CER
6569
Academy Course
Coffee Value Assessment — SCA
The Q-Grader's foundation course: sensory evaluation, scoring, and the language of specialty coffee.
Format
In person · Online
Duration
2 Days
Level
Standalone
Next Cohort
27–28 August 2026
What You'll Learn
Eight core competencies to master in this course.
1
Master the SCA Cupping Protocol: how to cup coffee professionally.
2
Understand flavour wheels: identify tasting notes with precision.
3
Score coffees using the SCA 100-point scale: defects, body, acidity, balance.
4
Train your palate: recognize faults and quality markers.
5
Communicate evaluations: written feedback that buyers, sellers, and drinkers understand.
6
Prepare for the Q-Grader exam: this course is the gateway to CQI certification.
7
Contribute to origin improvement: understand how feedback shapes sourcing and roasting.
8
Join the community of SCA-trained evaluators worldwide.
Who It's For
- Q-Grader aspirants: this is the foundation before CQI certification.
- Café professionals who want to evaluate their own coffee.
- Roasters and importers who score coffee for sourcing decisions.
- Specialty enthusiasts who want to taste coffee like a professional.
Prerequisites
- The Atelier Introduction to Coffee course recommended but not required.
- A developed palate: you've tasted multiple coffees and noticed differences.
- Willingness to be trained: scoring is a skill, and it takes practice.
The Instructor
Maryam Tabatabaei
Authorized SCA Premier Trainer · Q-Arabica GraderTaught by Maryam.
Maryam is an Authorized SCA Premier Trainer and a Q-Arabica Grader certified under the SCA Q Coffee System (formerly the Coffee Quality Institute) — one of the few practitioners in the United Arab Emirates who holds both credentials at once.
She placed fourth at the HB Best Batch Roasting Championship (Feb 2026), judged the UAE National Roasting Championship (Jan 2026), and presented at Gulfood 2026’s Specialty Coffee Stage. Cohorts in her studio are kept to six learners — closer to a master class than a campus.
“I will not teach you what to think about coffee. I will teach you how to taste it for yourself.”
SCA Authorized TrainerQ-Arabica Grader · SCAUAE Roasting Championship Judge4th · HB Best Batch RoastingGulfood 2026 · Specialty Stage
Frequently Asked
Is this the same as the CQI Q-Grader exam?
No. This is SCA CVA (Coffee Value Assessment). CQI Q-Grader is separate, offered through CQI, and follows similar but distinct protocols.
After this course, can I become a Q-Grader?
You'll be prepared to pursue CQI Q-Grader certification, but that's a separate exam administered by SCA · Q Coffee System (formerly CQI) in collaboration with SCA trainers.
Next Step