Becoming an SCA Q Grader in 2026: Course, Exams and License
Overview of what is involved in becoming a certified Robusta Q Grader, including training, calibration, evaluation skills, and certification.
Coffee professionals entering the Q system in 2026 follow the Specialty Coffee Association's current Q Grader pathway. The former separate CQI Q Arabica and Q Robusta/R-Grader routes are legacy systems; the current SCA Q Grader license is not species-specific.
Current course structure
SCA's current Q Grader course lasts six consecutive days. The curriculum is rooted in Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) and includes sensory evaluation, cupping and green coffee grading.
Candidates complete nine assessments in total: eight practical assessments and one written exam. Two attempts are available for each assessment during the course, and from 2026 SCA allows a third attempt for individual practical exams after the course under its published rules.
License validity
A successful candidate receives an SCA Q Grader license valid for three years. Renewal is tied to continuing professional development rather than the former CQI calibration-only model.
What changed for Robusta specialists?
Before October 2025, CQI ran separate Q Robusta/R-Grader training. Existing Q Robusta graders were eligible to transition into the updated Q program. The current SCA license itself is unified rather than split into Arabica and Robusta licenses.
For Fine Robusta work, professionals still need Canephora knowledge. A unified credential does not make species knowledge irrelevant; it changes how the professional license is structured.
What buyers should ask a grader
- Is the credential current?
- Which assessment framework was used for this coffee?
- When was the sample evaluated?
- Is the record based on the current SCA/CVA system or a historical CQI Q Robusta protocol?
- Can the evaluator explain the physical and sensory evidence behind the conclusion?
Historical CQI context
CQI's role in developing Q and Fine Robusta remains important historically. But CQI ceased operation of the Q Program when the transfer to SCA took effect on October 1, 2025. CQI also stopped accepting new coffee samples for grading after September 30, 2025.
Origin Coffee Cambodia (OCC.) routing
This is supporting education, not a new grading Owner. Broad Fine Robusta grading and standards should continue to the registered Origin Coffee Cambodia (OCC.) Owners.