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get certified by the Coffee Quality Institute

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?

Raving Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it – read the raving reviews from our former students on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook. We are proud to have received praise for our training, and our students agree that Boot Coffee offers the most rewarding experience in their coffee careers.

FREE Online Preparation Package (Worth $300)

Get a head start by accessing our valuable online preparation package at no cost, a package that would normally cost $300. This comprehensive resource will help you understand the Q Grader certification process and provide guidance on how to practice from the comfort of your own home. Specifically, we focus on strengthening your knowledge of coffee processing and preparation at the farm level – an area where many students tend to struggle during the exams. We are dedicated to ensuring you are well-prepared to excel in the certification.

Over the Industry Average Exam Practice and Retakes:

Recognizing the difficulty of the Q Grader exams, we go the extra mile to support your progress. Before your official classes begin, we offer extensive practice sessions, allowing you to sharpen your skills and build confidence. Furthermore, if necessary, we provide retake opportunities to give you another chance at success. Thanks to these efforts, our students’ passing rates far exceed the industry average. For more information on retakes please visit: https://bootcoffee.com/q-grader-retakes/

Empowering Your Path: Boot Coffee Students' Journey with Free Practice Sessions and $100 Off Retakes

The journey towards becoming a Q Grader is filled with moments of both challenge and triumph. We know that occasionally, even the most dedicated students may face the need to retake a part of the exam. However, it’s important to remember that these moments do not define your journey; rather, they are stepping stones to your ultimate success. As you continue with us, we are fully committed to supporting you emotionally and practically. To ease the journey, we offer complimentary practice sessions and a $100 discount on retakes, ensuring you feel supported, motivated, and valued at every turn. Your success is our success, and we stand by you with unwavering support and encouragement.

Personalized student-focused methodologies and training

With over 20 years of experience, Boot Coffee has an impressive track record of transforming coffee enthusiasts into skilled coffee professionals. Many students, who initially believed they couldn’t distinguish certain tastes, have graduated from our program and become head buyers for well-known coffee companies. Our secret lies in personalized student-focused methodologies and training, which have significantly increased the passing rate from 0-10% to an impressive 60%-90%. Even those who don’t pass on their first attempt are usually just one or two exams away from success, and they have the opportunity to retake these exams on a different occasion.

Choose Boot Coffee to experience the most rewarding and transformative journey in your coffee career. Our exceptional reviews, free online preparation package, extensive support, and proven methodologies set us apart and ensure your success as a Q Grader.

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:

  1. 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.

  2. Career advancement: Q grader certification can open up new career opportunities, such as becoming a professional coffee taster, coffee roaster, or quality control manager.

