Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:17 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:17 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Prepare and serve espresso coffee
Prepare and serve espresso coffee
Unit of competency
National Code
SITHFAB012A
SITHFAB012A
State Code
S6393
S6393
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/10/2008
Field of Education
110103 - Food And Beverage Service
Original Release Date
22/10/2008
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to extract and serve espresso coffee using a commercial espresso machine, including storage of coffee and cleaning, and care and preventative maintenance of machinery. Care and maintenance procedures may vary according to the machine manufacturer recommendations and warranty conditions. Dosage measuring may be mechanical or electronic. Dosing also refers to selecting the correct amount of ground coffee, appropriate particle grind size and prevailing conditions such as ambient humidity. An espresso coffee is the basis of most coffee-based beverages.The unit does not cover general preparation of coffee using methods of coffee extraction other than espresso machines, which is covered in SITHFAB010A Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages.The terms barista, senior barista and master barista may have different meanings to diverse individuals and groups. Some prefer to make no designation and refer to a barista as someone who is a trained and expert operator.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Organise and prepare work areas.
- 1.1 Organise coffee workstation according to workplace safety and hygiene practices, to enable efficient work flow and easy access to equipment and commodities.
- 1.2 Develop preparation and work routines according to enterprise requirements.
- 1.3 Complete mise en place and preparation for coffee service according to enterprise procedures.
- 1.4 Store coffee and commodities in appropriate airtight containers and conditions to maintain quality and freshness, according to workplace hygiene procedures and food safety regulations.
2 Provide customer service and advise customers on espresso coffee.
- 2.1 Provide advice to customers about coffee types and characteristics where appropriate.
- 2.2 Determine customer coffee preferences and requirements, and offer coffee style choices and accompaniments accordingly.
3 Select and grind coffee.
- 3.1 Select coffee and grind to correct particle size, according to enterprise requirements and customer preferences.
- 3.2 Take into consideration any environmental and equipment factors affecting dosage, and adjust grind and dose accordingly.
4 Extract coffee.
- 4.1 Select appropriate cups or glassware and ensure they are warm before preparation.
- 4.2 Measure or dispense required dosage and place into clean filter basket, tamping coffee evenly using correct pressure.
- 4.3 Ensure group head is clean prior to inserting group handle.
- 4.4 Monitor water and pump pressure, and moderate between cycles, according to enterprise procedures.
- 4.5 Analyse extraction rate and adjust where appropriate.
- 4.6 Assess quality of extraction visually and where appropriate by verifying flavour.
- 4.7 Check spent grounds (puck or cake) to identify any required adjustments to dosage and technique.
- 4.8 Release or purge water for two seconds from the group head before placement of group handle to extract coffee.
5 Texture milk.
- 5.1 Select correct cold milk and appropriate clean, cold jug according to espresso requirements and quantity on order.
- 5.2 Expel excess water from steam wand before and after texturising milk and wipe clean after use.
- 5.3 Texture milk according to milk type and specific order requirements.
- 5.4 Combine foam and milk through rolling, ensuring even consistency.
- 5.5 Pour milk promptly, evenly and consistently, according to coffee style and customer preferences.
6 Serve and present espresso coffee.
- 6.1 Present coffee attractively using clean ceramic or glass cups and avoiding drips and spills.
- 6.2 Serve coffee at the required temperature, according to customer requirements and style, with appropriate crema, milk froth and accompaniments.
7 Clean and maintain espresso machine.
- 7.1 Follow required OHS and enterprise requirements throughout all cleaning and maintenance procedures.
- 7.2 Clean all machine and parts thoroughly and safely according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise policies and procedures, using appropriate cleaning methods and recommended cleaning products and materials.
- 7.3 Carry out allied end of service activities.
- 7.4 Monitor and assess the operation and efficiency of the espresso machine and grinder during usage and take appropriate action where required in relation to defects and faults according to enterprise policies and procedures, OHS and warranty requirements.
- 7.5 Identify situations requiring the attendance of a trained service technician, licensed electrician or a designated senior person within the enterprise.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.
Equipment may include:
types and brands of coffee grinders or mills and coffee machines
serviceware, including cups, saucers, mugs and glasses of various sizes
flatware
weighing equipment
measuring equipment
tampers
blind or blank filter and espresso cleaning detergent
thermometer
storage bins in appropriate sizes and materials
bins for discarded pucks.
