The Q Grader License is the premier professional qualification in specialty coffee and demonstrates that you are equipped to identify, describe, and communicate a coffee’s attributes with precision and consistency using a shared, research-backed approach. As a Q Grader, you join a global community of professionals who apply this common language to inform decisions, support transparent trade, and strengthen equity, sustainability, and collaboration across the coffee value chain.
What does it mean to be a Q Grader?
Earning this prestigious license helps to signify that a coffee professional has the skills to make a comprehensive evaluation of coffee’s quality. A license holder is confirmed as having the sensory skills necessary to evaluate coffees at the highest level, and confirms that their knowledge includes the most modern understanding of how the industry evaluates quality.
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. It is issued by the Specialty Coffee Association, to individuals who successfully complete the Q Grader Course. The course ensures a learner’s comprehensive understanding the Coffee Value Assessment as well as their having precise coffee evaluation skills and a strong vocabulary for communicating coffee’s value.
How do you earn your Q?
Those with the necessary experience and knowledge can embark on their license journey by finding a Q Grader Course near them. Upon successful completion, they earn a license that validates their ability to evaluate coffee. Q Graders will be eligible to renew their license after demonstrating current knowledge and continued professional development every three years.
Unlock your professional potential.
Many companies consider the Q Grader license an essential qualification, demonstrating a person's ability to evaluate coffee quality rigorously. The license is a particular asset for someone pursuing a career in trading, sustainability, and quality control.
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Coffee Buyer
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Coffee Trader
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Coffee Quality Assessor
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Product Developer
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Sensory Scientist
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Quality Assurance
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Head Cupper
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Coffee Quality Specialist
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Quality Control Manager
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Head of Procurement
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Sustainable Sourcing Manager
COURSE AT A GLANCE:
The Q Grader course is a six day intensive and assesses a learner’s readiness to evaluate coffee in a professional setting. Rooted in the Coffee Value Assessment, the curriculum is designed to allow experienced coffee professionals to demonstrate their ability to evaluate coffee by its physical, descriptive, affective, and extrinsic attributes.
The course includes 9 comprehensive exams (8 practical evaluations and 1 written assessment). During the course, learners are allowed two attempts to pass each exam^. All practical and written assessment must be passed in order to pass the course, and subsequently earn the first three-year license. Every three years, Q Graders are eligible to renew their license but will not need to take the full six-day course again to do so.
*Starting in 1st Q 2026, there will be an option for a third attempt of the individual Q Grader practical exam components which can be taken after the course has concluded.
