Hardy Coffee Academy — bar training
HARDY ACADEMY

Where coffee culture becomes expertise.

Hardy Academy is the dedicated training space born in our roastery: study, experimentation and training for coffee shop, restaurant and hospitality professionals.

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Upcoming courses at Hardy Academy

Dates, duration and fees for the next training sessions at Hardy Academy. Contact us to register or check availability.

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What Hardy Academy is

A place for study, experimentation and sharing

Coffee is a constantly evolving universe, where knowledge makes the difference between a standard service and a memorable experience. Hardy Academy is the dedicated training space we created inside our roastery: a place dedicated to the growth of professionals in coffee, restaurants and hospitality.

6LAGS Latte Art certification levels
SCA · IIACrecognised international certifications
since 2020Luca Bernardoni leads Hardy Academy

Hardy Academy in Assago (MI)

Hardy Academy headquarters: training bar, equipment and course area

Training paths

Hardy Academy courses, from counter to business

A complete offer that starts from the technical skills of coffee service and reaches venue management. Every course combines theory and hands-on practice, with a duration designed for real working life.

Coffee bar & technical skills

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Innovation & business management

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The art of coffee

Latte Art and LAGS certification

The art of coffee also passes through the aesthetics of the cup: a dedicated path to cappuccino decoration, from basic figures to more complex geometries.

6 hours

Signature cappuccinos — Level i

The fundamental techniques for decorating cappuccinos: flow control, contrast clarity, fluidity. Coffee Painting, Cioko Art and Free Pouring for basic figures — heart, rosetta, tulip.

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Access to LAGS certification — White and Orange Milk Jug

Course price

6 hours

Author symmetries — Level ii

Complex geometries, reserved for those who have completed the basic course. Advanced pouring techniques, millimetre precision, symmetry and layering for complex figures: lined rosettas, reverse and vortex.

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Access to LAGS certification — Green, Red and Black Milk Jug

Course price

LAGS — Latte Art Grading System

An international qualification system that certifies technical and creative competence in Latte Art. Structured in six levels identified by milk jug colour, it is a credential of strong value for officially qualifying your professional profile.

1. White2. Orange3. Green4. Red5. Black6. Gold
Latte Art Grading System: certificate and colour-coded pitchers for the six LAGS levels

International certifications

IIAC and SCA certifications

Hardy Academy is authorised to issue IIAC and SCA certifications: recognised paths that officially certify the sensory and technical competence of the coffee professional.

IIACInternational Institute of Coffee Tasters

IIAC courses are based on a scientific method for the sensory evaluation of espresso, for solid preparation applicable across different stages of the supply chain.

8 hours

M1 - Italian Espresso Tasting

Evaluate one of the world's most loved beverages with a scientific method. A theory session and an intensive practical phase of sensory analysis, with a final exam for the official Coffee Taster licence.

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Course price

8 hours

M2 - Italian Espresso Specialist

A historical, anthropological and technological deep dive into counter espresso and cappuccino, with sensory analysis of the main styles emerging from the study of hundreds of blends.

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Course price

SCASpecialty Coffee Association

A complete series of certifications combining practical and theoretical learning, to achieve perfect espresso extraction by mastering all variables.

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Training session at Hardy Academy: students at the bar, hands-on practice and communal area

Tailored & community

Custom training, events and enthusiasts

Beyond scheduled courses, we design tailored experiences for your venue and moments open to the community: from the evening seminar for enthusiasts to the open day at the roastery.

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Modules on demand

Coffee in fine dining

For chefs, maîtres and front-of-house professionals: building a coffee menu, sensory pairings with desserts and savoury dishes, table service technique to enhance single origins.

Water Profile: the chemistry of water

In collaboration with Brita. Reading water chemistry parameters, understanding their impact on aromatic profiles and calibrating equipment to local water characteristics.

Cold Brew

Cold extractions and refreshing drinks to extend consumption beyond season: slow infusion, drip systems and nitrogen-textured drinks.

Speed and counter workflow

Organising movements and station layout during peak service: sequence of gestures, managing multiple orders simultaneously and reducing waiting times.

The Coffee Sommelier

Turning technical competence into a sales and communication tool: telling origin and cup notes, guiding the customer towards an informed choice.

The Trainer & Partners

Guidance with the highest international standards

Luca Bernardoni, Hardy Academy Coffee Trainer

Barista & Trainer · Hardy Brand Ambassador

Luca Bernardoni

Since 2020 he has led the Academy and serves as Brand Ambassador for the Hardy group. His guidance ensures training of excellence, supported by the highest international standards in the sector.

  • Authorized SCA Trainer (2026–2028)
  • IIAC Lecturer M1 – M2
  • Black Examiner LAGS

To guarantee high-level training, the Academy relies on the best technologies and equipment in the sector, in collaboration with our partners: