Becoming Q Grader

[ErichRosenberg]

Hello-

What is the quickest/more cost effective/easiest(not skimping on the work, just efficient) way to become Q grader?

I live in Denver, looking to get certified this year. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

-erich

[coffeetaster]

Hi Erich
#1 - Study the materials to know cupping and grading protocols. Know the SCAA form and be aware of triangle tests.
#2 - CUP as much as possible with a trainined cupper or Q cupper to be sure your scores and evalautations are good.
#3 - train on the aroma vials for idendification
#4 - scheudle to take the Q-grader test at a convenient location. Be prepared to schedule re-takes as necessary.

I hope this helps.

Spencer

[nick]

Spencer's advice is good. Some more advice:

1) Get ahold of a Le Nez du Cafe (full) set and study them, correlating the smells with what they are (supposed to be). Give special attention to those which are similar (honey, caramel, vanilla... rubber, medicinal, etc.).

2) Get an SCAA Defect handbook and study it. The defect test is open-book, but it helps to familiarize yourself with the defect classifications.

3) Read this: http://portafilter.net/?p=722

Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

[ErichRosenberg]

Thanks for taking the time and the good tips-have a great day

[Andrew Hetzel]

Maybe a little late for the original poster, but I don't think that you're alone in looking for this information, so I added an article to my blog that gives a description of each Q Grader test and makes suggestions on how best to prepare.

You can read it here: How to Study for a Q-Grader Exam

Hope that this helps!

Andrew