BECOME A Q GRADER
SCA EDUCATION
SCA Education brings structure to how you learn coffee. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, you can move forward step by step, building knowledge, confidence, and expertise at your own pace.
Q Grader
The Q Grader License is one of the most important credentials in specialty coffee, recognized globally across sourcing, roasting, and quality control.
It represents proof of a coffee professional's ability to evaluate, describe, and communicate coffee quality using internationally recognized standards, Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), and a shared industry vocabulary.
This course is designed for:
Coffee professionals working in quality control, sourcing, or roasting
Individuals with experience in cupping or sensory evaluation
Those looking to deepen their expertise in specialty coffee
If you're earlier in your coffee journey, SCA Coffee Skills courses such as Sensory Skills or Introduction to Coffee can help you build foundational knowledge before pursuing the Q Grader License.
What is the Q Grader license?
The Q Grader License is an internationally recognized credential for coffee professionals with experience in cupping and sensory analysis.
Issued by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the license is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the Q Grader course and all required assessments.
The license is renewable every three years and requires continued professional development for renewal.
Upon completing the Q Grader course, you will:
Strengthen sensory analysis skills
1
Evaluate coffee using standardized methods
2
Improve accuracy and consistency in cupping
3
Develop a clear vocabulary to describe coffee quality
4
Career pathways for Q Graders
The license strengthens professional credibility and opens opportunities across both producing and consuming markets.
A Q Grader License can support a wide range of roles in the coffee industry, including:
Coffee Quality Analyst
Exporter or Importer
Green Coffee Buyer
Sensory Specialist
Roaster or Quality Lead
Q Instructor
(with additional certification)
How to become a Q Grader
The Q Grader Course runs over six days and is designed to assess a learner's readiness to evaluate coffee in a professional setting.
Rooted in the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), the course enables experienced coffee professionals to assess coffee across its physical quality, flavor and aroma, overall cup quality, and origin characteristics.
Duration: 6 consecutive days
Focus: Sensory evaluation, cupping, and green coffee grading; Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)
Outcome: Q Grader license (valid for 3 years)
Course Structure
9 total assessments: 8 practical evaluations and 1 written exam
Attempts: Two attempts allowed per assessment during the course
Requirement: All assessments must be passed to earn the Q Grader License
From 2026, learners can take a third attempt for individual practical exams after the course
Assessments
Validity: 3 years
Renewal: License must be renewed every three years through continued professional development
Note: Retaking the full six-day course is not required for renewal.
License and Renewal
Sample schedule
Here's an example of how the Q Grader Course is typically structured across multiple days.
Day 1
Introduction to the Course
Cupping: Key Concepts and Skills
Introduction to Coffee Value Assessment
CVA Physical Assessment and Form
Day 2
CVA Descriptive Assessment and Form (Part 1)
Multi-Perspective Cupping
Olfactory Category Examples
Main Taste Solutions
Physical Assessment Practical Exam
Day 3
CVA Descriptive Assessment and Form (Part 2)
Triangulation Scenarios
Incorrect Preparation
Olfactory Category Examples Practical Exam
Day 4
Descriptive Assessment Practical Exam
Triangulation Practical Exam
CVA Affective Assessment and Form
Day 5
Roasting Problems Practical Exam
Main Taste Solutions Practical Exam
Affective Assessment Practical Exam
CVA Extrinsic Assessment and Form
Day 6
Value Discovery
End-of-Course Reflection and Review of Logistics
Get started
Ready to take the Q Grader Course?
If you have experience in cupping and sensory analysis, are familiar with Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), and have a high level of sensory skill, you may be ready for the Q Grader Course.
Already registered for a course?
If you’re planning to take the Q Grader Course soon, it’s worth preparing in advance to get the most from the experience. Our team has put together guidance to help you get ready.
Become authorized to teach and administer the Q Grader Program as a Licensed Q Instructor. Help shape the next generation of coffee professionals through advanced training in cupping, sensory analysis, and green coffee evaluation.
Interested in teaching?
Continue building your coffee knowledge
The Q Grader course is one pathway for developing advanced coffee evaluation skills, but it’s not the only way to deepen your expertise in specialty coffee.
SCA Diplomas combine courses across different subject areas to help coffee professionals build broader knowledge and practical skills across the coffee value chain.
Whether you're preparing for future certifications or looking to strengthen your foundation, an SCA Diploma can support your professional development journey.
