Pretty solid, my SM is a coffee master and wanted to give me the apron right when the program relaunched (I did all 3 levels of coffee academy on my own and hosted several tastings last year), but she was shot down by her DM (who at the time was also a coffee master) and RD. Ended up having to wait another 3 months to get it

It’s fine to start doing your levels before you hit 1 year, but you can’t officially certify until then. It’s dumb because I know several newer partners with a ton of knowledge, but it is what it is

it is a requirement since you now have to be scheduled for it. a lot of people aren’t aware of it since we were in a gray area where anyone could do it bc the program wasn’t active but it might not be something dms notice? i would maybe mention it in case your dm will be upset or not let you actually get the apron and stuff u til your 1 year mark!

I was able to bypass the year wait (only worked there like 4 months) and get the DM's approval. It just depends.

I mean if you’re already scheduled for it then you should be good. its likely not a sbux requirement, moreso probably an sm level ‘requirement’/preference.