Coffee Quality INSTITUTE
Promoting a higher standard and common language for the coffee community with tools to educate, collaborate and promote coffee quality worldwide.
Have you heard of a “Q Grader”? They are skilled professional cuppers, certified by CQI and kept in tight calibration with their peers through yearly check-ins and regular exams. This certification is highly regarded within the specialty coffee industry, and there are only about 6,000 certified Q Arabica Graders worldwide. The Q Grader certification is the gold standard within the coffee industry, and can be especially useful for coffee professionals in QC, QA, green coffee buying, coffee production, and import/export work.
CQI offers many different courses on Quality Evaluation and Post-Harvest Processing, from beginner to advanced professional level. As one of only 54 Q Arabica Instructors, I can offer CQI classes and certified Q Graders in qualified labs around the world in both English and Spanish. Increasing the number of Q Graders in coffee producing countries is critical, and I am committed to certifying Spanish-speakers whenever possible.
Learn more about CQI’s Quality Evaluation classes here. Learn about hosting a course in your lab here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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CQI offers several different course and class levels: 100, 200, and 300. These are each at different levels of intensity, skill level, and time commitment.
Prices are set based on these factors, but can vary depending on the hosting lab or instructor. For pricing info on a specific class, check out our course page here, or contact the instructor directly.
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The Q Combo Course & Exam usually costs about $2000 USD. The amount varies depending on course location and instructor.
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There are no prerequisites to enroll in a Q Arabica or Q Robusta Course. However, the individual must be very experienced in sensory analysis and use of the standards and cupping forms. Suggested coursework prior to enrolling in a Q Grader Exam would include, but not be limited to, the Q Cupping Essentials Certificate Course or other Quality Evaluation Classes.
The minimum age to register for all CQI certificate courses is sixteen (16) years old; unless local, country or federal labor or employment laws supersede in which case those laws will determine the minimum age of registration.
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All upcoming courses are listed on the CQI DATABASE in real time. To view upcoming courses, log into the DATABASE, and select UPCOMING COURSES. Each course lists the instructor(s), location and details. If you have questions, please contact the instructor directly.
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Click on the Course ID # to view the course details. Once you find your desired course, select it and at the top right select either ENROLL or RETAKE TEST and follow the instructions. The Instructor will confirm your enrollment.
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Some recommended study tools include the SCA Cupping & Brewing Handbook, SCA Arabica Green Coffee Defect Handbook, SCA Green Coffee Classification Chart, SCA Cupping Protocol & Cupping Form, and the Le Nez du Café Aroma Kit.
Check out the following blog posts: 5 ways to prepare part 1, 5 ways to prepare part 2
Check out the following Cafetera Intelectual series: CQI Series in English or Spanish
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Yes, Q Arabica and Robusta certificates are valid for 3 years from the date you finished your original Q course. The certificates will no longer be available under your profile once they are expired, even if you still have 6 months to calibrate. Once you calibrate and pass, the certificate will be available again on your profile. Learn more about the calibration class here.
Starting in 2023, Q Graders must also calibrate on CQI FlavorActiv standards yearly. Learn more about yearly calibrations here.
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When it comes to CQI, there’s a lot of information to grapple with. Here are some FAQs to help navigate this system; if you don’t see your question answered, please contact me so I can respond directly!
As a Q instructor, I value clarity and mentorship. Communicating complex ideas in ways that are easy to digest is one of my specialties. I’m committed to the success of my students, and constantly evaluate my teaching methods to support different learning styles.
Testimonials
“Sandra is an amazing instructor and mentor! The way she explained the material was eloquent and easy to understand and follow. I couldn’t have obtained my Q grader certificate if it wasn’t for her teaching!”
Ryan Van Bui, QC & Account Manager at Mercanta; certified Q Grader
Contact me
for information about upcoming courses