The Evolved Q Grader course is the most advanced training and certification path in the coffee world, designed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to qualify the most experienced professionals in the art of coffee evaluation. Over six intensive days you'll refine your theoretical understanding and practical application of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), the most complete and modern evaluation system in the industry.
This is not a course for beginners: it's aimed at professionals with solid experience in cupping, sensory evaluation and green coffee analysis. Through theory lessons, practical activities and exams you'll learn to identify and document every attribute of the coffee and, by passing all the exams, earn your Evolved Q Grader licence.
Upcoming dates
What you'll learn
- 1Day 1 — The foundations — an introduction to the course, a review of the key cupping concepts and the physical evaluation of green coffee (CVA Physical Assessment).
- 2Day 2 — Descriptive assessment — a deeper look at descriptive assessment (CVA Descriptive Assessment), multi-perspective tasting, aroma identification and the first practical exam on physical assessment.
- 3Day 3 — Discrimination tests and problems — triangulation exercises to sharpen sensory discrimination, an analysis of roast defects and the first practical exam on aromas.
- 4Day 4 — Affective assessment — evaluating perceived quality (CVA Affective Assessment) from different market perspectives, and practical exams on triangulation and descriptive assessment.
- 5Day 5 — Extrinsic assessment and final exams — analysing attributes beyond the cup (story, certifications) and an intensive session of practical exams on roast defects, basic tastes and affective assessment.
- 6Day 6 — Value Discovery and resit exams — applying all the skills to real market scenarios (Value Discovery) and second attempts for anyone who didn't pass the exams on the first try.
Who it's for
For coffee professionals with solid experience in cupping, sensory evaluation and green coffee analysis. This is not a course for beginners.
What's included
- Hands-on private training (one-to-one)
- Course materials and recipes to take home
- Coffee and professional equipment during the practice sessions
- Certificate and access to the SCA · Evolved Q Grader certification exam
FAQ
How long is the course?
It's an intensive 6-day path, 48 hours in total, combining theory, practice and exams.
How is the English course delivered?
English training is one-to-one and on request, tailored to your level and schedule, with custom pricing. Get in touch to arrange it.
Do I need experience to enrol?
Yes: this is not a course for beginners. It's aimed at professionals with solid experience in cupping, sensory evaluation and green coffee analysis.
How do the exams work?
There are 9 exams (8 practical and 1 written): each student has at most two attempts per exam during the week, with no later retakes; if you don't pass an exam after the second attempt, you have to repeat the entire course.
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Why choose Coffee Training Academy
Instructors with real field experience
Our trainers are professionals active in specialty coffee: every lesson is enriched with real-world practice, stories and concrete solutions for the job.
Tailored paths
Every student has different needs: we adapt the training to your goals, for more effective and focused learning.
State-of-the-art facility
We invest in modern equipment and technology: you train with the same tools as a high-level roastery or coffee shop.
Recognised certifications
Our certifications are a passport for work: international bodies (SCA, LAGS) recognised worldwide.