Evolved Q Grader
Program
The evolved Q Grader license is the first and only education program built on the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)—an innovative evaluation system introduced in 2023 that expands coffee assessment beyond flavor to highlight the diverse attributes that make specialty coffee unique.
Participants will learn practical techniques in sensory evaluation, green coffee defect identification, and quality control in a robust, research-informed curriculum. Upon completion, students will become licensed Q Graders.
A New Era in Coffee Evaluation
A historic new partnership between the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) will provide better support to the coffee industry with more accessible educational opportunities.
The partnership will evolve the content of the Q Grader Program and transition its management. As of October 1, 2025, the SCA will be operating an evolved Q Grader program based on the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), and CQI will no longer be involved in the operations of the Q Grader Program.
The Evolved Q Grader program will help to expand the definition of ‘specialty’, support communication and collaboration in the coffee industry, and unlock deeper value for consumers.
Read the full announcement of the partnership and the Evolved Q Grader Program
What is the Q Grader Program?
The Q Grader Program was established 20 years ago by the Coffee Quality Institute, a longtime partner of the Specialty Coffee Association. Designed to teach learners how to grade coffee using the 2004 SCA Cupping Form, it has grown to become the largest education for coffee quality evaluation in the world. The Q Grader license is a renowned credential, with almost 10,000 licensees around the world.
Pathways to Becoming an Evolved Q Grader
Are You Eligible for the Fast Track?
Arabica and Robusta Q Graders, Lapsed and Current*
*For qualifications obtained by September 30, 2025
SCA Sensory Skills Professional Certificate Holders
Your Next Steps
If you have already taken the CVA for Cuppers Course —> You are already eligible! Please fill in the Evolved Q Application Form.
Need to take the CVA for Cuppers Course? Please do so before December 31, 2025, to get on the Fast Track to become an evolved Q Grader.
For New Learners: Take the Evolved Q Course
Take the new course to achieve the Evolved Q license.
The six day program includes two days on Physical Assessment and four days on Coffee Sensory Assessment, including descriptive, affective, and extrinsic assessments.
The course includes research-informed content combined with hands—on practice and feedback. You’ll learn relevant and highly applicable on-the-job skills. The course launches in October, 2025.
Your Next Steps
Sign up for the newsletter using the button below—we’ll keep you updated about when the course launches.
Pathways to Becoming an Evolved Q Instructor
Are You Eligible for the Fast Track?
CVA for Cuppers Trainers
Your Next Steps:
Congratulations! All you need to do to be recognized as an Evolved Q Instructor is fill out the Evolved Q Application Form and get ready for onboarding!
Arabica and Robusta Q Instructors and Q Assistant Instructors, Current*
*For qualifications obtained by September 30, 2025.
Your Next Steps:
Earn the CVA for Cuppers Course Certificate by December 31, 2025.
Have you already earned your CVA for Cuppers Course Certificate? Congratulations—your next step is to fill out the Evolved Q Application Form and get ready for onboarding!
SCA Sensory Skills AST
Your Next Steps:
Earn the CVA for Cuppers Course Certificate by December 31, 2025.
Have you already earned your CVA for Cuppers Course Certificate? Congratulations—your next step is to fill out the Evolved Q Application Form and get ready for onboarding!
How to Become an Evolved Q Instructor
Once the Fast Track options expires on December 31, 2025, there is one path to become an Evolved Q Instructor:
Become an SCA Sensory Skills AST
Enroll in the new course and achieve the Evolved Q license.
Take the online onboarding
Already an SCA Sensory Skills AST? Congratulations—you are almost there! Sign up for updates regarding the course launch in October, 2025.
Facility Transition: Premier Training Campus
All current Q Venues, with the exception of Post-Harvest Processing Program Q Venues will transition to SCA Premier Training Campus status.
The SCA Premier Training Campus program highlights facilities that offer a unique educational setting for coffee education.
FAQs
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Both Q Arabica and Q Robusta Graders will qualify for the evolved Q Grader program.
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Current Q Instructors and Assistant Instructors are eligible for a fast track to authorization as instructors of the evolved Q, which they can earn by completing the two-day CVA for Cuppers course by December 31, 2025. (See pathways for details).
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The PHP program is not impacted by these changes.
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Yes, your Q Grader certification remains valid until the date of expiration on the certificate. You are eligible for a fast track to be recognized as an evolved Q Grader, operated by SCA by completing a two-day CVA for Cuppers course before December 31, 2025. (See pathways for details).
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Every certified Q Venue will transition automatically to SCA’s Premier Training Campus network, and certification will be valid until the expiration date of its current certification. Thereafter, renewal will be handled by SCA. If you are a Q Venue whose certification expires between now and the transition date of September 30, 2025, your certification will be extended until September 30, 2025.
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No. The evolved Q program will not be exclusively taught in SCA Premier Training Campuses, however they will continue to offer the best facilities for students and trainers to conduct training.
See Translated FAQs
New to Coffee Evaluation?
Anyone with a passion for coffee evaluation can enrol in the Q Grader Program. The evolved curriculum will be rolling out soon—in the mean time you can take the SCA Intro to Cupping Workshop, which is a great first step into the world of cupping and sensory analysis.
What You’ll Gain:
An inclusive learning experience: Designed for all experience levels, this workshop ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported.
Practical skills: Develop tools and techniques to confidently evaluate and describe coffee’s sensory qualities.
A foundation for growth: Build your sensory knowledge and take the first step in mastering cupping practices.
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