Designed to be used as an information resource for students taking the national competency standard 'prepare and serve espresso coffee'. It particularly applies to extracting and serving espresso coffee using a commercial espresso machine, and includes cleaning care and maintenance of the machine.

It is primarily directed at trainee baristas and barista trainers. This resource is also an essential tool for those already working in and/or those wishing to join the hospitality industry: teachers, high-school students, cafe owners and employees and all those interested in espresso coffee who want to know more about what is involved in extracting the 'perfect espresso'. Barista Techniques is intended to complement any training course in preparing and serving espresso coffee using commercial coffee equipment. While it can be used as a stand-alone resource, readers will gain maximum benefit if they are involved in or have completed a coffee training program.