LEARNING OPTIONS

TWO WAYS TO TAKE CLASSES

Pick learning-only if you want skills and coaching without testing, or choose the certification pathway to add separate exams and earn official credentials.

1. KNOWLEDGE ONLY

For students who want skills and understanding without exams or credentials.

Includes

The 1.5-hour class session (one-on-one)
Coaching, practice, and feedback during the session
Suggested practice between sessions (optional)

Group workshops (occasionally available)

Some classes may also be offered as group workshops (limited seats).
Group workshops are cheaper per student as the cost is shared across the group.
Completing a group workshop still counts as completing that class for the purpose of exam eligibility (you can take the exam later if you choose certification).

Does not include

Exam sessions
Certification recordkeeping / credential IDs
Pins, certificates, badges, or official “pass” status

2. CERTIFICATION PATHWAY

For students who want a credential that verifies both knowledge and practical skill.

Certification is offered for:

Individual micro-credentials (pathways)
The full program credential to become Certified Fine Coffee Artist (CFCA)

How it works

You take the same class sessions as knowledge-only students.
If you choose certification, you also complete a separate exam session for each class in that pathway.
Exam fee: $90 per exam session
To earn a micro-credential (pathway) or the full CFCA, students must complete the exam for each class included in that credential.

Exam Format

Each exam is a separate booking of at least 30 minutes and includes:

Practical assessment
- Demonstrate the skill(s) from the class (examples: extraction adjustment, milk texture, workflow, sensory method).
Multiple-choice / knowledge check
- Short questions to confirm concepts and decision-making.

Exam eligibility

To take a certification exam for a class, you must have completed that class first, either:

as a one-on-one session, or
through an eligible group workshop (when offered).

Why exams are separate from class time

Keeping exams separate makes the credential more rigorous and fair:

Class time stays focused on learning and coaching.
Exam time stays focused on demonstrating competency.

Overlapping classes

Some classes appear in more than one pathway. If you already completed the certification exam for a class, you do not pay again to certify that same class. We track completed class assessments in your certification record and apply the credit automatically.

Policies

Rescheduling and no-shows: exam sessions are reserved time; standard rescheduling rules apply.
Retakes: if a retake is needed, it is scheduled as a separate exam session.
Accessibility: many assessments involve standing and working with hot equipment; please share any access needs in advance so we can plan together.