The Evolved Q Grader Program: 7 Changes Canadian Coffee Professionals Need to Know

The Q Grader program, one of the most widely recognized credentials in specialty coffee, is entering a new chapter under the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). These changes will have a direct impact on green buyers, roasters, quality control managers, and seasoned enthusiasts who depend on the Q system for consistent evaluation standards. While the structure of the course is changing, the heart of the program remains: developing skilled tasters who can assess coffee with accuracy and communicate value effectively.

The good news for current Q Graders is that your credential will not be lost in the shuffle. A dedicated two-day CVA for Cuppers conversion course  will allow you to update your certification and keep it active. But there are deadlines, and missing them means starting over. Here’s what you need to know about the transition, the new course format, and how to prepare—especially if you’re based in Canada.

From the Old to the Evolved: What’s Changing

Under the old system, the Q Grader course ran for six days, usually divided into three days of training followed by three days of exams. Each exam was siloed, and the system was heavily score-centric, built around the familiar 100-point scale. Candidates were tested on triangulation, olfactory identification, and their ability to grade green and roasted coffee samples, among other tasks.

The Evolved Q Grader Course, which launches under the SCA’s management on October 1, 2025, brings a different rhythm. It runs as a continuous six-day block (ours has a 1-day break built into the middle of the course), with training and assessment woven together. Rather than focusing solely on scoring, the new program places the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) at the center. This framework encourages graders to think beyond numbers and instead connect sensory results to the coffee’s context, intended use, and overall market value.

Seven Key Changes Every Grader Should Know

1. SCA Takes Full Ownership

On October 1, 2025, the SCA officially assumes full responsibility for the Q Grader program. The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), which created and managed the program for years, will no longer oversee courses, exams, or records. Going forward, all registration, renewals, and records will be handled exclusively through SCA systems. For Canadian professionals, this means adjusting to SCA’s platforms and support channels for all Q-related matters.

2. Conversion Course Deadline

If you already hold a Q Arabica or Q Robusta license, you must complete the two-day CVA for Cuppers Conversion Course by December 31, 2025. This short but essential course updates your credential to the evolved framework, allowing you to keep your Q status active. Missing the deadline will mean starting fresh with the full six-day course, regardless of your past experience.

3. A New Six-Day Evolved Course

Beginning October 1, 2025, the six-day Evolved Q Course becomes available. This course integrates learning, calibration, and exams into a single block designed for experienced professionals. It is not entry-level; participants are expected to arrive already fluent in cupping practices, sensory vocabulary, and the basics of green and roast evaluation. If you need to strengthen your foundations, consider courses like SCA Sensory Skills before attempting Q.

4. Integration of the CVA Framework

The Coffee Value Assessment shifts the focus from simple scores to a more holistic view of coffee quality. Graders are now asked to consider flavor, physical integrity, and uniformity alongside extrinsic factors like intended use and buyer needs.

5. A Shift in Scoring Philosophy

The 100-point scale still exists, but it is no longer the centerpiece. Instead, graders are trained to use precise descriptors and provide recommendations tied to purpose. For example, rather than just calling a coffee “87,” a grader might describe it as “high-clarity washed Ethiopia with jasmine and lemon notes, light body—ideal for pour-overs but less suited for milk beverages.”

6. Venue Network Transition

All current Q Venues will migrate into the SCA Premier Training Campus network. While existing approvals remain valid until expiry, renewals and future applications will be managed under SCA’s criteria.

7. Options for Current Graders

If you’re already a Q Grader, you have two choices: complete the two-day conversion course by the end of 2025 or restart with the full evolved course beginning in 2026. For most working professionals, the conversion is the faster and more cost-effective path, preserving the value of your original investment while aligning your skills with the updated framework.

Two Tracks Forward

The transition creates two clear pathways depending on your status:

Track 1: Current or Lapsed Q Graders

If you already hold (or once held) a Q Arabica or Q Robusta license, you must complete the two-day CVA for Cuppers conversion course by December 31, 2025. This course updates your skills within the CVA framework and ensures your credential remains active. Miss the deadline, and you’ll have to start fresh with the full six-day course in 2026. For most, the conversion is the efficient and cost-effective choice.

Track 2: First-Time Candidates

If you’re new to Q, you’ll begin with the Evolved Q Grader Course, available from October 1, 2025. This six-day program is intensive and assumes you already have a strong sensory foundation. It’s designed to prepare professionals not only to taste accurately but also to communicate value in a buyer- and market-facing way. If you’re still building sensory confidence, consider SCA Sensory Skills courses or CVA for Cuppers first before attempting Q.

Preparing for the Transition in Canada

Canadian coffee professionals should act early. The CVA for Cuppers courses will be in high demand in late 2025, so securing your seat well in advance is critical. Once you’ve completed the conversion, make sure your certification is properly updated in SCA systems.

Beyond logistics, this is the time to sharpen the skills that matter most in the evolved framework. Practice describing coffees with buyer-facing language, not just scores. Familiarize yourself with the CVA forms and protocols, and develop confidence in making recommendations that take context and intended use into account.

Timeline at a Glance

• October 1, 2025: SCA assumes ownership of the Q Grader program; evolved course launches.
• December 31, 2025: Deadline for Q Arabica and Q Robusta graders to complete the two-day CVA for Cuppers Conversion Course.
• 2026 onward: Only the six-day Evolved Q Course is available for new or lapsed graders.
  
  

Why This Matters for the Industry

The updates reflect broader changes in specialty coffee. Buyers and roasters are no longer satisfied with a simple number score; they want a narrative that explains how a coffee fits into their program, their menu, or their blend. By embedding CVA into the Q Grader framework, the SCA ensures that Q Graders are equipped not only to taste accurately but also to communicate with clarity and purpose.

What You Should Do Next

• If you already hold a Q credential: Register for the CVA for Cuppers course now and aim to complete it before the year-end deadline. After finishing, verify that your records are updated in SCA systems and bring your team up to speed on the new terminology and expectations.
• If you’re new to Q: Join one of our upcoming Evolved Q Grader Courses available from October 2025.
  
  

Bottom line: Don’t wait. Convert before December 31, 2025, to keep your credential active—or start preparing now if you’re new to Q. The evolved program isn’t about erasing what you’ve already achieved—it’s about updating your skills to reflect how the industry evaluates coffee today.