World Tea Academy CORE Classes
World Tea Academy’s CORE online tea education courses are designed to provide tea professionals or tea enthusiasts the educational tea foundation needed to be in the tea industry. From Camellia sinensis (tea plant) to terroir to infusion, CORE tea classes are the ideal starting point for anyone interested in learning more about tea.
“I think the basic core classes at World Tea Academy are obviously essential for any professional and are also a great way for aficionados to get an understanding and more enjoyment out of tea.” Marzi P
The CORE tea curriculum consists of six tea classes plus an additional elective class of your choice from the Advance Tea Curriculum. This tea certification is a fast track to accreditation to build a core tea knowledge base or for front line staff tea training to improve tea sales.
“WTA program is “incredibly well thought-out and put together” with videos, readings, assignments and actual tea tastings, which students can do from anywhere in the world.” Elsa C
View the online tea classes below to learn more about each and get started on your tea certification journey today!
World Tea Academy is currently being upgraded to enhance the educational options and customer learning experience.
Unfortunately, this means registration is temporarily paused and will reopen in November.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused, and look forward to offering a new tea education experience shortly.
CORE.01
Essentials of Camellia Sinensis
Class Length: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: none
Class Kit Purchase Required along with additional materials: See class Overview Page for details
Every journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. This class introduces Camellia sinensis and the three factors that make it possible for this one plant to be the source of hundreds of kinds of teas. It also explores the botany of the plant, including the history, varieties, cultivars and cellular chemistry. The class continues with the six stages of tea processing and an overview of the six types of tea that come from this single amazing plant. The session concludes in week three with an introduction to professional cupping and the sensory evaluation of tea – a skill you will develop and hone throughout the program.
Suggested Prerequisites: CORE.01 or the basic tea knowledge equivalent.
CORE.02
Tea Enhancements and Grading Systems
Class Length: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: CORE.01
Class Kit Purchase Required along with additional materials: See class Overview Page for details
Building on the curriculum of CORE.01 which included the stages of tea processing and the six types of tea, the first week of this class describes the six post-manufacturing processes of blending, flavoring, scenting, decaffeination, baking and aging. We will look at the teas these additional processes create and the impact some of these processes have on labeling. The second week of this fundamental class asks ‘What is the best tea?’ and examines the meaning of quality in tea, explores naming and grading, and what the grading systems used in China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Taiwan do and do not tell us. The last week will focus on the sensory evaluation of teas.
Suggested Prerequisites: CORE.01; CORE.02 or the basic tea knowledge equivalent.
CORE.03
Tea Terroir Part 1 - China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan
Class Length: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: CORE.01; CORE.02
Class Kit Purchase Required along with additional materials: See class Overview Page for details
Building on your foundational knowledge, we begin our journey to countries of origin and a detailed approach to terroir. And we rightfully start off with our focus on the birthplace of tea – China. This class will also explore two countries of origin highly influenced by this tea powerhouse but truly unique unto their own – Japan and Taiwan. Again, we conclude with a focused cupping of these regions and build your knowledge base on confidence in the organoleptic evaluation process.
Suggested Prerequisites: CORE.01; CORE.02 or the basic tea knowledge equivalent.
CORE.05
The Infusion
Class Length: 3 weeks
Prerequisites: CORE.01; CORE.02
No Class Kit Purchase Required but will need additional materials: See class Overview Page for details
With our solid base of tea knowledge, we will turn our attention to the tea liquor yielded in the infusion. An in-depth examination of the three components of the infusion process lays the groundwork before we have fun exploring the chemistry of the cup. As always, the three week course concludes with sensory evaluation of several teas.