Maryam
Tabatabaei
Home Courses
Courses
Chapter I · Origin
I·01 Introduction to Coffee
Chapter II · Barista
II·01 SCA Barista Skills — Foundation II·02 SCA Barista Skills — Intermediate II·03 Barista Skills — Professional
Brewing
II·04 Brewing Skills — Foundation II·05 Brewing Skills — Intermediate II·06 Brewing Skills — Professional
Roasting
II·07 SCA Coffee Roasting — Foundation
Green Coffee
II·08Green Coffee — FoundationII·09Green Coffee — IntermediateII·10Green Coffee — Professional
Water & Maintenance
II·11Water & Maintenance
Chapter III · Certification
III·01 Coffee Value Assessment — SCA III·02 Q Arabica Grader — Intensive Preparation
CER
6530
Academy Course

Q Arabica Grader — Intensive Preparation

The path to CQI Q-Grader certification: advanced sensory training, exam preparation, and professional credentialing.

Standalone
Next cohort: On request · Custom scheduling
WhatsApp Enrol
Format
In person · Online
Duration
6 Weeks
Level
Standalone
Next Cohort
TBA

What You'll Learn

Eight core competencies to master in this course.
1
Master advanced cupping: speed, accuracy, consistency across multiple sessions.
2
Develop professional-grade sensory skills: detecting subtle faults, identifying origin character.
3
Understand coffee agronomy & processing: how they affect the final cup.
4
Learn the CQI Q-Grader exam format: structure, scoring, pass requirements.
5
Achieve and maintain CQI certification: world-recognized credential.
6
Position yourself for roles in sourcing, quality control, and specialty coffee leadership.
7
Join Dubai's elite Q-Graders — fewer than a dozen in the region.
8
Build a professional identity as a coffee expert recognized globally.

Course Syllabus

Day-by-day breakdown of topics, timings, and deliverables.
Weeks 1–2
In-Person Intensive

Foundations & Advanced Cupping

09:00
Welcome & Overview

The Q-Grader path. Timeline. Exam dates. CQI requirements.

10:00
Advanced SCA Cupping Protocol

Beyond Foundation: refinements, precision, professional standard.

11:00
Daily Cuppings (5 sessions × 2 weeks)

Real coffees from diverse origins. You cup, score, write, compare.

Daily
Palate Training

Identifying subtle notes, defect recognition, origin character.

Evenings
Study & Homework

CQI resources, agronomy, processing methods, written assignments.

Weeks 3–5
Remote + Monthly Sessions

Self-Study & Practice Exams

Online
CQI Course Material

Agronomy, processing, grading protocols — self-paced study.

2 x per week
Practice Cuppings (Remote Support)

You cup locally; submit notes & scores for Maryam's feedback.

Monthly
In-Person Session

Intensive cupping day. Mock exams. Direct feedback.

Ongoing
Written Assignments

Reports, observations, professional documentation.

Week 6
Final Prep & Exam

Exam Readiness & Certification

Days 1–3
Final Intensive Cupping

Three days of advanced cuppings under exam-like conditions.

Day 4
CQI Q-Grader Exam

The official exam. Cupping protocol, sensory evaluation, written assessment.

Exam
Post-Exam
Debrief & Next Steps

Results, certification process, maintaining Q-Grader status.

Who It's For

  • SCA CVA completers ready for the next level of professional certification.
  • Coffee professionals pursuing Q-Grader credentials for career advancement.
  • Roasters, importers, and café owners building expert teams.
  • Serious enthusiasts committed to mastery at the highest level.

Prerequisites

  • SCA CVA (Coffee Value Assessment) completion highly recommended.
  • Significant cupping experience — at least 20 cuppings prior.
  • CQI membership (arranged as part of enrollment).
  • Commitment to 6 weeks of intensive study and practice.
The Instructor
Maryam Tabatabaei
Authorized SCA Premier Trainer · Q-Arabica Grader

Taught 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 Trainer Q-Arabica Grader · SCA UAE Roasting Championship Judge 4th · HB Best Batch Roasting Gulfood 2026 · Specialty Stage

Frequently Asked

What is CQI and how is it different from SCA?
CQI (Coffee Quality Institute) governs the Q-Grader certification. SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) and CQI collaborate. Q-Grader is the global gold standard for sensory evaluation.
What's the pass rate on the CQI exam?
Typically 60–70%. It's rigorous. Proper preparation with Maryam significantly improves outcomes.
How long is Q-Grader certification valid?
Three years. You'll need to recertify or maintain your status through continued practice and updates.
Next Step

Become certified. Become recognized. Lead the specialty coffee conversation.

WhatsApp Enrol