Many of us have enjoyed watching our barista make a coffee at our local cafe. Pulling golden espresso shots, steaming milk into frothy perfection, and all while chatting to customers! If you’ve taken the time to admire this skill, you’ve probably also realised that there’s a lot more to the job than meets the eye. Behind every great cup of coffee is a professional with finely tuned skills and deep product knowledge.
Whether you’re looking to land your first job in a café or upskill to advance your career, developing strong barista skills is the key to standing out in a competitive industry. In this article, we’ll explore eight important barista skills, what a barista’s day-to-day responsibilities include, and which skills you should highlight on your CV when applying for café roles.
Espresso extraction
At the heart of barista work lies the ability to pull that perfect espresso shot. This is one of the basic barista skills that really isn’t that basic when broken down! It combines science, precision, and a little bit of artistry. A skilled barista understands the key variables that affect espresso quality, including grind size, dose, tamping pressure, extraction time, and water temperature.
Even small adjustments with a machine can dramatically alter the flavour, aroma, and general feel of the coffee being made. That’s why professional barista skills training is so valuable: it helps you to understand why a shot tastes a certain way and how to make consistent improvements.
When learning espresso extraction, barista students may cover a whole range of different areas of study, including:
- The anatomy of espresso machines and grinders
- How to calibrate grind settings for consistent extraction
- Tamping techniques for even water distribution
- How to recognise under- and over-extraction of a shot
- Adjusting recipes and settings to suit different beans
This technical foundation is an important skill for every barista, whether you’re working in a small local café or a specialty coffee roastery.
Milk texturing and latte art
The silky microfoam you see in a beautifully poured flat white doesn’t happen by accident. Milk texturing is one of the trickiest (and most impressive) barista skills to master.
Perfectly steamed milk should be smooth, glossy, and free of large bubbles, blending seamlessly with espresso to create a delicious, creamy drink. The skill lies in controlling temperature and introducing just the right amount of air to achieve that velvety texture.
Once you’ve mastered milk texture, you can move on to something a little more fun… latte art! Iconic designs like hearts, rosettas, and swans that grace the top of a mug. While latte art might look decorative, it’s also an indicator of good technique and consistency in the drink.
Barista training courses often dedicate entire modules to milk texturing and latte art, helping students understand more about the control required to produce café-quality coffee.
Customer service
Even the most technically skilled barista won’t succeed without a healthy dose of people skills. Coffee culture thrives on connection, and customers often return to cafés for both caffeine, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Strong communication and customer service skills mean being able to:
- Greet customers warmly and remember regulars’ preferences (and names!)
- Handle busy rushes calmly and efficiently
- Take orders accurately and clarify details as needed
- Resolve complaints or mistakes gracefully
- Maintain a positive attitude, even under pressure
These interpersonal abilities make all the difference between an average café and a great one. A well-trained barista knows that every cup served is also an opportunity to make someone’s day better.
Time management and multitasking
A barista’s shift can be fast-paced and unpredictable. During the morning rush, you might have a dozen orders to juggle at once while still keeping the workstation tidy and communicating with co-workers.
Good time management and multitasking skills allow baristas to stay efficient without sacrificing drink quality. This includes:
- Prioritising drink orders while managing workflow
- Keeping equipment clean between uses
- Restocking supplies during quieter moments
- Keeping tabs on anything that’s low and restocking before it runs out
Learning these habits early helps you build confidence and competence in any café setting. In-person professional barista training may include sections that simulate real-world scenarios, to prepare you for the demands of a busy coffee bar.
Product knowledge and coffee appreciation
Today’s café customers are more informed than ever. Many come in asking about roast profiles, bean origins, or brewing methods. A skilled barista should be able to answer these queries confidently, or understand how to research them and get back to the customer.
Understanding where coffee comes from and how it’s processed can deepen your appreciation for the craft and enhance customer conversations. Baristas should know about:
- Different coffee varieties (Arabica vs Robusta)
- How altitude, soil, and processing can affect flavour
- The roasting process and how it impacts taste
- The differences between espresso and alternative brewing methods
Understanding coffee’s journey from bean to cup helps you better showcase its qualities and recommend drinks tailored to customers’ preferences.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Behind every spotless coffee machine and gleaming countertop is a disciplined barista who knows the importance of hygiene. Barista skills not to be overlooked often centre around cleanliness. Clean equipment looks professional while also ensuring that the coffee meets food safety standards.
