Globally recognised and full to the brim with valuable professional development, the Q Grader program is one of the specialty coffee industry’s most valued certifications. Created and overseen by the not-for-profit Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), this course teaches and tests attendees on the details of how to cup and grade green coffees. With CQI’s mission to increase coffee quality and the lives of those producing it, the Q Grader program plays a key role in establishing an international language for quality coffee.
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SENSORY
EDUCATION.
COURSES.
CVA for Cuppers
Existing or lapsed Q/R Grader? Want to know all about the SCA's new Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)? This is the workshop for you!
CVA for Cuppers is a two-day, hands-on training designed for professional cuppers, Q and R Graders, and anyone who wishes to understand the professional usage of the SCA’s new Coffee Value Assessment system into their daily practice.
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In this course, we'll unpack the philosophy and research behind the SCA's new format which pairs the established sensory descriptive recording with evaluation of coffee through value-based reasoning—considering not only what’s in the cup, but also how factors like origin, processing, and consumer perception influence a coffee’s commercial and qualitative worth.​
Who is this course for? This course is ideal for: Professional cuppers seeking to update or expand their cupping methodology. Q Arabica/Robusta Graders (current or expired) wanting to transition their certification to the new SCA managed ecosystem. Coffee buyers, roasters, educators and quality evaluation professionals making sourcing decisions or describing coffees. What You’ll Learn By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: •Use the CVA Descriptive and Affective Forms to evaluate coffee. •Apply the 15-point intensity scale, CATA lists, and hedonic scales in sensory analysis. •Identify and calibrate olfactory references to build consistency in descriptive cupping. •Evaluate both intrinsic and extrinsic attributes that influence perceived coffee value. •Combine sensory data with subjective impressions to better inform buying, pricing, and communication. Course Format The training includes: •Multiple cupping sessions using real-world samples. •Guided sensory calibration exercises. •Discussions on the background and intent of the CVA system. •Practical tasks on descriptive and affective evaluation. •Use of SCA-approved tools and methodologies. Assessment & Certification To successfully complete the course, participants must pass: •A written exam •An olfactory reference identification test •Descriptive cupping assessment (use of form) •Affective cupping assessment (use of form) Upon passing, participants will receive an SCA-sanctioned certificate, validating your CVA training and application ability. This certificate does not certify you as a cupper, but confirms your proficiency in applying CVA tools. Existing or Lapsed CQI Q Graders who pass this course can apply to have their Q certification ‘fast-tracked’ to the SCA where it will be valid for an additional 3 years.
Cost
The 2 day course is $1300AUD (ex GST)
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Upcoming Courses:
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Perth: December 15th - 16th, 2025
Melbourne: Final December 2025 date TBA
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Q Grader Full Course
The final months of CQI's iconic Q Grader course!
Thoroughly designed and full of the latest international standards, the Q Grader course has been globally recognised for 20 years. With recent announcements about a transition of the course to SCA management, the Q in its current iteration will end by 30th September 2025. Enrol now to secure one of the last opportunities to experience this unique professional development!
The Q Grader course runs over 6 days with the format consisting of two sections: the first 3 days are all about theory and practice - providing participants with a huge amount of detailed, industry leading knowledge and practice rounds of the assessments to follow. Over the second 3 days, the student’s understanding of this knowledge is put to the test across 19 modules. These exams cover a variety of areas including evaluating coffee in the cupping format and accurate use of the 2004 score sheet to identification of differing acids in coffee, green sample grading through to identification of aromatic compounds.
While there’s a lot of valuable instruction provided in the initial 3 days, a good basis of coffee knowledge and familiarity with tasting a range of coffee is recommended to embark on your Q journey. The Q Grader Training and Exam 6 day course is rigorous and some students may find it challenging to pass all 19 of the exams. Resits of some exam modules are available throughout the course week and students can return to a future Q course to finish off just their outstanding exams to achieve their certification. There’s no doubt that the Q Grader course is a big week of learning and sensory testing but I take pride in hosting inclusive, safe and supportive classes. We’ve got some tests to do but we always have a lot of fun and, along with discussing interesting coffee concepts and tasting delicious coffees, you're surrounded by a diverse range of knowledgeable and passionate coffee pros to learn alongside.
Cost
The 6 day, Q Grader Arabica course is $3500(incGST).
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Upcoming Courses:
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