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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.
EXCELLENT Based on 108 reviews Jassen Bluto2024-11-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend this educational experience enough, I wish 10 stars was an option. The folks here are great and eager to work to help you succeed! Valerian Hrala is patient, knowledgable, and down to earth. Courses like these can be intimidating but Valerian was hospitable and quick to put class at ease we could get the most out of the class. Angela Brown2024-10-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience at Boot Coffee Campus. I had previously looked at several options for roasting classes, but the added business focus of this course made Boot's course an easy decision. There was a very good balance between hands-on time at the roaster and more formal "classroom" instruction. We also had ample time for discussion of our personal plans and goals amongst our group. Everyone in our class arrived with varying backgrounds in coffee and very different plans for roasting in the future, but the class is set up with the flexibility that allowed us to personalize our experience and goals. I also think the varied backgrounds within our group, and Valerian's encouragement to develop our plans for our businesses, created a valuable opportunity for peer to peer learning. I look forward to coming back for another class or workshop soon! Thank you! bob busick2024-09-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a super class and delivered just what I had hoped. The first 2 and 1/2 days were focused on learning to roast and the remaining days were focused on discussing the business side of the industry. Although the roasting training portion was naturally focused on how to use the equipment (roasters, color analyzers, etc) at the school, there was plenty of exposure and discussion about other types equipment and roasting styles. Our class had a nice mix of folks both with and without coffee roasting experience. The discussions and input from students was particularly good. Valerian does a great job getting everyone involved in discussions and it was great hearing the give and take throughout the week. Bottom line: This course is perfect if you're looking to learn how to roast and explore the myriad of factors you must consider if you're thinking of opening up a roastery or a coffee shop. Well done, Boot Coffee. I'll be back for other classes! Brenna2024-07-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We flew all the way from the Philippines to attend our course. I can’t recommend Boots Coffee Campus enough. Valerian is a fantastic instructor. He’s experienced, passionate, and enthusiastic. The hands-on training they offer is comprehensive and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a newbie learning the ropes, Boots Coffee Campus is the perfect place for anyone looking to venture into the coffee industry. Marieke Mamarazzi2024-04-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Afgelopen maand heb ik de Q grader combo course 5.1 gevolgd aan de Boot Coffee Campus. Het was de eerste keer in mijn leven dat ik iedere dag met plezier naar school ben gegaan! In korte tijd heb ik echt ontzettend veel over koffie geleerd, met lessen in onder andere greengrading, triangulation, olfactory en cupping. Tijdens de lessen werden we verwend met de heerlijkste pour over koffies. Dit smaakte dus letterlijk en figuurlijk naar meer! Hulde aan Willem en Valerian! ❤️ ethan geis2024-03-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came to Boot Coffee Campus to further my knowledge and understanding of what coffee can and should be. From the start, Valerian demonstrated such a high level of caring, knowledge, and patience. Coming from "YouTube university", the thought of a professional course was intimidating. The actual experience, however, was anything but. I came away refreshed, reminded that there are many paths to a wonderful cup! I would highly recommend Boot Coffee Campus, not only for coffee industry professionals, but for any coffee enthusiast. Juan Karmy2024-03-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roasting with Valerian was a fantastic experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable about roasting coffee, and the coffee business. As a seasoned coffee, roaster professional, Valerian taught the course, adding a personal touch coming from his experience as a roast master. He made sure that student always had enough time To practice and experience roasting coffee. Boot Campus It’s also well equipped with enough roaster to have plenty of time of practice for each student. I recommend taking courses and classes at Boot and with Valerian as instructor. Kirk Hurford2024-03-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The cost of a training course is often less than the personal cost of setting aside the time to attend and learn. The quality of the instructor is what determines the quality of the investment. I attended a weeklong training course on starting a Coffee Roasting Business, taught by Valerian Hrala. Valerian's ability to transfer his knowledge and experience is impressive. He worked with each student based on their ability to make certain that everyone left with a new and improved set of skills. The course covered coffee evaluation skills, coffee roasting skills, and coffee business skills. These are vastly different topics. Valerian is supported by a classroom designed to do nothing but teach these things. Learning sensory skills requires a large, darkened room with tables and cups, all laid out and supervised by a coffee cupping expert. Learning roasting skills requires a variety of coffee roasting machines designed to do sample roasts as well as the larger production sized roasters. And learning business skills requires a classroom with a large display and comfortable seating. When I first saw the term Boot Coffee Campus, it amused me by the grandeur of the self-reference - but - gosh - that is without question what I experienced. Valerian brought it all together into a quality learning experience that was worth much more than my time. Even if you have many years of experience working with and around coffee, I think you will still find this course a worthwhile investment. Omar Fawzy2024-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had the incredible opportunity to take a coffee roasting course at Boot Coffee, and it was nothing short of transformative. From the outset, the course was engaging, deeply informative, and meticulously organized to cover all the essential aspects of coffee roasting. However, what truly set this experience apart was our instructor, Valerian. Valerian was not just a teacher; he was a mentor who brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to every session. His approach to teaching was both attentive and inspiring, ensuring that each of us not only understood the concepts but also felt the excitement of the coffee roasting process. His expertise was evident in every lesson, as he navigated through complex topics with ease and clarity, making learning both accessible and enjoyable. What I particularly appreciated about Valerian was his ability to customize parts of the program to suit my specific needs and interests. This personalized touch made the learning experience feel tailored just for me, allowing me to delve deeper into areas I was curious about and enhancing my understanding of the coffee roasting craft. Valerian's dedication to his students was unmatched. He was always available for questions, going above and beyond to ensure we had the support and resources we needed to succeed. His enthusiasm for coffee roasting was contagious, and it was clear he genuinely cared about our learning and development. I cannot recommend this course and Valerian highly enough. Whether you're new to coffee roasting or looking to deepen your existing skills, this program offers an unparalleled learning experience that is both comprehensive and deeply enriching. Valerian's expertise and personalized teaching approach will undoubtedly elevate your understanding and passion for coffee roasting. For anyone considering a coffee roasting course, Boot Coffee, under Valerian's guidance, is an exceptional choice.
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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!