  3. Higher pay: Q graders are often paid a premium for their specialized knowledge and expertise in coffee cupping and grading.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Richie
Richie
2023-04-06
This was my 2nd class at the Boot Coffee Campus, and what a great 2nd class it was! Valerian Hrala is an incredible instructor/teacher/mentor. Not only did we spend 3 days talking roast theory, practical roasting exercises, triangulation of different roasts, tasting etc. but having 2 additional days to talk not only about opening a business in roasting, but a coffee business in general was priceless. Valerian, having 2 of his own roasting businesses since 2001, brings real world knowledge, marketing strategies, brand strategies, sales strategies, a fantastic calculator; I could go on and on, but I would hate to ruin all the surprises for a new student. This class was not only loads of fun, but a real eye-opener as far as all the information you leave with. All in all, 5 stars do not do this course justice!!!! I can't think of a better place to learn all things coffee other than Boot Coffee Campus!! Thanks again for another incredible week!
Markus Jeziorski
Markus Jeziorski
2023-03-27
The coffee introduction training was great. The right training for individuals who want to start learning more about this topic. Valerian did a awesome job teaching us more about coffee!
Maria Lazaro
Maria Lazaro
2023-03-13
Attended my very first Boot Coffee class for the Foundations Barista Class and it was everything I was looking for any more. It gave me the basics I needed to create an espresso and steam my milk. It also, made me want to continue learning about espresso and coffee in general by taking more classes. The instructor, Valerian Hrala was very knowledgeable, helpful and provided an exciting class that made learning fun.
Ning Hou
Ning Hou
2023-02-25
Me and my husband both took the intro and roasting classes. Valerian made the classes enjoyable and open to discussion. The group was also made of interesting and smart cohort. We look forward to taking more courses and collaborating with boot coffee! Ning & Gus
Drew D.
Drew D.
2023-02-20
I had the opportunity to take Q-Arabica Combo with Willem as class instructor and Valerian as asst. instructor. They were both generous with their time and helped each student. I highly recommend taking your Q here because the instruction offered here is holistic and essential for a career in specialty coffee.
Aman Gogri
Aman Gogri
2023-02-15
I visited Boot Coffee after reading the 'Monk of Mokha' and was instantly convinced that I need to take a few courses here. Willem and Valerian happily attended to my questions even during a busy day and gave me a sneak peek into what the courses might look like. I signed up for their 'Intro to coffee' class and it was super extensive with detailed info of each step from seed to cup. Highly recommend it for people wanting to get into the industry or just wanting to learn to make better coffee at home. I will definitely be coming here for more, cheers!
Issara Thongdaeng
Issara Thongdaeng
2023-01-26
It was such a mind opening. I've learned a lot and tasted a lot of good coffee. These classes weren't just for people who want to work in the coffee industry but for whoever loves/wants to have a good cup of coffee to start your day. I thought I knew what the good coffee is until I came to the class. Thank you Valerian and Dan for such a good experience. I'll see you again soon
Rebecca Mangona
Rebecca Mangona
2023-01-23
Just completed SCA Foundations week at Boot Coffee with Valerian and Dan and cannot speak highly enough of them! Both Valerian and Dan are passionate, coffee-experts and fantastic teachers. The courses are very hands on and engaging. Both instructors also tailored course objectives to meet the goals of the students in the class. Regardless of your experience level, you will learn about coffee and have a ton of fun doing it!
Dave Ferreira
Dave Ferreira
2023-01-23
Recently took a week of courses here with Valerian and Dan. Both instructors were great and very knowledgeable. Plenty of resources for everyone from beginners to professionals. Everyone was very personable and friendly, can not recommend the Boot campus enough!!
isabelle lamoureux
isabelle lamoureux
2022-11-16
My partner Simon and I are starting up a Roastery/tasting house in Revelstoke,BC. We travelled to San Rafael for a 3 day course ( SCA foundation +intermediate) and we absolutely loved the experience. Valerian was so knowledgeable and gave us so much of his time to answer business and coffee related questions we had. We got to roast all 3 afternoon and feel like we left with so much useful information. The teaching was professional whilst being personable, it was awesome to share our passion for coffee with other likeminded people. We wish we can be back in the near future for more learning, as well as tasting some more chocolate & wine 😉 Izzy & Simon

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Week (4 Days) before the Q Grader Course
Improve your chances to become a Q Grader with Q Grader Preparation Course

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 Monday and ends Thursday the week before the Q Grader Course.

SAVE $500 

(reg. $1837)

FREE Coffee PRO - Online Preparation Course

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)

Total $

Pay Later by PayPal

Do you have a question?

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FAQ

REFUND POLICY

These Q Grader course requires minimum seats in order to be held, therefore canceling the course would mean preventing other students from attending.

You can cancel or reschedule 60 days before the course for free.

After this period you can reschedule or get a refund minus 20% free of the cost of the purchased course up to 14 days before the course when rescheduling or cancellations are not possible. 

Where is the Coffee Training Centre?

The course will be at the BOOT COFFEE CAMPUS at 619 Lindaro Street, San Rafael, CA (just north of San Francisco).

When Does the Coffee Roasting Course Start?

Our courses typically begin at 9 am each morning and finish each day between 5 and 7 pm depending on the progress of students in each course.

How Can I Get More Information?

Contact Us via Email: in**@bo********.com

OR

Call Us: (888) 814-4347

Is Lunch Included?

We provide 1h lunch break, light snacks and drinks through the duration of the course. Students are responsible to provide their own lunch. 

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