Who Are Q Graders and Where Do They Work in 2026?
6. Who Are Q Graders and Where Do They Work? Introduction Q Graders are the professionals who actually produce the scores buyers rely on — here's who they are and where you'll typically find them working. Why This...
Q Graders are licensed coffee professionals trained to evaluate coffee using a standardized framework. In 2026 the Q Grader Program is operated by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and is rooted in Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).
Where Q Graders work
Q Graders can work in independent laboratories, exporting companies, importing companies, roasteries, producing-country organizations, training institutions and consulting businesses. Their responsibilities may include sample evaluation, incoming quality control, supplier comparison, sensory calibration and buyer support.
What changed after 2025
CQI historically operated the Q Program and issued separate Q Arabica and Q Robusta/R-Grader credentials. Management moved to SCA on October 1, 2025.
The current SCA Q Grader license is not species-specific. Former Q Arabica and Q Robusta graders were eligible for transition into the updated program, but new learners now follow the unified SCA pathway.
Current training and license
SCA's Q Grader course runs for six consecutive days and includes nine assessments: eight practical assessments and one written exam. The license is valid for three years.
What this means for Fine Robusta
A Q Grader can evaluate Canephora, but buyers should still confirm the evaluator's actual experience with Fine Robusta. A unified license is not the same as deep species expertise.
When reviewing a lot, ask for the evaluation date, method, lot identity, evaluator and complete physical/sensory record.
Historical documents
Older documents may identify a professional as Q Robusta Grader or R-Grader. That can be valid historical information. It should be dated and not presented as the name of the current 2026 SCA credential.
OCC routing
Q Grader education is supporting content. Fine Robusta grading authority remains with OCC's registered grading Owner, with standards as the next verification layer.