What is a Q Grader?
Certified Q Graders are professionals skilled in sensory evaluation of green coffee, and are employed throughout the industry.
The Q Program is a tool of the trade, bringing specialised skills to coffee professionals around the world. By setting global expectations, CQI helps both buyers and sellers benefit through a shared understanding of quality coffee.
Who is the Instructor?
This course will be spearheaded by Mr Shaun Ong. Shaun is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the coffee industry. He has experience across the whole coffee value chain, starting his career as a barista and now working with producers in South East Asia to improve coffee quality. He has extensive experience in SE Asian green coffees and has judged in numerous green coffee competitions with great interest in South East Asian Fine Robustas. Shaun is also an SCA AST, a SCA CVA Ambassador and a CQI Q Arabica Instructor. Learn more about Shaun here.
Program Itinerary
1) Introduction to CQI Cupping
Course Date: 18 - 19 September 2024
Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Description:
In this 2-day introductory class, attendees will learn the fundamental mechanics of olfaction (Fragrance & Aroma), gustation (Flavor & Aftertaste), taction (Body & Mouthfeel) and aroma memory recall. They will apply these fundamental mechanics while learning how to compare and describe coffee attributes. They will be taught how to determine the proper weights and measures of a cupping bowl and to set up a cupping table. We will cup multiple flights of coffee and calibrate our evaluations.
An attendee actively participating in this class will know how to properly set up and conduct cuppings with globally recognized protocols. They will also begin to learn the common language of coffee quality descriptors and ways to continue increasing their knowledge and usage.
Note: This 2-day class is optional. Anyone who possess sufficient coffee knowledge and experience can proceed directly to the Q-Arabica Combo Training & Examination
2) Q Arabica Combo Training & Examination
Course Date: 20 - 25 September 2024
Hours: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Description: The Q Arabica Combo course consists of two (2) corresponding parts that take place over six (6) days. For the first 3 days, learners review assumed knowledge and theoretical principles, including practice of all activities. The second part is a 3-day series of exams regarding the material presented. The course includes 20 exams over 9 Modules to test the learners’ job-relevant skills including cupping protocols, olfactory and gustatory senses, green coffee defect identification, roast sample level identification and matching pairs of coffee acids.
Participants who pass all exams earn a Q Arabica Grader certificate valid for thirty-six (36) months.
3) Q Grader Calibration
Course Date: 26 September 2024
Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Description: This course is open to existing Q-graders who wish to revalidate their license. Q Graders must calibrate with each other every three years in order to test their abilities to accurately evaluate coffee quality based on their gained experience, knowledge, and standards/protocols learned in Q training. It is mandatory for all Q Graders to participate in calibration if they wish to remain active as a Q Grader in good standing.
The window for calibrating is six months before, up to six months after, the date of the Q Arabica license’s expiration
The calibration consists of three cupping flights, (or tables- 6 samples each) of coffees with distinct attributes. The sessions include one of Washed Milds, one of Naturals and one of either Africa or Asia. All Q Graders must be in calibration and pass two of the three flights in order to renew their certifications and continue as Certified Q Graders. Upon passing, the Q Grader certification will remain valid for another 36 months, starting from the day of the calibration course.
Course Venue:
PUSAT LATIHAN EMERY SCHOOL OF COFFEE
33, JALAN PUTRA MAHKOTA 7/6B,
PUTRA POINT BUSINESS CENTRE
47650 SUBANG JAYA, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Terms & Conditions for HRDC claims:
1) All claims will incur an additional 5% surcharge of service & administrative fees.
2) Grant approval must be obtained prior to course commencement.
For further enquiries, please email us at esc@emery.coffee / emeryschoolofcoffee@gmail.com
