BECOME A

Q INSTRUCTOR

Teach the Q Grader course and help support consistent coffee quality education around the world.

Share your knowledge

The Q Instructor pathway is designed for experienced coffee professionals who want to teach and administer the Q Grader course while helping learners build sensory evaluation skills and understand coffee quality standards. Whether you already teach sensory education or want to expand your role as an educator, becoming a Q Instructor gives you access to official onboarding, teaching resources, and a structured framework for delivering Q Grader courses.

Q Instructor requirements

To become a Q Instructor beginning January 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

Hold a current Sensory Skills AST authorization

1

Hold a valid Q Grader license earned through the 6-day Q Grader Course

2

Successfully pass the Q Instructor Onboarding Exam

3

Steps to become a Q Instructor

Follow these steps to begin the Q Instructor onboarding process.

Complete the Application

Log in to the SCA Trainer Portal and navigate to SCA Trainer Licenses to access the Q Instructor application.

1

Wait for Application Approval

Once your application is approved, you will receive access to begin the onboarding exam.

2

Start the Onboarding Exam

Your examination period officially begins when you select Start Onboarding Exam Now. You will receive instructions by email explaining how to access the exam and complete the process.

3

What to expect during onboarding

The onboarding Exam is designed to prepare instructors to both teach and administer the Q Grader course effectively and consistently.

During the onboarding process, you will:

  • Complete the onboarding exam within 45 days

  • Have multiple opportunities to retake the exam during the 45-day period

  • Need a passing score of 90%

  • Wait 30 days before reapplying if you do not pass within the exam window

Included resources:

  • A Q Instructor guidebook

  • Supplemental training materials

  • Curriculum-focused webinars

  • Additional resources to support course delivery and learner success

FAQs