Learn

First Crack is oriented around the educational process. From the absolute beginner just learning of coffee’s origins to the seasoned coffee veteran interested in high level accredited coursework, there’s always another step in the process, and we’re here to be your guide.

DatesLocationClassPrice
January 5-9RochesterSCA Trade Diploma bundle$6000
January 5-11St. LouisSCA Cafe Diploma and Trade Diploma bundlesemail
January 13-14St. LouisBean to Brew$1050
January 14-15DenverSCA Roasting/all levels$2700
January 22 and 29DenverBean to Brew$1050
February 4-5DenverSCA Sensory/all levels$2700
February 10-13DenverSCA Roastery Diploma bundle$6000
February 10-15St. LouisSCA Q Grader course$2500
March 23-27St. LouisSCA Roastery Diploma bundle$6000
April 6-11RochesterSCA Q Grader course$2500
April 7-8St. LouisSCA Barista/all levels$2700
April 16-17St. LouisSCA Brewing/all levels$2700
April 27-28St. LouisSCA Roasting/all levels$2700
April 28-May 2DenverSCA Cafe Diploma bundle$6000
May 18-22RochesterSCA Roastery Diploma$6000
June 8-12St. LouisSCA Cafe Diploma bundle$6000
June 9-14DenverSCA Q Grader course$2500
July 2-3RochesterSCA Roasting/all levels$2700
July 6-7RochesterSCA Barista/all levels$2700
July 8-9RochesterSCA Brewing/all levels$2700
July 9-10DenverSCA Barista/all levels$2700
July 13-17St. LouisSCA Roastery Diploma bundle$6000
July 22-23DenverSCA Roasting/all levels$2700
August 3-4St. LouisSCA Barista/all levels$2700
August 11-15DenverSCA Roastery Diploma bundle$6000
August 18-19St. LouisSCA Brewing/all levels$2700
August 17-21RochesterSCA Cafe Diploma bundle$6000
August 26-27St. LouisSCA Green/all levels$2700
September 21-26St. LouisSCA Q Grader course$2500
September 22-26DenverSCA Cafe Diploma bundle$6000
October 5-9St. LouisSCA Trade Diploma bundle$6000
October 19-24DenverSCA Q Grader course$2500
November 16-21RochesterSCA Q Grader course$2500
December 1-4DenverSCA Trade Diploma bundle$6000
December 7-11St. LouisSCA Cafe Diploma bundle$6000

  • With Collin, Bryndon and Adam, it was a blast to work with! Planning to do everything online, but then decided to take a plane and head out to Missouri instead. We took many different SCA certifications with them. Their knowledge and understanding of each subject is excellent, we highly recommend their In Person trainings. They have also been very helpful and  open to help us with questions before and after our trainings, making them some of our best  ASTs.
    Johanna de Rodriguez
    Academia Barista Pro

  • I have 16 years of experience in coffee, I’m located in Costa Rica, and after doing extensive research about where to take SCA courses, I decided to go with First Crack. I have to say that I was really happy to have picked them. Their professionalism and experience is vast, their facility has all you need for learning, and the materials have a lot of valuable information. I traveled from my country to Saint Louis MO to visit with them on two occasions, and I am very happy to have done so … I would recommend First Crack without any doubt, and I hope to have the opportunity to take another course with them in the future.
    José Pablo Juárez Solís
    Juarez Coffee

  • First Crack’s SCA coffee program was a blessing to me, especially in the middle of COVID-19 when I could get all resources on coffee only online. First Crack’s bountiful resources were readily accessible upon registration. The real plus is you can review them anytime you need. Its hybrid teaching methods were uniquely tailored to my own needs. I was lucky to learn from two super friendly, helpful, receptive, and attentive instructors. The three pillars of First Crack are excellent instructors, professional resources, and fascinating teaching methods. Their SCA coffee program was truly effective in developing my understanding and practice of coffee. For those interested in coffee, I strongly recommend giving First Crack’s coffee program a try.
    Soonhee “Sunny” Ka
    Jejes Coffee

  • The courses were very well founded and rich with information. I am still learning from Firstcrack through the material sent, which is vital. The system They’ve built up with pdf files featuring youtube-links and quiz is very well formed. I found the material more easy and educational than that encountered elsewhere in my coffee education journey.
    Peter Jönsson
    Beans In Cup

  • First Crack’s background is extensive, and their expertise is outstanding. The curriculum is well-rounded and easy to follow. The staff were patient and accommodating whenever I had questions or needed further guidance. I had a great time learning and improving my brewing, barista, roasting, and sensory skills. I would strongly recommend First Crack for anyone looking to further their education in the coffee industry.
    Dawn Hunt
    Southwest Illinois College
    Culinary Instructor

  • First Crack has been an outstanding partner helping our Specialist Team train and master the curriculums that have been designed by the Specialty Coffee Association.
    Ryan Crystal
    Director of Beverage, Shamrock Foods Company