Barista NC II: TESDA Barista Training Guide (Hours, Fee and Jobs)

Barista NC II is the TESDA qualification for making quality coffee in cafés and specialty coffee shops — from pulling a good espresso to milk-based drinks and serving customers. It is short, fun and a popular first step into hospitality or a small business.

Level

NC II

Sector

Tourism & Hospitality

Training

About 202 hours

Assessment fee

₱1,295

Free online course

Not yet

What is Barista NC II?

Barista NC II covers the work behind the coffee bar: understanding coffee, preparing and operating espresso equipment, making espresso-based and other coffee beverages, and serving guests while keeping the station clean and safe.

Graduates work in cafés, hotels and restaurants, and many use it to start their own coffee cart or shop.

What you will learn

The training covers the competencies needed to produce good-quality coffee in a commercial café, including:

• Coffee knowledge: beans, roasts and grinding
• Preparing and operating espresso machines and grinders
• Making espresso and espresso-based drinks
• Texturing milk for milk-based coffee
• Serving customers and maintaining a clean, safe coffee station

On top of these, every TESDA qualification includes basic competencies (workplace communication, teamwork, professionalism, occupational health and safety) and common competencies for the sector.

The TESDA Women’s Center runs Barista NC II in about 202 nominal hours (26 days). Other providers may differ.

How to get your Barista NC II certificate

1. TrainEnroll at a TESDA-registered training center or school (ask about scholarships), and use the free online courses to study the theory.
2. Prepare your requirementsApplication form, Self-Assessment Guide for Barista NC II, and three colored passport-size photos.
3. Book your competency assessmentChoose a TESDA-accredited assessment center that is accredited for Barista NC II. Expect a fee of around ₱1,295 (sample from one center; confirm before paying).
4. Pass and claim your NCIf you are found competent, apply for certification and claim your Barista NC II National Certificate. It is valid for 5 years.

Full guide to TESDA assessment centers, requirements and fees →

Jobs you can apply for

• Barista in a café or specialty coffee shop
• Hotel or restaurant coffee bar crew
• Coffee cart or kiosk owner
• Café supervisor (with experience)

Barista jobs abroad exist in hotels, cruise ships and café chains; most employers want hands-on experience as well as the NC.

Is Barista NC II right for you?

• You love coffee and enjoy talking to customers
• You want a short course with a clear job path
• You are thinking of opening a coffee cart or café
• You want to add a skill to a hospitality career

Frequently asked questions

More TESDA courses

• Bartending NC II NC IICocktails, bar operations and wine service
• Bread and Pastry Production NC II NC IIBreads, pastries, cakes and desserts — 141 hours
• Cookery NC II NC IIHot and cold dishes for hotels and restaurants
• Events Management Services NC III NC IIIPlan, sell and run events — 108 hours
• Food and Beverage Services NC II NC IITable service, room service and guest care
• Front Office Services NC II NC IIReservations, check-in and guest services
• See all TESDA courses →Every qualification guide on Courses TESDA

Sources: TESDA Women’s Center — Barista NC II · LPU Batangas — assessment fees. Disclaimer: Courses TESDA is an independent guide, not TESDA. Information may contain errors or change without notice — always verify with official sources before making decisions.