Enterprise requirements may include:
policies and procedures related to persons authorised and trained to carry out particular activities related to machine operation, adjustment, cleaning and maintenance
circumstances requiring the services of an authorised and trained technician
specific requirements for routine and non-routine cleaning and maintenance
requirements for checking and replacing parts and equipment
specific requirements for decoration of coffee prior to presentation, such as stencils, logos, sprinkled toppings and coffee art
policies and procedures for stock control, ordering and rotation.
Mise en place and preparation for coffee service include:
turning on machines to achieve correct pressure and temperature
setting out cups, mugs, saucers, plates, jugs, glasses and other required serviceware
ensuring adequate supplies of coffee, milk varieties and sugars, including specialised sugars and substitutes
assembling flavourings and toppings
laying out flatware, serviettes and wipes.
Coffee styles to be prepared must include:
short black (espresso)
long black
cappuccino
flat white
caffe latte
short and long macchiato
mocha.
Factors to consider in grinding coffee include:
pre-setting grinder
sensory analysis of grind, including:
visual
tactile
olfactory
tasting of finished product.
Cleaning procedures include:
wiping down entire machine to ensure cleanliness
purging reservoir of hot water, releasing steam and backwashing the machine with an appropriate cleaning solution
pouring boiling water to clean drainage pipes
backflushing the machine at the end of a service cycle, using clean water to ensure no chemical and other residues are left
cleaning the bean hopper using wet method, and drying thoroughly before refilling and storing
brushing out dispensers
cleaning all remaining parts using dry cleaning method
backflushing group heads according to recommended industry methods, using a blank filter and appropriate machine detergent
using colour-coded cloths, such as using blue for general cleaning and yellow for cleaning and wrapping steam wands
wiping steamer wands after each use, using a damp cloth
where there is build-up or caked-on product, wrapping steamer wands in a clean cloth, opening the valve and allowing hot water, with steam venting, to soften caked-on milk and then wiping with a damp cloth
washing drip trays
removing shower screens and diffusers if appropriate, cleaning using wet method and reassembling
cleaning around the inside of the group head using an appropriate brush or cloth
cleaning group handle and filter basket and steam arm spout after removing, using the wet method.
Cleaning methods must include using a range of techniques, including:
wet techniques: using warm water with recommended detergent for soaking various parts and cleaning with sponge, damp cloth or scourer (only for group handle)
dry techniques: using a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.
End of service activities include:
removing beans from hoppers at the end of service day or shift
storing according to enterprise requirements.
Monitor and assess the espresso machine and grinder may include:
ensuring the dosing chamber delivers the correct dosage of coffee
checking steam and pump pressure
stripping the grinder of external working parts, observing required safety procedures according to enterprise requirements.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.
Equipment may include:
types and brands of coffee grinders or mills and coffee machines
serviceware, including cups, saucers, mugs and glasses of various sizes
flatware
weighing equipment
measuring equipment
tampers
blind or blank filter and espresso cleaning detergent
thermometer
storage bins in appropriate sizes and materials
bins for discarded pucks.
Enterprise requirements may include:
policies and procedures related to persons authorised and trained to carry out particular activities related to machine operation, adjustment, cleaning and maintenance
circumstances requiring the services of an authorised and trained technician
specific requirements for routine and non-routine cleaning and maintenance
requirements for checking and replacing parts and equipment
specific requirements for decoration of coffee prior to presentation, such as stencils, logos, sprinkled toppings and coffee art
policies and procedures for stock control, ordering and rotation.
Mise en place and preparation for coffee service include:
turning on machines to achieve correct pressure and temperature
setting out cups, mugs, saucers, plates, jugs, glasses and other required serviceware
ensuring adequate supplies of coffee, milk varieties and sugars, including specialised sugars and substitutes
assembling flavourings and toppings
laying out flatware, serviettes and wipes.
Coffee styles to be prepared must include:
short black (espresso)
long black
cappuccino
flat white
caffe latte
short and long macchiato
mocha.
Factors to consider in grinding coffee include:
pre-setting grinder
sensory analysis of grind, including:
visual
tactile
olfactory
tasting of finished product.
