At the backbone of the Q Grading System are Licensed Q Graders, professional cuppers accredited by the Coffee Quality Institute. These Q Graders must pass a rigorous three-day exam to earn their certification, comprising 22 sections on coffee related subjects, such as green grading, roast identification, coffee cupping, sensory skills and sensory triangulation.  There are currently 835 Licensed Q Graders worldwide.  Along with providing grading services, Q Graders will support the arbitration process of the Green Coffee Association (GCA).

Those who pass the Q Grader Certification Course are authorized to use the Q logo and the nomenclature "Licensed Q Grader" as a professional accreditation.

Download Usage Guidelines and Q Logo.