Use this barista training checklist to guide new baristas through the essential knowledge and skills required to work confidently and consistently behind the bar.
Employee: ______________________________
Trainer: ________________________________
Training Start Date: _____________________
Completion Date: _________________________
Orientation & Coffee Knowledge
☐ Company story, values, and service expectations ☐ Café layout and workstation orientation ☐ Menu overview ☐ Coffee fundamentals ☐ Coffee origins and coffees currently being served ☐ Basic processing and roasting knowledge ☐ Coffee freshness and storage ☐ Basic flavor and sensory terminology ☐ Food safety and personal hygiene standards
Espresso Equipment
☐ Espresso machine components and operation ☐ Portafilters and baskets ☐ Steam wand operation and safety ☐ Espresso grinder components ☐ Grind adjustment ☐ Grinder dosing system ☐ Scales and timers ☐ Tampers and other espresso tools ☐ Basic equipment troubleshooting ☐ When to notify a manager or technician
Espresso Preparation
☐ House espresso recipe ☐ Proper dosing ☐ Distribution ☐ Tamping ☐ Group-head preparation ☐ Starting extraction promptly ☐ Measuring beverage yield ☐ Monitoring extraction time ☐ Evaluating espresso visually ☐ Tasting espresso ☐ Identifying fast and slow extractions ☐ Making basic grind adjustments ☐ Understanding how grind affects extraction
Milk Preparation
☐ Proper milk storage and handling ☐ Selecting the correct pitcher ☐ Steam-wand purging ☐ Aeration ☐ Creating proper milk movement ☐ Developing microfoam ☐ Temperature control ☐ Proper finished milk texture ☐ Alternative milk preparation ☐ Pouring milk and foam consistently ☐ Basic latte art, when appropriate ☐ Cleaning and purging the steam wand after every use
Beverage Preparation
☐ Espresso ☐ Americano ☐ Macchiato ☐ Cortado ☐ Cappuccino ☐ Flat white ☐ Latte ☐ Mocha ☐ Hot specialty beverages ☐ Iced espresso beverages ☐ Alternative milk substitutions ☐ Syrup and sauce standards ☐ Signature beverages ☐ Seasonal beverages ☐ Correct cup sizes ☐ Drink presentation standards
Bar Workflow
☐ Workstation organization ☐ Drink sequencing ☐ Working multiple orders ☐ Communication with other baristas ☐ Maintaining a clean workstation during service ☐ Milk and ingredient management ☐ Restocking ☐ Minimizing waste ☐ Managing rush periods ☐ Maintaining accuracy while increasing speed
Customer Service
☐ Greeting customers ☐ Accurate order taking ☐ Menu knowledge ☐ Explaining beverages clearly ☐ Answering basic coffee questions ☐ Handling modifications ☐ Managing customer complaints ☐ Correcting drink mistakes ☐ Communicating wait times ☐ Maintaining hospitality during busy periods
Cleaning & Equipment Care
☐ Steam-wand cleaning ☐ Portafilter and basket cleaning ☐ Group-head rinsing ☐ Espresso machine backflushing procedure ☐ Grinder cleaning ☐ Hopper cleaning ☐ Brewer cleaning ☐ Workstation cleaning ☐ Refrigerator and milk-area cleaning ☐ Opening cleaning procedures ☐ Closing cleaning procedures ☐ Weekly cleaning procedures ☐ Preventative maintenance awareness ☐ Water filtration awareness
Opening & Closing
☐ Opening espresso machine procedures ☐ Grinder setup ☐ Initial espresso dial-in ☐ Brewing and beverage station setup ☐ Stocking ☐ Opening checklist ☐ End-of-day espresso machine cleaning ☐ Grinder cleaning ☐ Ingredient storage ☐ Closing checklist
Final Skills Assessment
The barista can:
☐ Explain the house espresso recipe ☐ Prepare espresso consistently ☐ Recognize an espresso extraction that needs adjustment ☐ Make an appropriate basic grinder adjustment ☐ Steam properly textured milk ☐ Prepare all core menu beverages to recipe ☐ Work cleanly and safely ☐ Demonstrate appropriate bar workflow ☐ Follow equipment cleaning procedures ☐ Explain core menu items to customers ☐ Demonstrate the café's hospitality standards ☐ Complete opening and/or closing responsibilities
Final Evaluation
Coffee Knowledge: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Espresso: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Milk Preparation: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Beverage Preparation: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Workflow: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Cleaning & Equipment Care: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Customer Service: ☐ Needs Training ☐ Developing ☐ Meets Standard ☐ Exceeds Standard
Trainer Notes
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Training Status
☐ Additional Training Required
☐ Approved to Work Independently
Trainer Signature: _________________________
Employee Signature: _______________________
Date: ____________________________________