Q Grader

Q Grader Training

The Q Grader program is a prestigious certification for coffee industry professionals, focused on sensory analysis and green coffee evaluation.
The training is designed for individuals with prior experience in cupping, sensory analysis, and green coffee assessment.
This intensive six-day course teaches participants how to conduct detailed and specialized coffee evaluation — from physical analysis and sensory profiling to quality assessment and documentation of external attributes.
The program offers a unique opportunity for comprehensive sensory skill development and advanced professional training.
Graduates earn the globally recognized Q Grader certification — a symbol of expertise and professionalism respected throughout the international coffee supply chain.

Q Grader Training
What will you learn?

Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)
You will learn the fundamental theoretical concepts behind CVA and how to apply them in professional practice.
Nauczysz się kompleksowo analizować kawę, przeprowadzając cztery testy CVA:
- Physical: analiza zielonej kawy, pomiar wilgotności, klasyfikacja koloru, wielkości ziaren oraz defektów.
- Descriptive: przygotowanie profilu sensorycznego, identyfikacja atrybutów sensorycznych.
- Affective: ocena jakości i potencjału kawy, nie tylko według własnych preferencji, ale także z perspektywy różnych rynków kawy.
- Extrinsic: dokumentacja atrybutów zewnętrznych, które również budują wartość kawy,
You will further develop your sensory perception and precision, learning how to effectively identify subtle differences between coffee samples.
You will learn how to match coffees to market needs by consciously connecting sensory profiles with the expectations of different customer groups and market segments.

Q Grader Training
Course Program

The course is divided into 6 intensive days, each combining theoretical and practical sessions as well as examinations.

Day 1
Course introduction.
cupping preparation standards,
green coffee physical evaluation
— CVA Physical Assessment.
Day 2
descriptive testing — CVA Descriptive Assessment,
descriptive evaluation from different perspectives,
aroma identification and basic taste recognition training,
examination: green coffee physical evaluation.
Day 3
discrimination tests,
roasting defects,
triangle tests,
examination: olfactory references.
Day 4
affective evaluation — CVA Affective Assessment, 
training in evaluating coffee quality from the perspective of different coffee markets,
examinations: triangle test, CVA Descriptive Assessment.
Day 5
analysis of external attributes
— CVA Extrinsic Assessment,
examinations: roasting defects, basic tastes, CVA Affective Assessment.
Day 6
summary exercises,
applying acquired skills
to different market scenarios,
theoretical examination,
retake session.

Download the full course program →

Q GRADER
Examinations

The course includes 9 examinations (8 practical and 1 written), covering all key areas of knowledge and practical skills.

Each participant is allowed a maximum of two attempts for each examination during the course.

Q GRADER
Course Information

Duration:
48 hours (6 days)

Number of participants:
6–12 participants

Price including certification: PLN 5900 net

Date and location:
Warsaw, September 14–19.

View the course schedule! →

Customer reviews

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I highly recommend Marta Niwińska as an experienced coffee trainer to anyone who would like to deepen their knowledge of coffee or obtain formal SCA certificates. I had the opportunity to complete several SCA modules that Marta conducted for our team over the past few years. Thanks to her knowledge, practical experience and deep understanding of the subject, we were able to gain many new skills and valuable theoretical insights. I really appreciated Marta’s teaching style-relaxed, yet meticulous, with great attention to the small details that are crucial in preparing excellent coffee.

– Daniel Alavi, Beverages Group Product Manager, Nestle Professional

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Marta Niwińska is not only a specialist in her field, but above all an excellent trainer. I would wish for this level of preparation, diligence, commitment and methodology from every trainer. In addition, the entire training took place in an incredibly friendly, passionate and open atmosphere. It is also worth emphasising that contact with Marta does not end in the training room - you can count on her support even after the course has finished.

– Piotr Młotkowski, HR Manager, Tchibo Warszawa Sp. z o.o.

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Marta Niwińska has extensive knowledge in the areas in which she delivers training. She is highly professional, helpful and well-organised, and conducts her courses according to the planned agenda. Both in the theoretical and practical parts, she explains the material in a clear and enjoyable way. Contact with Marta before, during and after the course is a pure pleasure.

– Arkadiusz Domurad, Lavazza Away From Home Sales Manager in Poland

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I had the pleasure of taking part in the Sensory Skills Intermediate course organised by Beans and Grapes. It was a demanding yet extremely valuable experience, allowing participants to go deeper into the world of coffee sensory analysis.
The training was delivered at a very high level - the trainer demonstrated extensive knowledge, excellent preparation and the ability to communicate complex content in an engaging and understandable way.
This is a course that not only broadens knowledge, but also teaches attentiveness in the analysis of aromas, flavours and textures. For anyone who wants to consciously develop their sensory skills - it is definitely worthwhile.

– Karolina Kiszka, Marketing & Business Development Manager w Segafredo Zanetti Poland

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I have participated in several of Marta Niwińska’s coffee courses, organised according to SCA standards, and I must say that, in addition to her extensive knowledge, she also has a highly professional approach to participants. She not only prepares the exercises efficiently, but also has a broad range of soft skills, which make her lectures accessible, clear and engaging. I will gladly return to Marta to learn new things.

– Adrian Matuszewski, Costa Coffee brand ambassador & Master of Barista Training

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Szkolenia brewing i sensory skills z Martą Niwińską były dla mnie kluczem do rozwoju kawowego w momencie, gdy czułem największą stagnację. Szkolenia zawsze byly profesjonalnie i skrupulatnie przygotowane, wiedza przekazywana z zaangażowaniem i w przystępny sposób, a praca wykonana na ich podstawie procentuje do dzisiaj – od codziennej pracy za barem, przez ustalanie receptur naparów, kontrolę jakości w palarni, po przygotowania do startów w mistrzostwach Polski i Świata.

– Piotr Nowak, Mistrz Polski Brewers Cup 2025, Head Roaster, Praska Kawy Palarnia

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SCA courses conducted by Marta Niwińska are professionally prepared trainings of the highest standard. Taking part in them contributed significantly to the development of my career and to achieving important professional milestones. As an experienced AST instructor, Marta combines extensive knowledge that goes beyond the course programme with patience and the ability to communicate information effectively. Her work ethic, high level of competence and commitment make these courses a real support for professional development in the coffee industry.

– Mateusz Derkacz, World Coffee Roasters vice Champ ‘24 , Współwłaściciel palarni Trigger

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Współpraca z Martą to czysta przyjemność! Dzięki jej niesamowitej energii, dbałości o każdy detal i ogromnej pasji do edukacji, strefy edukacyjne podczas mistrzostw SCA Polska stały się miejscem prawdziwego rozwoju i inspiracji dla naszej społeczności. Marta potrafi łączyć wiedzę ekspertów z Polski i świata, tworząc wydarzenia, które zostają z uczestnikami na długo. Jestem pełen uznania dla jej pracy i z całego serca polecam ją jako profesjonalistkę i wspaniałą partnerkę do współpracy.

– Katarzyna Zyzało-Moczydłowska, National Coordinator SCA Polska