The Q Coffee System

Become a Q Grader

Q Grader Program

At the backbone of the Q Grading System are Licensed Q Graders, professional cuppers accredited by the Coffee Quality Institute. These Q Graders must pass a rigorous three-day exam to earn their certification, comprising of 22 sections on coffee related subjects, such as green grading, roast identification, coffee cupping, sensory skills and sensory triangulation. There are currently over 1,000 Licensed Q Graders worldwide.

Those who pass the Q Grader Certification Course are authorized to use the Q logo and the nomenclature "Licensed Q Grader" as a professional accreditation.

What would you like to do?

1. View Upcoming Courses
2. Q Grading Resources - What you should know before taking the exam
   1. Test Overview
   2. Sample Five Day Itinerary
   3. Sample Three Day Itinerary
   4. How to Become a Q Grader
   5. Passing Scores Q Graders
   6. Q Grader to Q Instructor
3. Q Grader Protocols
4. SCAA Protocols and Standards
   1. Green Coffee Quality
   2. Water for Brewing Specialty Coffee
   3. Cupping Specialty Coffee
   4. Grading Green Coffee
   5. Green Coffee Color Assessment
5. SCAA Certified Labs