CBD College — RTO 91399
★ 4.9 Google reviews · hands-on coffee training
Barista BasicsAustralian Barista School

Get job-ready as a barista

Hands-on training that gets you hired — make every café coffee on commercial machines, then earn the nationally recognised certificate cafés look for. Your own steam wand and a 1:8 trainer ratio, with Barista Basics and the Australian Barista School.

  • Your own steam wand
  • 1:8 trainer ratio
  • Commercial machines
  • Classes every day
5-hour · nationally recognised
$199
Nationally recognised
3-hour class
$119
Non-accredited
4.9 ★
Google reviews
25,000+
baristas trained
25+
years operating
1:8
trainer ratio

From first pour to confident barista

No prior experience required — you'll walk out knowing how to use a commercial espresso machine from scratch and make every coffee you'd order in a café.

Grind, dose and tamp — the foundations of a great shot
Pull perfect espresso shots, every time
Steam and texture milk for every coffee style
Make flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos, piccolos and more
Clean, backflush and maintain commercial machines
Latte art (5-hour nationally recognised course only)

What makes our barista courses different

Your own steam wand

A dedicated steam wand and group handle each — genuine hands-on practice, not standing around watching.

1:8 trainer ratio

One trainer for every eight students. Our trainers are working baristas and café owners, not just teachers.

Commercial machines

Train on the same professional-grade espresso machines you'd find in a café — not domestic gear.

No theory, all practise

No pre-course modules for the 3-hour class — just focused hours on the machines, learning by doing.

Classes every day

Morning, afternoon and weekend slots — pick whatever fits your week.

Nationally recognised upgrade path

Start with the 3-hour class and top up to the Nationally Recognised 5-hour course any time.

3-hour vs 5-hour barista course

Both teach you to use a commercial espresso machine from scratch. Here's how they differ.

3-hour$119 · non-accredited5-hour$199 · nationally recognised
Core barista skills (espresso, milk, all café drinks)
Your own steam wand & group handle
Latte art training (2 hours)
Nationally recognised qualificationABS certificate onlySITHFAB025 + SITXFSA005
Accepted by cafés for paid workSome, not allNationwide
Pre-course online moduleNot required1–2 hours
Price$119$199

Book your barista course

Choose your course and location to see live class dates and book online.

Most popular

5-hour Nationally Recognised Barista course — $199

SITHFAB025 + SITXFSA005 · nationally recognised

Barista Basics — nationally recognised barista course

Core barista skills plus 2 hours of latte art and a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment that cafés accept Australia-wide. Available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Choose a location above to see live class dates and book online.

3-hour Barista — $119

Non-accredited

Australian Barista School

A relaxed, hands-on introduction to the espresso machine — perfect for home baristas and coffee lovers. Australian Barista School certificate of completion. Available in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Choose a location above to see live class dates and book online.

What our barista students say

Very good teacher, had such a great time !! Definitely recommend
Morgane Le Loir· Google review
Amber was really nice and fun
Doopy Doopyyy· Google review
Absolutely loved the class! Amber and Erine were both amazing—so friendly, supportive, and incredibly helpful throughout the session. They made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Taima AL Gureishy· Google review
Very fun class Very much recommended Big thanks to Amber and Erin
Tarah algilany· Google review
Ty maaike
Jordan Chapman-Race· Google review
Amelia and Maaike were lovely, super knowledgeable and full of energy, highly recommend :)) Thanks for being so chalant we need more of yous in the world
Elias· Google review
Thanx to Bob my teacher☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️ I took two courses with them, really good
Mattia Casula· Google review
Amazing course! Highly recommend. The trainers Erin and especially Maaike were wonderful; very competent and friendly and created a warm yet productive working environment.
Isabella Devine· Google review
Really enjoyable experience, I learned a lot. Staff was kind, helpful and clear in instructing myself and others. Would recommend.
Heehok Noobo· Google review

Barista guides

All guides →

Save with a package

Heading into hospitality? Pair the nationally recognised barista course with your RSA — or go all-in for cafés, pubs and clubs.

RSA + Barista

$359

Your RSA plus the nationally recognised 5-hour barista course — serve coffee and alcohol.

View RSA + Barista →

RSA + RCG + Barista

$499

All three — ideal for work in cafés, pubs, clubs and gaming venues.

View the triple package →

Where we train

Sydney

Level 5, 8 Quay Street, Haymarket NSW 2000

Get directions →

Melbourne

Level 3, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Get directions →

Brisbane

Ground Floor Suite 4 (G-04), Ladhope Chambers, 131 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000

Get directions →

Newcastle

Second Floor, 376 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

Get directions →

Frequently asked questions

Which barista course should I choose?

If you want to work in a café, choose the 5-hour Nationally Recognised Barista course — it adds latte art and awards a Nationally Recognised SITHFAB025 + SITXFSA005 Statement of Attainment that cafés accept nationwide. The 3-hour course is a non-accredited class for home baristas, hobbyists and working-holiday makers who want the core skills without the formal qualification.

Is the 3-hour course nationally recognised?

No. The 3-hour course is non-accredited — you'll receive an Australian Barista School certificate of completion. For a nationally recognised qualification, choose the 5-hour course.

Do I need any prior barista experience?

No. We teach you to use a commercial espresso machine from scratch. By the end you'll froth milk, pull espresso shots, make every café coffee and clean and maintain the machine.

How much do the courses cost?

The 3-hour barista course is $119 (regularly $149). The 5-hour course with latte art and a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment is $199.

What's the trainer-to-student ratio?

1:8. Every student gets their own dedicated steam wand and group handle for the day — no waiting around, just real practice time.

What should I bring on the day?

Just yourself and closed-toe shoes (a food-safety requirement). We provide all the coffee, milk, equipment and aprons.

What's the cancellation policy?

Due to small class sizes, we can't refund no-shows or change-of-mind cancellations. You can change your class date free of charge, but not within 48 hours of the class start time.

Can I upgrade to the nationally recognised course later?

Yes. If you complete the 3-hour course and later want the nationally recognised qualification, get in touch and we'll arrange a top-up to the full 5-hour course.

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