As such, baristas should be trained in:
- Proper cleaning routines for espresso machines and grinders
- Safe handling of milk, water, and food
- Regular sanitisation of surfaces and tools
- Waste management and recycling practices
Cafés operate under strict health regulations, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness is a non-negotiable point. This is one of the key areas where formal barista training can make you a more employable and trusted professional.
Teamwork and collaboration
Cafés are dynamic environments where collaboration is everything. During busy periods, teamwork ensures that orders flow smoothly and customers stay happy. Having a strong collaborative attitude can make the work environment feel smoother.
Good baristas know how to communicate clearly with their colleagues, support one another, and anticipate what’s needed next. A strong team culture improves service while also making the workplace more enjoyable for everyone. In training courses, teamwork is often emphasised through group exercises that mimic real café operations, helping students build confidence in a cooperative setting.
Cash handling and POS operation
While many people focus on the coffee-making side of the job, barista skills training also involves managing transactions accurately. This includes handling cash, processing card payments, and operating point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Employers value baristas who can work quickly and correctly at the register, especially during busy times when mistakes can easily happen. Familiarity with POS software, attention to detail, and basic numeracy skills are all part of the barista role. Having cash-handling experience is one of the good barista skills to put on a resume, as it can make you a more versatile candidate for café positions.
How to learn barista skills
Barista skills training can be achieved through several different methods.
Practical course
A practial barista skills course is a fantastic way to learn a heap of barista skills in-person. There’s also the added benefit of having an experienced teacher to ask any questions you may have. These practical barista skills courses often involve learning how to pour the perfect shot, milk-frothing techniques, and how to make different types of coffee orders. In-person barista skills courses can be helpful for those that like to learn in a practical manner.
Online course
For those that wish to learn the theory behind barista skills, or who live remotely, a theory-based, online course could be more suited. These courses can be great for someone who wants to learn more about being a barista, but who isn’t interested in (or doesn’t quite feel ready for) a pracitcal course. Express Online Training has teamed up with Streamline Training to offer an Introduction to Barista Training that can be completed fully online.
On-the-job training
Another option for learning barista skills is through on-the-job training. This can include either being guided by a supervisor, or learning through trial and error on your own. On-the-job training may also include specialised courses offered by your employer for free. This form of training can be good for those that like to learn as they go, but may be a little stressful for people who prefer to have the knowledge and skills before they begin a new role.
What skills to put on a CV for a café?
If you’re applying for a café job, your CV should highlight both your technical barista skills and your interpersonal strengths. Employers look for candidates who can combine coffee-making with excellent customer service.
Here’s how you might structure your barista skills for CV:
Technical barista skills
- Espresso preparation and calibration
- Milk steaming and latte art
- Knowledge of specialty coffee and brewing methods
- Coffee equipment maintenance and cleaning
- POS and cash-handling proficiency
Soft barista skills
- Strong communication and customer service
- Team collaboration and understanding
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Time management under pressure
- Attention to detail and cleanliness
If you’ve completed a recognised barista training course, make sure to include it prominently on your CV. Employers often prefer candidates who have undergone formal training, as it shows initiative and readiness for the role.
Why barista training makes a difference
While you don’t need formal qualifications to become a barista, completing a dedicated barista skills course can significantly increase your job prospects. Training gives you experience in coffee-based areas, teaches you the science behind extraction, and builds confidence before stepping behind a real café counter. Many employers look for baristas who already understand workflow, hygiene standards, extraction techniques, and customer service principles.
If you’re serious about starting a career in coffee or want to refine your existing skills, enrolling in a professional barista skills course is a great investment you can make in yourself.
What are barista job responsibilities?
While the core of the job is preparing coffee and other beverages, the role extends far beyond that. Baristas are the face of the café. They’re responsible for providing great customer experiences, maintaining cleanliness of the space, and keeping operations running smoothly.
Typical barista job responsibilities include:
- Preparing and serving espresso-based drinks, teas, and other menu items
- Operating and maintaining espresso machines and grinders
- Handling cash, EFTPOS transactions, and point-of-sale systems
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the café
- Managing stock levels and restocking supplies as needed
- Providing friendly, efficient customer service to customers
- Taking and preparing food orders (in some cafés)
- Ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and quality of drinks
Baristas are multitaskers who blend technical know-how with people skills. That, in part, is what makes the profession so unique and rewarding.
Being a great barista is about crafting experiences, connecting with people, and taking pride in your work. Whether you’re mastering espresso extraction or focused on delivering exceptional customer service, each skill you develop brings you one step closer to being that confident, capable barista every café wants to hire.
