Q-Grader - The Coffee Specialists

Q-Grader – Coffee experts you can rely on

The internationally respected Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) aims to create uniform standards for evaluating coffee and establish them worldwide. Through the desired harmonization of coffee quality classifications, greater transparency is expected. As a consumer, you can rely on the assessment of experts when selecting coffee. Moreover, the consistent enforcement of these standards is also expected to lead to an overall improvement of the coffee varieties evaluated in this way: Professionals sort out inferior beans or batches in time and completely, ensuring that only high-quality coffee reaches the market.

Reliable coffee analysis through the Q-Grading process

To this end, the CQI has developed the examination and certification of Q-Graders. These professionals must prove, through a complex and globally standardized testing procedure, both practically and theoretically, that they possess excellent knowledge in the fields of coffee assessment, coffee roasting, and coffee marketing. To impart the necessary knowledge, the CQI regularly conducts Q-Grading training.

During this training, participants learn various techniques to sensorially assess the characteristics of coffee. This includes evaluating the aroma, acidity, scent, and taste of different coffee varieties. The assessment is carried out transparently and according to universally accepted standards. The Q-Grader exam consists of 20 individual tests, all of which must be passed. These include various taste and smell tests. For example, in the so-called Cupping Skill Tests, participants must identify the origin of different coffees based on their aroma. In comparison tests, candidates must rank the exclusivity of different specialty coffees solely based on their taste and other sensory properties. After successfully passing the Q-Grading exam, the graduate receives a license, which is valid for three years. After this period, the Q-Grader must undergo the testing process again.

Q-Grader – The Elite of Coffee Experts

Those who successfully complete the Q-Grader training are capable and authorized to analyze coffee using the cupping and evaluation protocols issued by the CQI. These assessments, due to their international standardization, provide comparability between various tested coffees. Today, you can find such an analysis for both Arabica and Robusta coffee, although for Robusta, the process is called R-Grading.

A cupping and evaluation protocol is based on a standardized point system. Top coffees with excellent evaluations receive point scores ranging from 90 to 100. These top-quality coffees are classified as "outstanding." Very good coffees, scoring between 85 and 89 points, receive the classification "excellent." Coffees scoring up to 80 points are rated as "very good." All three top categories are classified under the "specialty" category. Coffees falling below this mark receive no distinction.

Anyone wanting to work as a Q-Grader in Germany has excellent chances of finding an exciting and well-paid job with one of the large roasteries or small coffee manufacturers.

Conclusion

Q-Grader is the designation for trained coffee professionals who focus on coffee quality. During their training, coffee experts acquire specialized knowledge on coffee evaluation, the roasting process, and coffee marketing. Q-Graders also develop refined sensory skills through their training, enabling them to make a precise and flawless assessment of coffee, particularly its quality.