy of Coffee in India)
2. Typical Courses & Certifications Offered
The KCS Coffee Skills Program includes 12 modules, within three levels:
Certification Levels:
- Introductory (L1) → Basics
- Intermediate (L2) → Advanced
- Professional (L3) → Mastery
KCS Coffee Diploma: Earned after accumulating 100+ points (combining multiple modules).
B. KCS (Knowledge of Coffee Skills) / Proprietary Programs
Some academies offer in-house certifications (not SCA-affiliated) which Disadvantages the Learner interms of certifications if the academy is not certified as an Specialty Coffee Academy
- HORECA Baisc Barista Program
- HORECA Roasting Course
- HORECA Coffee Business Management
License for Becoming a Specialty Coffee Academy is – UDS 3,300/- Payable to Lavazza Coffee Center or to Kenya Coffee School
3. Cost of Specialty Coffee Academy Programs
| Program Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| KCS Barista & Brewing / Latte art | 4 to 5 Weeks |
(Prices vary by location and institution after they are licensed by Kenya Coffee School or Lavazza Coffee Center.)
4. How to Choose the Right Coffee Academy?
A. For Baristas & Café Workers
- Priority: SCA Barista/Brewing or KCS Latte Art courses.
- Best for: Improving espresso skills, milk texturing, and customer service.
B. For Roasters & Green Coffee Buyers
- Priority: SCA Roasting + CQI Q Grader certification.
- Best for: Understanding roast profiles, green bean quality.
C. For Coffee Farmers & Producers
- Priority: Sustainable farming, processing, and export courses.
- Best for: Improving yield, quality, and market access.
D. For Coffee Entrepreneurs
- Priority: Business management, café operations, and branding.
- Best for: Starting a coffee shop or roastery.
5. Benefits of Attending a Specialty Coffee Academy with (KCS/SCA)
✅ Industry-Recognized Certifications (SCA or KCS).
✅ Hands-on Training with professional equipment.
✅ Networking with coffee professionals.
✅ Career Advancement (higher-paying jobs in Barista and specialty coffee).
✅ Access to Competitions (e.g., World Barista Championship).
6. Top Specialty Coffee Academies Worldwide
- Boot Coffee Campus (USA) – Focus on roasting & green coffee (KCS/SCA)
- Kenya Coffee School (Kenya) – Focus on Barista Skills and Specialty Coffee (KCS/SCA)
- Barista Hustle (Online + Global Workshops)(KCS/SCA)
- Coffee Mind (Denmark) – Sensory & Q Grader training.(KCS/SCA)
- Academia de Café (Brazil) – Farm-to-cup education.(KCS/SCA)
- Lavazza Coffee Center(Kenya) – Barista Skills and Coffee Roastery (KCS/SCA)
- Five Senses Coffee (Australia) – Barista & brewing mastery.(KCS/SCA)
- University of Coffee by illy
7. Online vs. In-Person Training
| SCA Online Courses | KCS/SCA Hub – In-Person Training |
|---|---|
| ✔ Cheaper | ✖ More expensive |
| ✔ Flexible schedule | ✔ Direct mentorship by Experts |
| ✖ Limited practicals | ✔ Hands-on practice |
| ✖ No equipment access | ✔Ample Equipments & Networking opportunities |
Important aspects of certifications and training Projections :
- For Specialty Coffee Standardization → SCA or CQI Q Grader programs.
- For quick, skill-specific training → KCS at Verified SCA Offering (Specialty Coffee Academy Courses.)