There are six courses in the Coffee Technician Program. Learners begin with a foundation course and progress through the progressive levels of the program. Basic courses include electrical, hydraulics, water quality and preventive maintenance, covering the electromechanical properties of coffee machines and the considerations for keeping them running efficiently.
Each course promotes a culture of safety and learners are assessed on their competence through written and practical examinations. After passing these exams, learners receive a certificate confirming that they have successfully completed the course. Certificate holders will be able to demonstrate their continuing professional development, designed by the world’s leading authority on specialty coffee and leading industry experts.
As this is a skills-based programme with practical examinations, all courses require some form of face-to-face instruction and assessment. Many teachers choose to conduct theory and lectures online, followed by face-to-face activities and practical exams. You can expect the Basics course to be the equivalent of two days of classes, and the Intermediate and Advanced courses to be the equivalent of 3-4 days each.
Learn the practical skills you need to safely locate, troubleshoot and replace hydraulic components in your coffee equipment, as well as how to plan and wire water lines connected to your coffee machine.
Hydraulic Fundamentals is an introductory course that covers the key concepts of coffee machine hydraulics and some of the practical skills required to apply this knowledge. By the end of the course, learners will be able to state the sequence of various hydraulic circuits and components in brewing and steam systems. These systems include pathways in espresso machines and batch brewers. Students will be able to state and describe fundamental aspects of fluid dynamics. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of hand tools and plumbing accessories; and will demonstrate successful connection of a coffee machine to a water source.
Basic introductory course of electrical machinery
Covers key concepts of coffee machine electrical systems and the practical skills required to apply this knowledge safely. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify and explain the purpose of electrical components in coffee equipment; describe the basic operating principles of various coffee machine electrical circuits; describe the basic operating characteristics of electricity in its different configurations; explain the hazards associated with interacting with electrical equipment and demonstrate proper safety procedures; demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of electrical test tools to measure voltage, continuity, and resistance; demonstrate the correct connection of a plug to an electrical cord and successfully power a coffee machine.
Middle Level Course-Diagnosis and Repair
The Intermediate Diagnosis and Repair course builds upon the knowledge of coffee equipment parts and proper system function presented in the Hydraulics Fundamentals and Basic Electricity courses. It presents the knowledge and skills to recognize symptoms of common coffee equipment malfunctions, perform simple troubleshooting to diagnose their causes, complete common repairs safely and efficiently, and key adjustments to coffee equipment operating parameters.
Water Quality and Preventive Maintenance Fundamentals Introductory Course
Covers key concepts in water treatment systems and coffee machine preventative maintenance. The course also introduces certain practical skills required to safely apply this knowledge. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify typical components of common water treatment systems, their functions, effects, and their maintenance; define critical water quality parameters and quality recommendations; demonstrate the measurement of water quality components; describe the objectives of a preventive maintenance program; identify components in traditional espresso machines, batch brewers, and coffee grinders that require preventive maintenance and demonstrate simple steps to perform these tasks using the appropriate tools and supplies.
Basic Course of Water Quality and Preventive Maintenance
Further development on the basis of risk and simple handling methods of coffee equipment. In the IWT, learners will deepen their understanding of water treatment system components and treatment capabilities, the principles of scale formation and corrosion risks, and system requirements for various coffee equipment types. Hands-on activities include assembling, installing, adjusting and maintaining water treatment systems, and using a variety of measurement equipment and techniques.
