SCA Q-Grader Arabica

Course Type Course Type: SCA, CQI, Foundation, Intermediate, Professional

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SKU: SCA-Q-Grader-Arabica Category:
Description

Q-Grader

The Q-Grader Course is an advanced, six-day training program designed to license professional coffee evaluators in their use of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) system. This course is specifically for coffee professionals who already have prior experience in cupping, sensory assessment of roasted coffee, and the evaluation of green coffee.

Program Overview

✅ Understand and apply the SCA Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) system in cupping.

✅ Use 15-point intensity scales, CATA lists, and nine-point affective scales for sensory evaluation.

✅ Conduct Descriptive, Affective, and Extrinsic Assessments to evaluate coffee.

✅ Identify and utilize CVA sensory references to enhance tasting accuracy.

✅ Improve their ability to communicate coffee quality and value effectively.

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

✔ There are no formal prerequisites for this course, but it’s ideal for coffee professionals with prior experience in cupping, sensory assessment of roasted coffee, and green coffee evaluation. Learners should be familiar with the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) system and have a high level of sensory acuity to detect differences and describe coffee profiles accurately.

Course Delivery

  • This course can be delivered in-person.

Written Exam Information

  • Total Number of Questions on Online Written Exam: 30 (worth one point each)
  • Total Time Allowed for Online Written Exam: 32 minutes
  • Passing Score (Online Written Exam):80%

Practical Exam Information

Participants will complete 8 assessments in the following key areas:

  • sensory reference categorization component
  • descriptive assessment component (including both intensity and CATA elements)
  • affective assessment component
  • extrinsic assessment component.

Course Documents

The CVA for Cuppers Course Guide provides essential information on the SCA Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) system, helping cuppers integrate the new framework into their practice. This guide details CVA’s descriptive, affective, and extrinsic assessment tools, sensory references, and evaluation methodologies to enhance coffee quality assessment.

Click here to download the Coffee Value Assessment Course Guide

About Trainer

About Educator

Manson Chan is a seasoned coffee professional and an accomplished educator, recognized globally for his expertise in the coffee industry. As an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Trainer, Manson is qualified to teach across multiple tracks, including both the SCA Coffee Skills Program (CSP) and the SCA Coffee Technician Program (CTechP).

Within the SCA Coffee Skills Program (CSP), Manson offers a comprehensive range of courses. These include Barista Skills, Brewing, Green Coffee, Roasting, Sensory Skills, and Sustainability. Each course is available from Foundation to Professional levels, ensuring learners can progress through the entire spectrum of coffee education.

Additionally, Manson is a certified instructor for the SCA Coffee Technician Program (CTechP), which focuses on the technical aspects of coffee equipment maintenance and repair. The CTechP courses cover essential topics such as Electrical Foundation, Hydraulics Foundation, Water & Preventive Maintenance, Diagnostics & Repair, Water Treatment, and Advanced Equipment Support.

Moreover, Manson serves as a lecturer for the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), where he teaches quality evaluation classes. These CQI courses are designed to equip coffee professionals with the skills necessary for accurate coffee assessment, focusing on the key elements of quality evaluation in the coffee industry.

With students from around the globe, Manson’s teaching is renowned for its depth, practical insights, and commitment to quality. His passion for coffee education shines through in his ability to connect with learners at all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals, helping them achieve excellence in their coffee careers.

About SCA

About SCA

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a globally recognized nonprofit organization that represents thousands of coffee professionals from around the world, from producers to baristas all the way to roasters and coffee shop owners. Established to promote excellence in the coffee industry, the SCA focuses on fostering a global coffee community that promotes sustainability, education, and standards that help maintain the highest quality in specialty coffee.

The SCA offers a variety of educational programs and resources that are widely respected across the industry. These include the Coffee Skills Program (CSP), which covers all aspects of coffee from seed to cup, and the Coffee Technician Program (CTechP), which focuses on the technical skills required for coffee equipment maintenance and repair. These programs are designed to be comprehensive and cater to different levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

In addition to education, the SCA is known for setting industry standards, organizing events like the World Coffee Championships, and providing a platform for research and discussion on issues that affect the global coffee community. The association’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its initiatives that support responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship within the coffee industry.

The SCA’s mission is to engage, inspire, and expand the global specialty coffee community through a shared commitment to quality, knowledge, and sustainability. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a professional, the SCA offers valuable resources and a sense of community for those passionate about coffee.