Maryam Tabatabaei
مریم طباطبایی
Barista Skills — Professional
The SCA Professional level: teaching, competition readiness, and the mastery that few achieve.
Format
In person · Online
What You'll Learn
Eight core competencies to master in this course.
1
Master competitive espresso pulling: consistency under pressure, presentation, scoring.
2
Develop a personal signature: your approach to craft, your philosophy, your voice.
3
Teach with authority: methodology, assessment, mentoring advanced learners.
4
Understand competition rules and scoring: regional, national, international.
5
Explore latte art beyond basics: consistent microfoam, advanced patterns, personal style.
6
Achieve the SCA Barista Professional credential — the highest level.
7
Position yourself for competition, training, or senior roles in specialty coffee.
8
Join the elite community of UAE's most skilled baristas.
Course Syllabus
Day-by-day breakdown of topics, timings, and deliverables.
09:00
Professional Overview
What Professional means. The exam structure. The stakes.
09:30
Competition History & Context
WBC, NTC, regional competitions. How baristas reach that stage.
10:30
Presentation & Service
It's not just the shot — it's how you present it.
11:30
Espresso Under Scrutiny
Pulling shots that are judged, not just served.
Hands-on
13:00
Tasting Like a Judge
The Professional tasting form — more nuanced than Intermediate.
14:00
Mock Judging
You evaluate and score three shots. A judge gives feedback.
09:00
Recap
Competition-level espresso and presentation.
09:30
Advanced Latte Art
Beyond heart and rosetta — consistency, speed, personal signature.
10:30
Latte Art Practicum
You steam and pour. Maryam critiques every cup.
Hands-on
11:30
Teaching Professional Baristas
How to mentor people who are already very good.
13:00
Your Signature Drink
Design one drink that represents your philosophy and skill.
14:00
Presentation Practice
Pitch your signature drink. Serve it perfectly. Be judged.
Assessment
15:30
Feedback & Group Discussion
09:00
Final Preparation
What you've learned, how you'll apply it.
09:30
SCA Professional Exam
Four espresso shots, milk drinks, tasting form, presentation — all at the highest standard.
Exam
13:00
Celebration & Next Steps
Competition coaching, training pathways, specialty roles in Dubai and beyond.
14:00
Final Group Cupping
Your last drinks together as a cohort.
Who It's For
Baristas who hold the SCA Intermediate credential. Competition-minded baristas aiming for WBC or National Team selections. Training directors and café owners leading teams. Baristas at the peak of their craft, ready to go deeper.
Prerequisites
SCA Barista Intermediate certificate required. Minimum 2+ years of professional barista experience. Demonstrated excellence: tasting skills, consistency, leadership.
The Instructor Maryam Tabatabaei
Authorized SCA Premier Trainer · Q-Arabica Grader Taught by Maryam . Maryam is an Authorized SCA Premier Trainer and a Q-Arabica Grader certified under the SCA Q Coffee System (formerly the Coffee Quality Institute) — one of the few practitioners in the United Arab Emirates who holds both credentials at once.
She placed fourth at the HB Best Batch Roasting Championship (Feb 2026), judged the UAE National Roasting Championship (Jan 2026), and presented at Gulfood 2026’s Specialty Coffee Stage. Cohorts in her studio are kept to six learners — closer to a master class than a campus.
“I will not teach you what to think about coffee. I will teach you how to taste it for yourself.”
SCA Authorized Trainer Q-Arabica Grader · SCA UAE Roasting Championship Judge 4th · HB Best Batch Roasting Gulfood 2026 · Specialty Stage
Frequently Asked
Is this course aimed at competition?
It prepares you for competition, but it's also for baristas who want mastery without competition. Both paths are valid.
Can I work toward WBC after this?
Yes. Professional is the credential foundation. After that, coaching, practice, and national selection processes are your path.
Next Step
The final level. The credentials. The craft perfected.
Business Consultation
Talk to Maryam about your coffee business .
I'm Maryam Tabatabaei — Authorized SCA Trainer, Q-Arabica Grader, and Q Instructor (SCA Licensed). One of very few practitioners in the UAE holding all three credentials. Whether you're opening a cafe, setting up a roastery, or training a team — let's talk.
Cafe and roastery setup
Equipment, layout, workflow, menu — from concept to opening day.
Staff training programs
SCA-certified curriculum customized to your team and business level.
Green coffee sourcing
Q-grader vetted lots, importer introductions, cupping protocols.
Certification roadmaps
CSP, Q Grader, CVA — pick the path that fits your team.
Barista hiring
Practical skill tests, blind cuppings, role-specific interviews.
Competition coaching
World Brewers Cup, Barista Championship, Cup Tasters — judge-grade prep.
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