Q: Why are we making these changes?
A: Over the years, CQI has heard from the coffee industry and from Q graders about concerns with global inconsistencies in practice and in coffee grades. To address these inconsistencies in training, grading results and skill-based practices, CQI has evolved the Q System to include a Calibration.
Q: What are the benefits?
A: The Q Grader Certification has been a trusted system the industry for some time but has also received some valid criticisms. Many professional certifications and licenses used in the workplace require annual continuing education. The industry benefits from a scientifically based flavor calibration that can be applied consistently at the global scale, and the Q certificate holder is recognized and rewarded in the industry as having achieved a significant professional certificate one vital to the industry as a whole.
Q:What is a Flavor Calibration?
A: This year, CQI is launching a new tool-flavor standards- that will enable our Q Graders to not only train and calibrate on a coffees score, but build a global language of flavors. In this way, all Q Graders will understand and agree on 14 key coffee flavors that influence quality.
In a flavor calibration, all Q graders will be tested on a random 6 of the 14 CQI Flavor standards. They will be asked to identify 4 of the 6 flavors correctly to pass their flavor calibration.
Q: How do I stay in calibration?
A: Every three years, Q Graders will need to attend an in-person Coffee Calibration Course - this is what currently exists – that will now include flavor calibration.
Q: How do I learn the flavors if I did not take Q 5.0?
A: To prepare for the Flavor Calibration, you can train independently or choose to take a preparatory class to gain familiarity with the CQI Flavor Standards. CQI has already released classes which utilize and train on these flavor standards.
Q: What if I am dual-certified in Robusta and Arabica?
A: Flavor Calibration is not species specific; you will only calibrate once.
Q: I have special circumstances, what can I do?
A: As is always true, CQI will work with our community on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Education Coordinator Laura Ruleman at info@coffeeinstitute.org for further information.
Q: Where can I find more information about Flavor Calibration supplies?
A: Links to products and instructions on how to open an account are here.
