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Q Grader Course
Want to become a licensed Q grader? Take this highly intensive prep course followed by the challenging Q exam. Unless indicated differently, all Q courses and exams are presented and administered by Q Arabica Instructor Willem Boot.
Boot Coffee is the only campus in the industry that provides personalized coaching for each of the Q students. During each day of the course, the lead trainer Willem Boot, reviews your progress and your specific questions and needs. In this way you can take advantage of three personal sessions before the start of the examinations. We have found this approach to be highly effective for our relatively high success rates at the Q course.
Why Become a Q Grader with Boot Coffee?
We are very proud that with our supplementary add-on programs and new systems we increased our passing rate way above the industry average.
When the CQI (Coffee Quality Institute) created the most renowned certification for coffee cuppers, Q Graders, it created a demanding professional certification that filled a vacuum in the market when it launched in 2003.
The Q grader certification program was launched in 2003 by The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). Since the inception of this intensive training and examination program, thousands of coffee professionals around the world have become certified as Q grader.
Since its introduction, grading and cupping protocols around the world have become much more standardized.
The professional accreditation of Q graders has created a league of coffee cuppers around the world who apply uniform procedures to the evaluation of physical and sensory attributes of coffee samples.
The Q certification program consists of a 3-day course, followed by a 3-day examination marathon comprising of 20 tests.
The Q grader certification is valid for 3 years, after which the Q grader is required to pass a calibration to extend their certification for another 3 years. The calibration consists of 3 cupping trials.
Completing the Q is a challenging but very rewarding experience! If you fail one or more tests, you do not need to retake the entire course but you can retake those tests only. Usually you can take up to 2 retakes per failed test during the examination course. Subsequently, there’s the opportunity to take retakes at later Q courses.
This intensive program consists of 3 days training and 3 days examination. Each day will commence at 8:30 AM and will finish around 5:00 PM.
The majority of the sixth day is reserved for taking retakes of tests as necessary.
Why should you become a Q Grader?
Becoming an Arabica Q grader has several benefits for coffee professionals, including:
Recognized expertise: As a licensed Q grader, you have a world wide recognized level of expertise in coffee cupping and grading, which can help establish your credibility in the coffee industry.
Career advancement: Q grader certification can open up new career opportunities, such as becoming a professional coffee taster, coffee roaster, or quality control manager.
Higher pay: Q graders are often paid a premium for their specialized knowledge and expertise in coffee cupping and grading.
Personal growth: The intensive training and examination required to become a Q grader can help you develop your sensory skills, expand your knowledge of coffee, and improve your palate.
Network building: As a Q grader, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other coffee professionals who share your passion for coffee, which can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.
In summary, becoming an Arabica Q grader can help you establish yourself as a highly skilled coffee professional, open up new career opportunities, increase your earning potential, and expand your knowledge and network in the coffee industry.
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In just four days, we’re offering more than a course; it’s a leap into the heart of coffee mastery. Tailored for those hungry to differentiate themselves in the Q Grader Exam, this journey will transform your understanding and appreciation of coffee, guiding you from enthusiastic amateur to seasoned aficionado. Ready to taste your way to the top?
The course starts the week before the Q Grader Course.
SAVE $600
Our goal is to provide you with maximum support to become a Q Grader. In 2022 we will provide you with a tool to pass the Q Grader exam by practicing and learning ahead with our online course package. This one is on us!
(reg. $499.95)
FAQ
The Q Grader course is an intensive 6-day training and certification program that teaches you how to professionally evaluate coffee quality.
Think of it as the coffee world’s equivalent of a sommelier certification—a mark of excellence that proves you can detect flavors, identify defects, and grade coffee accurately based on global standards.
🔥 Why should you take the Q Grader course?
✔️ Gain elite coffee sensory skills that set you apart in the industry
✔️ Unlock new career opportunities in roasting, quality control, and sourcing
✔️ Get recognized as a coffee expert worldwide
✔️ Make better coffee buying and roasting decisions with confidence
Becoming a certified Q Grader means joining an exclusive network of coffee professionals trusted to assess and grade specialty coffee at the highest level.
