The Barista Skills Certificate Course at Brighter Minds Technical & Vocational College is a 2-month hands-on program designed to transform coffee enthusiasts into professional baristas. Whether you aspire to work in cafés, hotels, or launch your own coffee business, this course equips you with the practical know-how— from bean to cup—following best practices in the hospitality industry.
Our curriculum covers every critical aspect of modern barista work, including:
Coffee Foundations & Bean Knowledge
Coffee origins, varieties (Arabica vs. Robusta), and roast profiles
Introduction to green coffee processing methods
Understanding flavor notes and cupping basics
Espresso Machine Operation & Maintenance
Machine setup: water filtration, temperature, and pressure settings
Grinding, dosing, and tamping techniques for consistent extraction
Routine cleaning, backflushing, and basic troubleshooting
Espresso Extraction & Shot Quality
Dialing in the grinder: grind size, yield ratios, and extraction time
Visual cues for under-extraction vs. over-extraction
Hands-on practice pulling single and double espresso shots
Milk Steaming & Texturing
Milk selection: whole milk, alternatives (soya, almond, oat)
Proper steaming technique: aeration phase, temperature control, and creating microfoam
Practice steaming multiple types of milk to café standards
Latte Art Basics
Free-pour fundamentals: heart, rosette, and tulip patterns
Hand movements, pitcher position, and milk consistency for smoother pours
Step-by-step guided practice with instructor feedback
Coffee Menu Development & Customer Service
Crafting a small café menu: signature drinks and seasonal specials
Basic flavor profiling: adding syrups, spices, and complementary ingredients
Serving etiquette, upselling techniques, and handling customer feedback
Health, Safety & Hygiene (HACCP-Aligned)
Workplace cleanliness: sanitizing equipment and surfaces
Personal hygiene protocols: gloves, hairnets, and disease prevention
Safe handling of hot liquids and steam to prevent burns
Business Essentials for Baristas
Inventory management: ordering beans, milk, and non-perishable supplies
Costing recipes and basic pricing strategies to maintain profitability
Introduction to café design, workflow, and point-of-sale (POS) systems
By the end of this program, you will be able to:
Evaluate, grind, and extract high-quality espresso shots consistently.
Steam and texture milk to create café-standard lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.
Execute basic latte art designs (heart, rosette, tulip) with confidence.
Maintain and troubleshoot commercial espresso machines and grinders.
Develop a small coffee menu that balances cost, flavor, and presentation.
Uphold strict health and safety standards in a busy coffee environment.
Interact professionally with customers, managing orders and upselling effectively.
Duration: 2 Months (Full-time)
Weekdays: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Practical Labs: Daily 4-hour sessions in our on-campus café and training kitchen
Upon successful completion, you will receive a “Barista Skills Certificate” issued by Brighter Minds TVC, recognized by local cafés, hotels, and hospitality establishments. Graduates will also be prepared to sit for any external competency tests (e.g., NITA or private hospitality certifications) if they choose to.
Aspiring baristas seeking career entry into cafés, restaurants, or hotels
Hospitality professionals wanting to upskill or specialize in coffee service
Entrepreneurs planning to open a small coffee shop or mobile coffee cart
Coffee lovers eager to deepen their knowledge of brewing and latte art
Students looking for a practical, market-driven short course
