Q Grader

A coffee professional certified by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) to evaluate coffee using the SCA scoring protocol. The exam is rigorous — covering sensory, defects, triangulation, and calibration — and takes a week of testing.

Why it matters — Q Graders calibrate scores consistently, which matters when coffee is being bought and sold across borders. Many roasters keep at least one Q Grader on staff for green buying and quality control.

Good to know

• The certification needs to be renewed every three years.
• A Q Grader doesn't necessarily make better-tasting coffee — they can score coffee reliably. Roasting and barista skill are separate disciplines.