Starbucks Coffee Academy is our platform for coffee education. Our modular approach starts with foundational coffee knowledge for anyone just starting their coffee journey. The next levels build on that knowledge and delve deeper into each topic, from farm to cup.
You will learn about all facets of coffee – which is at the core of Starbucks – and explore many stops along the bean to cup journey. Starbucks Coffee Academy focuses on the topics of Origin & Ethical Sourcing, Roast & Blend and Brew & Craft.
Origin and Ethical Sourcing explores the beginning of coffees journey. You will learn where coffee comes from, how it is grown and processed and how Starbucks Ethically sources coffee.
Roast & Blend is focused on coffees journey once it arrives at one of our roasting plants. This topic is focused on everything that happens to coffee before it is shipped to a store: the art and science of roasting and blending.
Brew & Craft is where you explore the many factors that influence brewed coffee, espresso and handcrafted beverages. You will learn how to build your tasting skills, brew a perfect cup of coffee and steam delicious, creamy milk.
The course content was developed by our team of coffee experts: Agronomists, Quality Specialists, Buyers, Roasters and Coffee Educators.
Starbucks Coffee Academy is accessible to anyone with a curiosity to learn more about a coffee. Starbucks partners, customers, family and friends are welcome to complete the training.
All current Coffee Masters will keep their certifications and black aprons. In addition, select Starbucks partners may be eligible to earn a Black, Coffee Master Apron. To earn the apron, you must complete levels 100-300 of Starbucks Coffee Academy courses, work for Starbucks for over 1 year, and be selected by your manager to receive this recognition.
Starbucks partners’ passion and knowledge about coffee is one of the many things that sets the company apart, drives connection and makes the Starbucks Experience spark joy. Over 20 years ago, Starbucks introduced the Coffee Master program and black aprons as a special designation for partners around the world who are experts in coffee knowledge. The black apron recognizes the completion of Starbucks Coffee Academy 100-300, for Starbucks partners who have been at the company for 1 year+.
The Coffee Master Update provides latest stories and happenings direct from the people who are ensuring your coffee gets from seed to your cup, across the Starbucks coffee supply chain. This digital newsletter is released quarterly. Tap subscribe on the site to keep notified of new releases.
This is open to all! Even if you are currently learning, Coffee Master Update is crafted for Starbucks Partners and is open-sourced, meaning that we welcome customers to also explore our updates to keep connected to the people behind our coffee.