Licensed Q Grader or Q Grader: A professional cupper who has successfully passed CQI's Q Grader Certification and earned a certificate as a Licensed Q Grader.

Q Coffee™: A coffee that has been evaluated by three (3) Licensed Q Graders under the Coffee Quality Institute's Q Grading System through CQI or one of its authorized In-Country Partners (ICP) and which have successfully met the minimum standards to be considered "specialty" as defined by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). Q Coffees™ are designated by a Q Certificate or Q Grade Certificate as issued by CQI or one of its authorized ICPs.

In-Country Partner: An organization authorized to conduct Q Grading Services on the behalf of CQI. The ICP agrees to follow CQI's protocols for receiving samples, scheduling and conducting gradings reporting results, and maintaining records.

Technical Report: A coffee may be graded through the Q Grading System but not meet the minimum requirements to be considered Q Coffee™. In this case, the coffee is issued a technical report. Technical reports may be used as a communication tool between buyers and sellers but these coffees may not be called Q Coffees™.

Preliminary Assessment: Coffees may be evaluated by Licensed Q Graders independently or through one of CQI's ICP's on a preliminary basis using only a cup score. In such cases, a preliminary assessment report may be issued and serve as a communication tool between buyers and sellers but these coffees may not be called Q Coffees™.

Arrival Q: Refers to coffee that has undergone a preliminary cup assessment, conducted by one or more Licensed Q Grader using SCAA Cupping Protocols, and earned a score of 80 points or more. This service provides an indication of cup quality prior to export preparation, but does not include aspect grading thus a Q Certificate may be not be issued and these coffees are not considered Q Certified.

Q Score: The cup score earned through the Q Grading Process as designated by a numerical value on a point scale of 100. The Q Score may be marketed and promoted along with the Q Logo and terms Q Certified for all licensing partners.