The Q-Grader program is conducted by the Coffee Qualitiy Institute and includes a total of 20 exams. The world's most renowned coffee sensor training requires its participants to be able to evaluate coffee sensory as well as to identify and evaluate faults in green, unroasted coffee. We are regularly conducting a Q Arabica Combo Training & Exam Course at our Premier Training Campus in cooperation with the Coffee Quality Institute.
People working in the coffee chain will participate in the Q Grader training and testing course. This course consists of two complementary concepts: the first is a 3-day calibration and training of all activities, which is followed up by a 3-day series of exams regarding the material presented. There are a total of 20 different exams taken during the course.
The following graphic shows the various test areas that are being tested.
The purpose of the exams is to evaluate the cuppers in their overall cupping skills. The course includes various activities to test the cuppers’ skills in evaluating a coffee in a traditional cupping format, olfactory senses, green coffee grading, acid identification, basic cupping skill evaluations, sensory skills tests, and roasted coffee tests. Upon completion of the course, and with passing grades, the students may receive a Q Grader certificate, valid for 36 months. Subsequently, a Q grader must undergo a calibration and renewal of the license.
The Q Arabica Grader Training and Exams six-day course is rigorous and consequently some students find it difficult to pass all exam portions the first time through. The final day will allow participants to retake certain tests as needed in hopes of completing the certification.
