How to Become an AST - Authorized SCA Trainer - in Specialty Coffee

[@pur3devil]

Hey lovely video! I’m curious which sections of the 5 modules is in most demand for teaching? I’d like to become a trainer and want to tailor my course towards the demand of the industry too. What do you think?

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hello Yim, great question. I typically answer this question 2 ways. 1. Every cultural context is different. When I was in China as a new AST there was a strong demand for Barista and Brewing courses. So I followed the market there. You will know your market best if you follow the hottest trends in your industry. At that time in China it was all about latte art and flavor notes from single origin coffees. However, I can tell you right now there is huge demand for Roasting courses in many Middle Easter states. A booming new growth in micro-roasters is driving demand for Green and Roasting. 2. Follow your passion and skill. If you are passionate about the barista and cafe side of things - go for your certification there. If quality control for a lab, get your green and sensory. Where ever you go deep in your passion you will stand out as the best trainer and expert with passion. Students will be drawn to your content. Ultimately becoming an AST is an investment of time and resources. Even more important, building a strong base of students and graduates in your program requires a huge investment of passion and skill to make your training stand out. I'd be happy to help you get further in that path and consideration. My my recent Penultimate guide to the SCA may be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4SQoKR_rNyBfMU Certainly you'll want to join my email list for course discounts and latest offers at www.howtocoffeepro.com Email list: eepurl.com/cZU5R1 ~ Adam

[@pur3devil]

@@CoffeeTraining Wow! thank you for the detailed reply Adam, this is very helpful! I will look into the links that you've kindly shared. Do you have a global idea of where the current or next hottest trend/ demand is for coffee skills? Also how would you describe the demand/ market is like in UK?

[@CoffeeTraining]

@@pur3devil Great question. I'm unfortunately not super informed on the UK market, though I have a few students over there. There is always a market for new coffee roasters. If you are skilled or interested in that area, it's a niche engineer kind of market. Science and DIY driven, but fun. There is also always a market on the Barista side. Again, I think it depends on your skill and passion. If you're not sure yet, just dive in with all 5 modules and get broadly certified Foundation and/or Intermediate. By that time you're a broad pro and can choose some specific professional skills to go deep on. All the modules are complimentary. Check out my previews at www.howtocoffeepro.com and get signed up for my newsletter. Roaster Bundle is on sale this month June 2021. I'm always running discounts, but you don't know unless you're a part of the email. Cheers mate!

[@francoabductor6301]

Hi, thanks. I was very surprised to know that one doesn't need to hold CSP diplomas.

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hi Franco, I should be clear that you need certified in the modules. However the "Coffee Diploma" which was awarded after 100 points were accumulated through CSP courses is not required. Technically an AST could just get: Foundation, Intermediate, Professional certification in one module (say Barista) and then get certified as an AST to teach only one module, Barista. That would leave them with less than 100 points and less than a Diploma... but they would certainly be a reputable Barista Trainer. On the contrary you could take several Foundation and Intermediate courses to accumulate 100 points and get the diploma and never go professional or for your AST license. Hope this discussion helps.

[@CoffeeTraining]

Franco Abductor hi Franco. Great questions and yes I will make a video. I think many are asking the same question as you. So we should discuss and support one another. All business has challenges and special opportunities- training included. Also many are asking how certifications can boost their career or earning potential. These are all important to address together. I shall post new content soon because I am preparing both April and May 2020 classes around the SCA Coffee Expo for Portland.

[@CoffeeTraining]

@@francoabductor6301 Perhaps it is cultural or relevant to your program but in general all Roasting and Barista modules fill up fastest. Sensory is average. Less for Brewing. Green is least. This has been my experience in China and the USA.

[@opticxKhalid]

seeing how its a huge investment to become and AST how much will an AST earn on average after finishing the course?

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hi Khalid, nice to hear from you. You're right, it's a huge investment. Time, study, passion, cash : ) Would you like to speak personally about the AST process and courses? I am quite passionate about helping others, so for me the role of AST was from a deep motivation. From a financial point of view I came to become an AST while roasting and selling coffee. It made my sales and customer service so much greater by gaining certifications across the modules. Then at the end, since I love to help people grow, I became an AST. It's an entirely different business model selling courses vs. helping people. So depending on your skillset you can become a master marketer of courses with a beautiful lab and program people wish to join and pay for access to. You can also become the kind of leader and professional that people want to follow and belong to. All said, there are a minority (the 20%) of ASTs would make a living from training. I think they are the real pros with passion and unique offerings. Then there are the 80% of ASTs (like any industry) who find out that they didn't do it just right or that it's an expensive hobby. If you solve peoples true problems and give them true hope - you're in business. ~ Adam

[@titusmwangi8635]

Hi Adam kindly get back to me when you get a chance . How long does it take to attain certification.

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hi Titus, absolutely. How far into the SCA coursework are you? That will greatly impact how "long" it takes to become an AST. Let me know and I'll reply more clearly.

[@titusmwangi8635]

@@CoffeeTraining hi sorry am replying late, I did the course way back before SCAA merged with SCAE. I did SCAE professional course just about 2010, I trained with DORMANS coffee company in Kenya , started out in the factory , farm visits , cupping of our blends , then I got work in the gulf , funny thing is here to tonnes of places care less of quality since Arabs majority are in flavor manipulation by syrups, so I need to know so I can head back study and get certified to be in a better position to train others

[@CoffeeTraining]

​@@titusmwangi8635 Hi Titus, great reply. So you have professional SCAE? That's good and you can still use it for the SCA today. Perhaps just take a quick interview or assessment to update. Pro Barista right? Any others? The SCA will send a trainer, ambassador, for the AST courses. This is the only course they must officiate. Thankfully they travel around. Check here for upcoming courses: sca.coffee/education/trainers ... though I see none are listed in your region. If you'd like to go further in your study, (roasting or sensory) I am offering courses online now and I have a friend in your area who would be happy to officiate the practical skills components www.sca.training/ Peace, Adam

[@catherinechristabel942]

How will I Register for barista training course

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hi, great question. Right now much can be done online with live video training! Details follow. Welcome to sign up for my next course online: sca.training/ The Specialty Coffee Association has always practiced 2 parts. The first is a theory (question based exam) held after instruction. The second is a practical exam where the learner should display skills required to pass that level. Afterwards you do get certificates (as shown on my wall) which you can print and frame with your name, specific learner ID, signed, etc. Now Part 1 can be delivered online with live instruction. The exam is later shared with you by specific key code good for 21 days. Now Part 2 at Foundation level can be performed in 2 ways, live online with your instructor (me). Intermediate and Professional skills tests must still be performed in person. Upon successful completion of Part 1 Exam and Part 2 Skills Performance the AST Instructor informs the SCA that you have completed all course requirements successfully and you are provided a certificate. I hope we see you there. Welcome to sign up for my next course online: sca.training/

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hi new courses coming Nov & Dec. Check out and ask if you have Q's. www.howtocoffeepro.com

[@francoabductor6301]

Do you have Instagram or Linkedin?

[@CoffeeTraining]

Hi yes sir. Not much happening on IG currently. Checkout LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adam-s-carpenter-mba-%E9%BB%84%E6%9C%8B-29761417/