Globally recognized. Scientifically rigorous.
The Q Grader Program is specialty coffee’s leading license for professionals, encompassing cupping, sensory analysis, and green coffee evaluation.
The Q Grader course curriculum prepares coffee professionals to demonstrate their ability to evaluate coffee by its physical, descriptive, affective, and extrinsic assessments. Graduates earn the globally respected Q Grader license, a mark of excellence recognized across the global coffee value chain.
Your Pathway to the Q Grader License
Whether you are new to the Q Grader Program or looking to take the fast track to the updated Q Grader or Q Instructor license, there are multiple pathways available. Follow the links below to learn more about each journey.
Driving progress in specialty coffee evaluation.
The updated Q Grader Program has been designed for experienced coffee professionals with a curriculum that tests their ability to detect differences and defects, describe sensory profiles, and apply the Coffee Value Assessment in real-world contexts. Participants will enhance their sensory acuity, ensuring they have the tools to evaluate and communicate coffee’s value clearly and confidently.
The result? A global network of modern Q Graders who share an understanding of quality that is aligned with the latest developments in sensory science and that reflects the diversity, ingenuity and continued evolution of the modern coffee industry.
A More Affordable Q Grader License
The Specialty Coffee Association is committed to expanding access to coffee education worldwide. We’re delighted that the new Q Grader Program launches in tandem with our new education pricing model—a new country-specific approach that ensures affordability across diverse markets, making it easier for professionals everywhere to pursue one of the industry’s most respected credentials.
At the same time, an expanded global network of Q Instructors means more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow—no matter where you are in the coffee value chain—and in the world.
New to the Q Grader Program?
Join a trusted network of professionals shaping the future of coffee.
Take the new Q Grader course to earn the definitive global license for coffee evaluation.
Over six intensive days you’ll undergo rigorous training and assessment in cupping, sensory analysis, and green coffee evaluation. The updated curriculum is designed for experienced cuppers, and integrates the latest advancements in coffee science and industry best practices to build your sensory acuity and the ability to evaluate coffee.
Learners will test their skills in detecting differences and defects, describing sensory profiles, and applying Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) tools in real-world contexts. Graduates earn the globally respected Q Grader license—a mark of excellence recognized across the coffee value chain—and join a global network of roasters, importers, producers, and traders united by a shared understanding of quality that drives buying, selling, and assurance throughout the industry.
Need to Prepare for the Course?
Interested in registering for a Q Grader course but don’t know how to prepare? Follow the link below for recommended reading and activities to help you get ready.
Your Next Steps:
Ready to Take the Course?
If you have prior experience in cupping and sensory analysis, experience with the CVA, and a high level of sensory skill, you are ready for the Q Grader course. Courses are now available, with more locations, languages, and dates becoming available in the coming weeks.
New to Coffee Evaluation?
If you are new to cupping and sensory analysis, we suggest you take the SCA Intro to Cupping Workshop first—a great first step into the world of coffee evaluation.
What You’ll Gain:
An inclusive learning experience: Designed for all experience levels, this workshop ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported.
Practical skills: Develop tools and techniques to confidently evaluate and describe coffee’s sensory qualities.
A foundation for growth: Build your sensory knowledge and take the first step in mastering cupping practices.
Fast track: Q Grader
You are eligible to fast track your journey to become a Q Grader if you are a coffee evaluator holding one of the below qualifications, in combination with having taken the CVA for Cuppers Course—requirements must be fulfilled by December 31, 2025.
Arabica and Robusta Q Graders, Lapsed and Current*
*For qualifications obtained by September 30, 2025
SCA Sensory Skills Professional Certificate Holders
Cup of Excellence National Judges
Your Next Steps:
If you have already taken the CVA for Cuppers Course —> You are already eligible! Please fill in the Q Application Form.
Need to take the CVA for Cuppers Course? Please do so before December 31, 2025, to get on the fast track to become a Q Grader.
Fast track: Q Instructor
You are eligible to fast track your journey to become a Q Instructor if you are a coffee educator or evaluator holding one of the below qualifications. Application, requirements, and onboarding must all be completed by December 31, 2025.
CVA for Cuppers Trainers
Arabica and Robusta Q Instructors and Q Assistant Instructors, Current* or Lapsed
*For qualifications obtained by September 30, 2025.
Cup of Excellence Head Judges
SCA Sensory Skills AST
Interested in becoming a Q Instructor but not eligible for the fast track?
Once the fast track options expire on December 31, 2025, there is one path to become a Q Instructor:
Become an SCA Sensory Skills AST
Enroll in the Q Grader course and achieve the Q Grader license.
Take the online onboarding
A New Era in Coffee Evaluation
A historic partnership, announced in April 2025, between the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) will provide better support to the coffee industry with more accessible educational opportunities.
