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
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.
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-accredited | 5-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 qualification | ABS certificate only | SITHFAB025 + SITXFSA005 |
| Accepted by cafés for paid work | Some, not all | Nationwide |
| Pre-course online module | Not required | 1–2 hours |
| Price | $119 | $199 |
Book your barista course
Choose your course and location to see live class dates and book online.
5-hour Nationally Recognised Barista course — $199
SITHFAB025 + SITXFSA005 · nationally recognised
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
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
“I just completed the 5-hour Barista course with Matt and Skye, and it was fantastic! They were both knowledgeable, friendly, and made learning fun. The five hours flew by, and I left feeling much more confident with my barista skills. Highly recommend them💗”
“Matt and Skye have great teaching skills and their positive attitudes towards their students is amazing Matt and Skye have fantastic teaching skills and their positive attitude towards their students is truly remarkable.”
“We had a great experience learning about how to make proper coffees at ABS. Micah and the other instructors made it a lot of fun and were so knowledgeable to help us get it right. I can't wait to use my new skills to make better coffees. Thanks 👍”
“I loved it, it was super fun!”
“I had such a wonderful learning experience today! All of the trainers were incredibly supportive and professional. At the end of every topic, they always took the time to ask if we had any questions, making sure everyone fully understood before moving on. Their explanations were detailed, clear, and easy to follow. Throughout the practical sessions, they carefully observed our techniques, pointed out important details we might have missed, and patiently guided us step by step. They also kept encouraging us, which made me feel much more confident while learning. Safety was always emphasized, and they constantly reminded us to work safely and correctly. This is honestly my favourite training course I’ve attended in Sydney. Thank you to all the amazing trainers for creating such a positive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn coffee skills!”
“Great session would defo recommend for beginners, staff were joyful and made the experience great. Okayyyyy”
“Maaike was amazing. Great barista starter course”
“Highly enjoyable”
“Matt and Skye were wonderful teachers throughout this day course! I definitely recommend if you are wanting to learn as their knowledge and experience is undeniable :)”
Our trainers wrote the book — literally
bean there, drunk that…
The definitive guide to coffee and the world of the barista — 128 pages by the founders of Barista Basics Coffee Academy. Get the book →
Barista guides
All guides →How to become a barista in Australia
You don't need a formal qualification to become a barista in Australia, but training and practice make you far more employable. Here's the path.
Read guideDo you need a qualification to be a barista?
No — there's no legal requirement to be a qualified barista in Australia. But a barista course makes you far more employable. Here's why.
Read guideNationally recognised vs non-accredited barista course: which should you do?
A non-accredited barista course teaches the core skills fast; the 5-hour course adds latte art and a nationally recognised qualification. Here's which suits you.
Read guide
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
Your RSA plus the nationally recognised 5-hour barista course — serve coffee and alcohol.
View RSA + Barista →RSA + RCG + Barista
All three — ideal for work in cafés, pubs, clubs and gaming venues.
View the triple package →Where we train
Brisbane
Ground Floor Suite 4 (G-04), Ladhope Chambers, 131 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000
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.