*Once payment has been made, please also register for this class by creating a profile on The CQI website linked here*
CQI’s Q Coffee System is an internationally recognized program for evaluating cup quality based on a standardized system for Arabica coffee using protocols developed by the SCA. A Q Arabica Grader is a highly trained and calibrated coffee taster who evaluates coffee using SCA cupping standards and protocols.
People working in the coffee chain will participate in the Q Grader training and testing course. This course consists of two complementary concepts: the first is a 3-day theory and practice of all activities, which is followed up by a 3-day series of exams regarding the material presented. There are 19 different exams taken during the course. The purpose of the exams is to evaluate the cuppers in their overall cupping skills. The course includes various activities to test the cuppers’ skills in evaluating a coffee in a traditional cupping format, olfactory senses, green and roasted coffee grading, acid identification, basic cupping skills evaluations, triangulations, sensory skills tests, and roasted coffee tests.
The Q Arabica Grader Combo Training and Exams six-day course is rigorous and consequently some students find it difficult to pass all exam portions the first time through. The final day will allow participants to retake certain tests as needed in hopes of completing the certification.
About the venue:
This course will be held at Pacific Coffee Research, which is on an active farm in Hawai’i. All students will receive directions for preventing the spread of coffee leaf rust when on the property for this course. If you have any questions about these protocols before registering, please reach out to Madeleine for more information at [email protected]. We look forward to hosting you!
About the instructor:
Hola! I’m Sandra Elisa Loofbourow, a certified Q Instructor through CQI, a seasoned green buyer, roaster, barista, and published author. I was a founding Director of The Crown: Royal Coffee Lab & Tasting Room, and am co-host of the bilingual podcast Cafetera Intelectual. Through Loupe Coffee Consulting, I’m working to build a sustainable, ethical, and quality-focused coffee supply chain.
Refund Policy:
The Q Arabica Grader Course requires a minimum number of seats in order to be held, therefore canceling the course prevents other students from attending. Cancellations made more than 60 days before the course start date are eligible for a refund. Cancellations made between 15 and 60 days before the course may receive a 25% refund or can apply their registration fee to a future course. Cancellations made less than 15 days before the course are not eligible for a refund.
Payment plans are available, please reach out via email to make arrangements: [email protected]
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