Cleaning procedures include:
wiping down entire machine to ensure cleanliness
purging reservoir of hot water, releasing steam and backwashing the machine with an appropriate cleaning solution
pouring boiling water to clean drainage pipes
backflushing the machine at the end of a service cycle, using clean water to ensure no chemical and other residues are left
cleaning the bean hopper using wet method, and drying thoroughly before refilling and storing
brushing out dispensers
cleaning all remaining parts using dry cleaning method
backflushing group heads according to recommended industry methods, using a blank filter and appropriate machine detergent
using colour-coded cloths, such as using blue for general cleaning and yellow for cleaning and wrapping steam wands
wiping steamer wands after each use, using a damp cloth
where there is build-up or caked-on product, wrapping steamer wands in a clean cloth, opening the valve and allowing hot water, with steam venting, to soften caked-on milk and then wiping with a damp cloth
washing drip trays
removing shower screens and diffusers if appropriate, cleaning using wet method and reassembling
cleaning around the inside of the group head using an appropriate brush or cloth
cleaning group handle and filter basket and steam arm spout after removing, using the wet method.
Cleaning methods must include using a range of techniques, including:
wet techniques: using warm water with recommended detergent for soaking various parts and cleaning with sponge, damp cloth or scourer (only for group handle)
dry techniques: using a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.
End of service activities include:
removing beans from hoppers at the end of service day or shift
storing according to enterprise requirements.
Monitor and assess the espresso machine and grinder may include:
ensuring the dosing chamber delivers the correct dosage of coffee
checking steam and pump pressure
stripping the grinder of external working parts, observing required safety procedures according to enterprise requirements.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to recognise quality in espresso coffee, meet customer requirements and expectations, and identify factors affecting quality and required outcomes
ability to address problems during preparation and service of espresso coffee
ability to extract and present quality coffee within realistic timelines
compliance with all workplace hygiene and food safety regulations
safe work practices in making espresso coffee.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a workstation with industry-current commercial espresso machine and appropriate equipment, including:
thermometer
coffee grinders or mills
serviceware, including cups, saucers, glasses, mugs and flatware
weighing and measuring equipment
storage bins in appropriate sizes and materials
blind or blank filters
tampers
espresso cleaning detergent
bins for discarded pucks or grind tubes
access to a range of coffee types and commodities
preparation of quantities of coffee items within industry-realistic timeframes for multiple customers simultaneously
preparation and service of varieties of coffee types to meet various customer requirements.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate:
direct observation of practical demonstration of extracting and serving coffee over an entire service period
tasting of coffee prepared by the candidate
use of video or peer observation
written or oral questions to assess required knowledge relating to preparing and serving espresso coffee
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SITXOHS002A Follow workplace hygiene procedures
SITHACS006A Clean premises and equipment
SITHFAB010A Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages.
Assessing employability skills
Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to recognise quality in espresso coffee, meet customer requirements and expectations, and identify factors affecting quality and required outcomes
ability to address problems during preparation and service of espresso coffee
ability to extract and present quality coffee within realistic timelines
compliance with all workplace hygiene and food safety regulations
safe work practices in making espresso coffee.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a workstation with industry-current commercial espresso machine and appropriate equipment, including:
thermometer
coffee grinders or mills
serviceware, including cups, saucers, glasses, mugs and flatware
weighing and measuring equipment
storage bins in appropriate sizes and materials
blind or blank filters
tampers
espresso cleaning detergent
bins for discarded pucks or grind tubes
access to a range of coffee types and commodities
preparation of quantities of coffee items within industry-realistic timeframes for multiple customers simultaneously
preparation and service of varieties of coffee types to meet various customer requirements.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate:
direct observation of practical demonstration of extracting and serving coffee over an entire service period
tasting of coffee prepared by the candidate
use of video or peer observation
written or oral questions to assess required knowledge relating to preparing and serving espresso coffee
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SITXOHS002A Follow workplace hygiene procedures
SITHACS006A Clean premises and equipment
SITHFAB010A Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages.
Assessing employability skills
Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1059 | THHBFB12B | Prepare and serve espresso coffee | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB927 | SITHFAB012B | Prepare and serve espresso coffee | Unit of competency |
