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What is the “Latte Art Grading System”?
The Latte Art Grading System® (LAGS) is an international certification system designed to objectively and structurally assess the technical and artistic skills of baristas in creating latte art.
Through a step-by-step journey, represented by colors (White, Orange, Green, Red, Black, and Gold), the system allows coffee professionals to measure their abilities and follow a continuous path of training and improvement.
Each grade includes specific practical tests that challenge the barista’s dexterity, precision, flow control, and creativity.
The goal is not only to recognize artistic skills but also to improve technique, consistency of results, and awareness of the craft behind the counter.
Today, the system is recognized worldwide, with thousands of certified baristas and a growing network of authorized centers and examiners.
Who can take the exam?
The Latte Art Grading System® exam is open to anyone who wants to test themselves in the world of latte art, regardless of their initial experience level.
Professional baristas, hospitality students, coffee academy trainees, trainers, or home baristas with basic skills are all welcome.
The system is designed to accompany each person on a path of gradual growth. It starts with foundational patterns in the basic levels, progressing to more complex figures that challenge both technical and creative ability.
There are no mandatory prerequisites. You can start from any level as long as you can perform it and commit to obtaining all previous levels.
Certifications
The Latte Art Grading System® certifications are divided into six levels, each represented by a color that symbolizes the level of skill achieved:
White Grading
The first level, designed for beginners. It introduces basic pouring techniques and fundamental patterns such as the Heart and Tulip.
Orange Grading
An intermediate level that includes figures like the Rosetta and espresso cup designs.
Green Grading
Il livello avanzato che richiede versaggi più complessi tra cui il reverse e pattern con più elementi.
Red Grading
A professional level. It tests mastery of latte art through precise symmetry and multiple patterns like Double Rosettas in line.
Black Grading
Il livello eccellente, riservato ai baristi con grande esperienza. Richiede velocità, precisione, originalità e coerenza in tutte le figure, tra cui ad esempio le 4 rosette in linea.
Gold Grading
The highest level, for highly specialized baristas.
It requires exceptional precision—symmetry 0° is the key feature—along with 7 different complex patterns to perform.
Each certification is granted only after passing a practical exam with an official evaluation by an accredited Examiner. At the end of the exam, the candidate receives a numbered certificate, officially recorded in the LAGS database.
What do you gain from certification?
Obtaining a Latte Art Grading System® certification means gaining official recognition of your skills, valuable both nationally and internationally.
Main benefits include:
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Official certificate with a unique code, recognized in over 50 countries.
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Inclusion in the online registry of certified baristas, visible to companies and employers
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Career opportunities: the certification adds value to your résumé and helps you stand out in competitive environments
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Access to international events, workshops, and competitions reserved for certified members
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A structured growth path that lets you monitor and improve your skills over time
The certification is not only a technical milestone—it’s also a motivational and networking tool within the global coffee community.
Where to obtain the certification?
Each exam must be organized and supervised by an official Examiner. The official website offers a search engine to find the nearest center based on your location.
The centers are usually:
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Coffee shops equipped with certified trainers
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Coffee academies and training schools
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Freelance trainers authorized by the LAGS system
Each exam must be organized and supervised by an official Examiner. You can book the exam directly through the chosen center or contact the LAGS organization for support in finding the most convenient location.
Who are the Examiners?
The Examiners of the Latte Art Grading System® are highly qualified professionals, selected based on technical, educational, and professional skills.
To become an Examiner, it is necessary to:
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Hold a certification with a Green, Red, Black, or Gold grading
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Attend an official Examiner training course
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Pass a practical and theoretical evaluation under the supervision of the LAGS technical committee
Examiners are authorized to assess candidates, issue certifications, and ensure compliance with the quality standards set by the system. Each Examiner operates in full accordance with the LAGS code of ethics, ensuring impartiality, transparency, and consistency in the evaluation process.
The official website provides an updated list of active Examiners, with the option to get in touch to book exams or request training sessions.