Over the weekend of April 25th, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) announced major changes to their training and certification programs. The biggest change: the Q Grader coffee course. To answer some of your questions and concerns, Thomas Ameloot of CoLabOps put together a Q&A to help you understand what’s happening and how to move forward with confidence.
What exactly is changing?
Effective October 1, 2025:
1. CQI will no longer own or manage the Q Grader and Quality Evaluation (QE) programs.
2. SCA will take full control of these programs, including a redesigned Q Grader coffee course, currently referred to as the “Evolved Q”.
3. It’s still unclear whether other QE courses will continue under the new system.
Why were these changes made?
CQI & SCA have stated that they’re partnering because they believe they can do more for coffee together. According to the CQI website, “CQI and SCA are working together to evolve the Q because we believe we can better serve the coffee industry through complementary roles, with SCA leading on quality evaluation and CQI leading in post-harvest processing education.”
With these changes, our focus at Royal New York and CoLabOps is to help you move forward with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What does this mean for the Q Grader Certification?
1. CQI will issue Q Grader licenses through September 2025 using the 2004 CQI Cupping Form.
2. This certification remains recognized and valuable across the coffee industry.
3. Graduates will receive a CQI Q Grader License valid for 3 years.
4. If you are a certified CQI Q Grader by October 1st, 2025, you are eligible to fast track your way into the “Evolved Q” by taking the 2-day CVA for Cuppers course before December 31, 2025.
5. If you are not a certified CQI Q Grader by October 1st or you do not take the CVA by December 31, you will need to take the new 6-day SCA “Evolved Q” to be recognized as an evolved Q Grader using the new SCA cupping form.
What if I want to become certified before the changes?
You still can! If you’d like to earn your CQI Q Grader license using the current system and cupping form, we highly recommend enrolling in our June Q Grader course.
We are also offering extra retake days after each Q course to help current students achieve their certifications in time.
What happens to my existing Q Grader license?
If you calibrate before October 1, 2025, then your license will remain valid for 3 years from your calibration date. Once it expires, you’ll need to complete the full “Evolved Q” course through SCA to maintain your certification.
As an existing CQI Q Grader, you can fast track your way to becoming an evolved Q Grader. To do this, you will need to complete the 2-day Coffee Value Assessment for Cuppers course before December 31, 2025.
Are Q Grader retakes still available?
Yes, but only through September 2025. After that, neither CQI nor SCA will offer extensions or retakes under the current system. We recommend joining our June Q Course with built-in flexibility—plan for an extra day in case additional coffee cuppings are needed.
What is the “CVA for Cuppers” course?
It’s a 2-day bridge course for those who complete the Q Grader Certification with CQI before October. If you take the CVA, you can “fast track” your way into the SCA’s new Q Certificate program without retaking a full 6-day course. We’re offering CVA courses throughout the year.
What courses are currently scheduled at the RNY Lab?
We’re Here to Help
We understand how disorienting these changes may feel. If you have questions, concerns, or need help determining next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is committed to supporting you during this transition.
