SCA Q Grader course · Los Angeles Six days, nine assessments. One license.
The SCA Q Grader course is six consecutive days of sensory evaluation, cupping, green coffee grading and the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), with nine assessments that lead to the SCA Q Grader License. It’s designed for coffee professionals in quality control, sourcing and roasting. We teach it at Soro Coffee, 601 Wilshire Blvd in downtown Los Angeles, in English or Korean — taught by Rock Kim, an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST) and licensed Q Instructor.
At a glance
- Length
- Six consecutive days
- Covers
- Sensory evaluation, cupping, green coffee grading and the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)
- Exams
- Nine — eight practical and one written
- License
- SCA Q Grader License, valid for three years
- Renewal
- Continued professional development every three years — no need to retake the six-day course
- For
- Quality control, sourcing and roasting professionals with cupping and CVA experience. No formal prerequisites.
- Taught by
- Rock Kim, an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST) and licensed Q Instructor
- Language
- English or Korean
- Where
- Soro Coffee, 601 Wilshire Blvd, downtown Los Angeles
The nine assessments
Eight practical, one written.
Pass all nine to earn the SCA Q Grader License.
01
Practical exams
Eight practical exams, listed here by their SCA names:
- Cupping Skills
- Physical Assessment (green grading)
- Roasting Problems
- Descriptive Assessment
- Affective Assessment
- Olfactory Category Examples
- Triangulation
- Main Taste Solutions
02
Written exam
One written exam, focused mainly on the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).
03
Retakes
Two attempts at each assessment during the course. From 2026, a third attempt at individual practical exams after the course.
Questions
Good to know
Who is the Q Grader course for?
Coffee professionals in quality control, sourcing and roasting who already have cupping, sensory and CVA experience. If you’re earlier in your coffee career, the SCA points you to Sensory Skills or Introduction to Coffee first — we teach both at Soro.
Do I need any prerequisites?
There are no formal prerequisites. To prepare, the SCA suggests CVA for Cuppers, Green Coffee Foundation or Intermediate, and Sensory Skills Foundation or Intermediate. Of these, we teach Sensory Skills at Soro.
What are the exams?
Nine assessments: eight practical and one written. The practical exams are Cupping Skills, Physical Assessment (green grading), Roasting Problems, Descriptive Assessment, Affective Assessment, Olfactory Category Examples, Triangulation and Main Taste Solutions. The written exam focuses mainly on the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).
What if I don’t pass an exam?
You get two attempts at each assessment during the course. From 2026, you can also take a third attempt at individual practical exams after the course.
How long is the license valid, and how do I renew it?
The SCA Q Grader License is valid for three years. You renew it through continued professional development every three years — there’s no need to retake the full six-day course.
Can I take the Q Grader course in Korean?
Yes — instruction can be in Korean or English; ask us about the assessments when you inquire. For details in Korean, see our Korean-language page (한국어).
Where is the course held?
At Soro Coffee, 601 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017, in downtown Los Angeles.
Next step
Ask about the next course
Send an inquiry and we’ll get back to you by email. Class dates are set based on demand. Or email education@sorocoffee.com.
More SCA courses at Soro