What is World Tea Academy?

For over eleven years, our mission has been to share the art and knowledge of tea with a global community.

Recognised by the tea industry as the World’s Leading Tea Academy, We’ve welcomed over 2,000 students from 64 countries into our programs. Our courses, crafted by industry experts, offer five tea specialist certifications as well as individual learning opportunities. Certain courses, like CORE 01, come with a professional tea kit, shipped by our trusted partner, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, so you can begin your learning journey immediately. With online, self-paced learning and lifetime access to course materials, you can study on your own schedule. Verified certifications ensure your skills and knowledge are recognized worldwide.

“From access to key leaders in the industry and the treasure of information available to the hands on learning, I have gained more momentum in meeting my tea business goals because of World Tea Academy.” Leslie B

Download and Print the World Tea Academy Brochure to learn more about our Online Tea School

“Being certified gives me confidence while communicating with tea leaf suppliers from various countries and with customers. Being certified gave me knowledge that I could tap into when communicating with the customers, as well as credibility.” Anuhya B

World Tea Academy is part of the World Tea portfolio of products and events including the annual World Tea Expo, and World Tea News, educating and informing a global tea audience in both online and in person formats.

World Tea Academy offers two levels of certification. Every certification requires completion of seven classes. Our beginner Core Level Tea Certification consists of six Core classes and one Advanced class of the student’s choosing (this ADVANCED class can be used to jump-start your Advanced Tea Certification as well). The student will earn the Certified Tea Specialist title with completion of the seven tea classes.

“The Academy has curated so much great content that you just ooze “credible” as a significant authoritative voice in the community.” – Craig C.

Our Advanced tea curriculum is divided into five separate higher-level designations depending on what concentration is desired. These advanced tea certifications are: Certified Tea Professional, Certified Tea Sommelier, Certified Health Expert, Certified Tea Blender, and Certified Tea Aroma Expert.

A professional tea kit is included with certain course purchases that require them such as CORE 01. Your kit will be shipped by our partner, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, allowing you to start your learning journey immediately.

Tea Classes Include:
Individual assignments turned into your instructor for grading and feedback
Tea Sensory evaluations using the professional cupping protocol
Key tea vocabulary definitions
Additional tea learning materials and videos in most classe
A test (for most classes)

Meet Your Head of Education

Sharyn Johnston

Sharyn Johnston is a highly accomplished and influential figure in the world of tea. With a remarkable corporate career spanning multiple countries, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the CEO of Australian Tea Masters.

Sharyn’s passion for tea led her to establish the company in 2011, which has since become a leading authority in tea training, blending, and education in Australasia. For over eleven years, our mission has been to share the art and knowledge of tea with a global community.

Having worked in over 20 different countries, Sharyn’s international exposure has shaped her deep understanding of the global tea industry. Her dedication to education and consultancy is evident in the extensive portfolio of tea courses offered by Australian Tea Masters, which cover a diverse range of topics and cater to all segments of the tea market. From Tea Etiquette to Hands-on Blending, Sharyn’s courses are highly regarded and sought after by tea enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Expertise in Tea and Herbal Blending

Sharyn’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her collaboration with world-renowned tea experts to develop training materials for Australian Tea Masters’ Certified Tea Mastery and Certified Tea Blending courses. Her specialization in tea and herbal blending training, as well as blend development, has earned her recognition and teaching opportunities in prominent tea-loving countries such as Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and China.

Author and Innovator

Beyond her role at Australian Tea Masters, Sharyn is an accomplished author, having written two tea books: the “Tea Sommelier Handbook” and the “Tea Blending Handbook.” Her contributions to the tea industry extend to the development of innovative tools like the “Tea Flavour Wheel” and the “Aroma Training Kit,” which enhance sensory experiences and expertise in tea tasting.

Leadership and Recognition

As a respected figure in the tea community, Sharyn is regularly invited to serve as a guest judge at prestigious tea competitions worldwide. She also holds positions of influence as a member of the advisory board of the Tea Masters Cup and as the Head Judge of the Tea Masters Cup International, a highly regarded event held in 25 countries.

Legacy and Impact

Sharyn Johnston’s accomplishments, expertise, and commitment to advancing the world of tea have solidified her reputation as a leading authority in the industry. Her dedication to education, innovation, and the art of tea continue to inspire and empower tea enthusiasts and professionals around the globe.

Let customers speak for us

from 558 reviews

Informative and Enjoyable

The class, CORE 01, provided a solid foundation of knowledge on the Camellia Sinensis plant that will set me up for success. The content was consumable and the class was understandable. I truly enjoyed this class.

Janna Simons

04/09/2025

CORE 01: Essentials of Tea Course

Amazing

I love the courses. Enjoyed learning! Extremely detailed and clearly written. I am loving every second. Learned so much! Can’t Waite for my advanced courses! Definitely will recommend

Edna Isayan

02/07/2025

World Tea Academy: Complete 6-Course CORE SERIES Bundle

The Organoleptic Experience

I haven't finished the course yet, but am finding it very interesting. Excellent learning modules. Love these advanced courses.

Margot Hansen

01/22/2025

ADV.02 Understanding the Organoleptic Experience

This course was very useful to me to understand what goes into formulating tea blends. It was fun to create my own breakfast blend of black teas. I thoroughly enjoyed blending various botanicals into tea and learning how to determine a formula between percentages and resulting grams. I feel more comfortable being able to create even more blends on my own for my own pleasure. I can turn my own kitchen into a tea science lab.

DonnaLee

08/26/2023

ADV.11 Blending, Flavoring, Scenting

I was less excited about this course than some of the tea based courses, but I actually found it very interesting and informative and really will help me in formulating blends and utilizing other plants outside of camellia sinensis.

Michael

08/26/2023

CORE 06: Beyond Camellia Sinensis

I loved everything about this class. I've never meditated before and the guided meditation videos were very helpful.

Ashaahkan

07/22/2023

ADV.06The Tea Lifestyle

All of the Core classes have been invaluable in furthering my knowledge, this one is no exception.

Michael

07/20/2023

CORE 05: The Tea Infusion

Each course is fascinating and I am continuously surprised by the life of tea. I was really excited for cupping this round and feel that I am strengthening my 5 senses each time I practice. I also enjoyed the week 3 instructor assignments - creating your own blend and the sensory sheet organization system. I am looking forward to Core 3. Thanks for a great course!

Jessica

06/27/2023