GCA Certification

For GCA – Certified Coffee Professional (CCP) – Foundation Level

• Books:
  • The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann
  • The Professional Barista’s Handbook by Scott Rao
• Online Courses:
  • GCA’s Introduction to Coffee (free e-learning module)
  • Barista Hustle’s Coffee Fundamentals
• Practical Training:
  • Brewing labs (espresso, filter, immersion methods)
  • Sensory skills development (identifying acidity, body, aroma)

For GCA – Advanced Coffee Specialist (ACS) – Intermediate Level

• Books:
  • Coffee Roasting: Best Practices by Scott Rao
  • Water for Coffee by Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
• Online Courses:
  • GCA’s Advanced Brewing Techniques
  • SCA’s Roasting Intermediate (if cross-certified)
• Practical Training:
  • Roast profiling & green coffee grading
  • Business modules for café management

For GCA – Master Coffee Expert (MCE) – Advanced Level

• Books:
  • The Coffee Dictionary by Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
  • Modulating the Flavor Profile of Coffee by Rob Hoos
• Online Courses:
  • GCA’s Mastery in Coffee Cupping & Grading
  • Boot Coffee’s Professional Roasting Program
• Practical Training:
  • Q-Grader-style sensory calibration
  • Sustainability & supply chain deep-dives