Evolved Q Grader Course

Description

Introduction to Evolved Q Grader Course

The SCA Evolved Q Grader program represents the pinnacle of coffee evaluation training and certification worldwide, developed by the Specialty Coffee Association for seasoned professionals ready to reach the highest level of their craft. The SCA Evolved Q Grader Course is delivered as an intensive six-day program, designed to deepen both theoretical understanding and hands-on mastery of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)—the industry’s most advanced and contemporary framework for evaluating coffee quality and value.

This advanced SCA Evolved Q Grader certification is reserved for coffee professionals who bring substantial experience in cupping, sensory analysis, and green coffee evaluation. You’ll progress through a challenging curriculum that combines conceptual learning, applied practice, and comprehensive testing, enabling you to identify and catalog every characteristic of coffee with precision and authority.

All practical and written assessments must be successfully passed in order to complete the course and earn the initial three-year SCA Evolved Q Grader license.

The certification is valid for three years. At the end of each cycle, Evolved Q Graders are eligible to renew their license without retaking the full six-day course, subject to SCA renewal requirements in effect at the time

What You’ll Master with Evolved Q Grader

Upon completing this course, you will have the ability to:

Command the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA): Articulate the core theoretical principles of the CVA and provide strategic guidance on its professional application across diverse contexts.

Execute Complete Coffee Evaluations: Precisely perform the system’s four essential assessments to develop a full-spectrum profile of any coffee:

• Physical: Examine green coffee to determine color classification, moisture content, bean sizing, and defect identification.
• Descriptive: Chart the sensory landscape, accurately pinpointing aromatic characteristics, flavor notes, and textural qualities.
• Affective: Assess coffee quality and market potential beyond personal preference, modeling the expectations of specific consumer segments.
• Extrinsic: Capture the value-adding “story” attributes including geographical origin, producer narrative, certifications, and sustainable practices.

Analyze Through Multiple Lenses: Develop heightened self-awareness to separate subjective taste from objective evaluation, recognizing how a coffee’s value shifts across different clientele and market segments.

Daily Breakdown of the Course

The curriculum unfolds over six intensive days, each dedicated to specific modules and skill assessments. Daily sessions run from 10:00 AM to approximately 6:00 PM.

Day 1: Building Your Foundation. Course orientation, essential cupping principles review, and comprehensive exploration of green coffee physical evaluation (CVA Physical Assessment).

Day 2: Mapping Sensory Profiles. Thorough examination of descriptive evaluation techniques (CVA Descriptive Assessment), perspective-shifting tastings, aroma recognition training, and fundamental taste identification tests. Initial practical examination on physical assessment.

Day 3: Sharpening Sensory Precision. Triangulation challenges to enhance discrimination abilities, roasting defect analysis, and initial practical examination on aroma identification.

Day 4: Understanding Perceived Quality. Deep dive into quality perception evaluation (CVA Affective Assessment), developing the ability to score coffees from varied market viewpoints. Practical examinations covering triangulation and descriptive assessment.

Day 5: Beyond the Cup. Examination of cup-transcending attributes (heritage, certification standards) and concentrated practical testing on roasting defects, basic tastes, and affective evaluation.

Day 6: Real-World Application and Final Opportunities. Integration of all acquired competencies through authentic market scenarios (Value Discovery). Dedicated session for second examination attempts for candidates requiring them.

IMPORTANT: Rigorous Examination Standard

The SCA Evolved Q Grader Program includes nine comprehensive examinations—eight practical assessments and one written exam—covering all required domains of professional competence. The program upholds an exceptional certification standard, with a strict policy that no examination retakes are permitted beyond the course week.

Each participant is allowed a maximum of three attempts per exam during the six-day program. Failure to pass any exam within three attempts requires full re-enrollment in the course to pursue certification.