Fees range from $150 to $300 per sample, which includes the ICP administration fee, Q Grader fee and CQI fee ($90 administration fee). Please contact your ICP for fee information.

Roughly, Q Grading amounts to less than a penny a pound per lot. This estimate includes a number of variables, such as in-country Q Grading costs, the number of bags/lot, etc.

How does CQI define a lot of coffee?

A lot of coffee is 320 bags or less (i.e. equivalent to the maximum load on a transportation vessel). If your lot is larger, it must be divided to meet this requirement.

How is the 1-1.5 kilogram sample divided?

The sample is divided into three parts: 350 grams for green grading and roasting (one part), 250 grams for cupping only (two parts) and the remaining as a reference sample.

What if I cannot afford to have every lot Q graded?

We encourage everyone to use our Preliminary Assessment Tool, which vets coffee through a pre-screening process and only requires one Certified Q Grader, as opposed to three if it goes through the official system. If a coffee scores close to 80 or higher, it is recommended that you send it through the official Q Grading System, although we cannot guarantee that it will meet the minimum standards for specialty. However, if it does meet specialty standards, your coffee will receive an official Q Certificate.

How can I become a Q Grader?

To become a Q Grader, you must pass our Q Grader Certification Course. To find a Q Grader Certification Course in your area, contact your ICP or visit the Q Grader page.

How long will it take to receive the results of the coffee I submitted for grading?

Upon receipt of sample, payment and a completed registration form, the ICP Q Grading Coordinator agrees to schedule a grading within five business days at a qualified and designated lab. Please note that all materials must be turned in and filled out entirely to begin the grading process.

Why is there a licensing fee?

The licensing fee of $.01/lb is required in order to cover CQI's administrative services and is based on the entire volume of Q Coffees™ purchased by the Licensee.

After my sample is graded and I receive a Q Certificate (i.e. the coffee has scored 80 points or higher), what value does it have?

The Q Certificate signifies that this coffee is among some of the best in the world and can be deemed "specialty", following the standards of SCAA. The certificate provides feedback and cupper notes and information about specific attributes of the coffee. It also signifies an independent, third party evaluation of quality that clients can trust.