Calibration
A Q Grader certificate is valid for thirty-six (36) months from the first course. It may be extended for another 36 months by passing a calibration exam.
Calibration testing is a one-day (1 day) exercise conducted by a Q Instructor. Eighteen (18) coffees are cupped in three (3) separate groups of six (6) coffees each. Participants must pass two of three sets following Q Grader cupping skills exam protocols.
Q graders who fail calibration testing may retake the entire set of cupping tests only one additional time. If failing to pass a second round of cupping tests, they must complete a recertification exam (below) to return to active status.
Recertification
The Q Recertification Course is a two-day (2-day) program taught in the same manner as the full six-day (6-day) Q Grader course by a certified instructor.
Recertification consists of five (5) test exercises:
Sensory Skills Test – Parts I, II, and III
Cupping Skills Tests. Three cupping skills tests: (A reference sample will be provided to orient cuppers at the beginning of each session.)
- Country of Origin (Central America for consuming country graders)
- East Africa
- Indonesia
Triangulation Skills Test – Three triangulation tests
Olfactory Skills Test – Parts A, B, C, and D
The cupper must pass all tests to pass the Q Grader Recertification Course. Only one (1) exam retake is allowed for each test. A minimum of five (5) Q Graders are required for each cupping skill test.
Take the online practice course here to do your best!
A list of all calibration and recertification courses may be found here on CQI’s website. Choose the drop-down option under “type” for a short list of relevant results.