The partnership will evolve the content of the Q Grader Program and transition its management. As of October 1, 2025, the SCA will operate the Q Grader Program based on the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), and CQI will no longer be involved in the operations of the Q Grader Program.
The Q Grader Program will help to expand the definition of ‘specialty’, support communication and collaboration in the coffee industry, and unlock deeper value for consumers.
Read the full announcement of the partnership and the Evolved Q Grader Program
Facility Transition: Premier Training Campus
All current Q Venues, with the exception of Post-Harvest Processing Program Q Venues will transition to SCA Premier Training Campus status.
The SCA Premier Training Campus program highlights facilities that offer a unique educational setting for coffee education.
FAQs
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Who is eligible for the Q Grader FastTrack?
· Current or lapsed Q Graders
· Sensory Skills Professional Certificate holders
· Cup of Excellence Judges
If you fall into one of the categories above, click here to find your next steps.
I won’t be able to take CVA for Cuppers by December 31. Can I receive an extension on the FastTrack?
After December 31, there will no longer be an option to apply for the new Q license with previous credentials. Everyone will be required to take the new Q Course.
What is the duration of the new Q grader license?
The new license term is for three years from the day that you receive your badge in your SCA profile.
Is the new Q Grader license species-specific?
No, because CVA itself is intended to be species (and process) neutral. Cuppers have been applying the CVA (with the exception of the Physical Assessment, which mirrors the 2004 system) to canephora, with acceptable results. However, efforts are underway to expand the framework to include Robusta descriptors in the short term (by the end of 2025). Collaboration with canephora researchers is underway to achieve a more comprehensive inclusion of other Coffea species attributes in 2027.
Is there a cost for the new Q Grader license?
No, there is no charge from the SCA at this time. Trainers will charge a course fee for the CVA for Cuppers Course and the Q Grader course.
What are the renewal conditions of the new license?
There will be a continuing education requirement for renewing your license. We are currently developing this requirement and will share full details once it is ready, ensuring you have plenty of time and guidance to prepare with confidence.
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I received an email that said I was recognized as a Q Instructor – what does this mean?
This means that you applied through the FastTrack to be a Q Instructor and we reviewed and accepted your application. You have a Q Instructor badge in your profile but still need to take the onboarding course in order to become authorized to teach. The onboarding needs to be completed by December 31, 2025. Once you start the onboarding process, you have 45 days to complete it. The onboarding is online, and is initiated in the portal.
What is the term of the Q instructor license?
The term of your Q authorization matches the term of the badge license you received when your Q Application was processed. During this initial Q authorization term, you are authorized to teach globally.
I’m a lapsed Q Instructor or Assistant Instructor. Can I use the FastTrack to become a new Q Instructor?
Yes; if you’re a lapsed Q Instructor or a lapsed Assistant Instructor, you are eligible for the new Q Instructor License via the FastTrack if all requirements are fulfilled by December 31, 2025.
How much is the Q instructor license?
There is no license fee for this initial three-year period. At renewal, you will be required to purchase either an AST Individual License or Global AST Individual License.
How do I renew my Q Instructor license?
There will be a continuing education requirement for renewing your license. We are currently developing this requirement and will share full details once it is ready, ensuring you have plenty of time and guidance to prepare with confidence.
I just took the Q Onboarding Course – what are my next steps?
Once you complete the onboarding, you will receive an email with the next steps listed below.
1. Complete the Onboarding Experience Survey
2. Sign your agreement
3. Access your course materials
4. Review the AST Handbook (2025 edition)
5. Post a Q Grader course
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Why hasn’t my Q Application been approved?
We are currently experiencing a high volume of applications and aim to process them within 5–7 business days.
Should I fill out a Q Application form if I want to be on the FastTrack?
Yes, if you plan to fulfill the credentials by December 31, 2025, you ensure the quickest processing time for your license, once license requirements are met. You can fill out the form here.
Will there be a Q Grader Certificate?
Yes. Certificates are in development and will be available to download from your SCA portal. For now, new Q Graders and Instructors receive a digital badge in the SCA portal.
Will there be a public facing list of licensed evolved Q Grader/Q Instructors?
Yes; this is currently in development.
Who can become a CVA Trainer (CVA for Cuppers Course Trainer)?
The following individuals are eligible to become a CVA for Cuppers Course Trainer (upon earning the certificate, completing the trainer onboarding, and paying a $150 license fee):
Sensory Skills ASTs
Current or lapsed Q Instructors
Current or lapsed Assistant Q Instructors
Alliance for Coffee Excellence Head Judges
A research or instruction professional connected with an institution of higher education with documented work in sensory science
A professional sensory panel trainer
An instructor in an education program centered on sensory science/cupping operated or accredited by a governmental agency; or a similar program operated or accredited by a non-governmental national coffee organization.
For more information, visit Become a CVA for Cuppers Course Trainer — SCA Education
See Translated FAQs
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