Barista | Wallace State Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Espresso Preparation
Milk Steaming & Texturing
Latte Art
Coffee Brewing Methods
Coffee Tasting & Flavor Profiles
Grinder Calibration

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium35-3023.01	Baristas	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

Multiple payment methods including cash, card, and mobile pay — process efficiently and reconcile minor discrepancies independently during a standard café shift.
Full hot and cold beverage menu including espresso drinks, blended coffees, and teas — prepare consistently and to brand standards with minimal oversight.
Concurrent customer orders during moderate rush periods — coordinate intake and relay across a two- to three-person service team without supervisor prompting.
Daily cleaning schedule for equipment and service zones — execute independently and flag maintenance needs to shift leads in a high-traffic café.
Customer preferences and dietary questions — address using solid menu knowledge and suggest suitable alternatives in a routine counter-service interaction.
Dining room and service counter cleanliness — monitor and restore between customer waves using established sanitation protocols.
Baked goods and light food accompaniments — serve and upsell paired items by applying basic product knowledge during customer interactions.
Salad and sandwich preparation — complete orders accurately within ticket-time targets in a café with a light food menu.
POS system reports and end-of-shift sales summaries — review and hand off to a shift lead with accurate totals and noted variances.
Social cues and customer mood — read and adapt communication style to de-escalate minor complaints and maintain positive service interactions.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

This hands-on course prepares participants for entry-level barista positions through instruction in espresso preparation, milk texturing, brewing methods, beverage recipes, customer service, café operations, food safety, and equipment maintenance. Students gain practical experience using commercial coffee equipment while developing the technical, operational, and hospitality skills required in professional café environments.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

Exam Requirements

Participants must demonstrate competency in all required barista skills through hands-on performance evaluations and instructor assessment. Competency must be demonstrated in beverage preparation, espresso extraction, milk steaming, brewing methods, customer service, food safety, equipment operation, and café procedures to earn a certificate of completion.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

Skills for Success