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 of all activities (Pre-Q), which is followed up by a 3-day series of exams. The course is comprised of 20 different exams. The purpose of the exams is to evaluate coffee professionals 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 coffee grading, acid identification, basic cupping skill evaluations, sensory skills tests, and roasted coffee tests. Upon completion of the course, and with passing grades, the students may receive a Q Grader certificate, valid for 36 months.

The Q Arabica Grader Training and Exams 6-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.