Wondering “Is the Q Grader exam difficult?” The short answer: Yes—it’s one of the most challenging coffee certifications in the world. But here’s the good news: with the right preparation, you can absolutely pass!
The Q Grader exam consists of 20 rigorous tests, covering everything from cupping and sensory analysis to green coffee grading and triangulation. You’ll need to:
✔️ Identify flavors, acids, and aromas with precision
✔️ Detect defects in green and roasted coffee
✔️ Match roast profiles and understand processing methods
✔️ Differentiate coffee samples in triangulation tests
✅ A passing score is 80% or higher on each test.
✅ If you fail up to four exams, you can retake them within 18 months.
✅ If you fail more than four, you must redo the entire course.
Why Our Students Succeed – The Best Q Grader Preparation Available
We understand that the Q Grader exam is tough—but our students have one of the highest passing rates in the industry, thanks to our exclusive Pre-Q Preparation Program and online training resources.
🔥 Pre-Q Course (Heavily Discounted for Our Q Grader Students!)
Before jumping into the full Q Grader course, our Pre-Q program helps you sharpen your sensory skills, master cupping techniques, and get hands-on experience with the exam format. This exclusive preparation course is heavily discounted for those enrolled in the Q Grader certification, giving you a huge advantage before the real challenge begins.
🔥 FREE Online Q Grader Preparation Course
When you enroll with us, you also get free access to our online Q Grader prep course, allowing you to train your palate and understand the core concepts before stepping into the classroom.
💡 Why This Matters?
Most students fail due to lack of preparation, stress, or unfamiliarity with the tests. But our proven training techniques give you:
✅ A structured approach to learning Q Grader skills before the exam
✅ Extra practice in key areas where most students struggle
✅ The confidence to perform under pressure
With our preparation, you’ll walk into the Q Grader exam ready to succeed—just like the many students before you who passed with our training!
If you’re serious about becoming a Q Grader, don’t leave your success to chance—join our Pre-Q and online prep course today and set yourself up for success! 🚀
Wondering “Is the Q Grader exam difficult?” The short answer: YES—but that’s why it’s so respected.
The Q Grader exam consists of 20 tests, covering everything from cupping and sensory analysis to green coffee grading and triangulation. These tests assess your ability to:
✔️ Identify flavors, acids, and aromas with pinpoint accuracy
✔️ Recognize coffee defects in both green and roasted beans
✔️ Match roast profiles and evaluate coffee processing methods
✔️ Differentiate between coffee samples using triangulation tests
✅ The passing score is 80% or higher on each test.
✅ If you fail up to four exams, you can retake them within 18 months.
✅ If you fail more than four, you must redo the entire course.
💡 Pro Tip: The best way to prepare for the Q Grader exam is to practice cupping regularly, train your palate with acids and aromas, and study SCA cupping protocols before taking the course.
The Q Grader certification program is a sensory boot camp that trains you to:
🔥 Taste coffee like a pro – Develop world-class sensory analysis skills
🔥 Grade coffee accurately – Learn industry-standard scoring methods
🔥 Identify defects – Spot processing and roasting flaws that impact quality
🔥 Differentiate flavors – Train your brain to recognize subtle taste differences
🔥 Master cupping protocols – Use the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping system
By the end of the course, your ability to analyze and assess coffee quality will be transformed. You’ll never taste coffee the same way again!
Still wondering “Is becoming a Q Grader worth it?” Here’s why this certification is a career-defining achievement:
🌟 Industry Recognition – Become a globally recognized coffee quality expert.
🌍 More Job Opportunities – Work in sourcing, roasting, or quality control anywhere in the world.
📈 Higher Earning Potential – Q Graders are in high demand for top-paying coffee jobs.
🔎 Supercharged Sensory Skills – Develop an expert palate for identifying flavors and defects.
👥 Exclusive Networking – Connect with top coffee professionals and producers globally.
Becoming a Q Grader doesn’t just improve your skills—it transforms your entire coffee career.
The Q Grader certificate is valid for three years.
To maintain your certification, you must attend a calibration session every three years to refresh your skills and prove your sensory accuracy.
This ensures that Q Graders continue to meet the highest standards in coffee evaluation.
