Call for Sponsors

The AFCA Chapter in Ethiopia is calling for sponsors to host two Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) coffee quality evaluation courses. In partnership with Co Qua Lab, AFCA aims to provide 30 scholarships (12 students per course, plus six student retakes) to Ethiopian coffee professionals seeking to improve their coffee quality evaluation skills and achieve their Q Grader certificates.

In addition, we are seeking sponsorship of an international Q Instructor to support the evaluation of Ansha Yassin, who is aspiring to become Africa’s third Q Instructor. Ansha is currently a Q Assistant Instructor, and requires a final review by a fellow Q Instructor to finalize her instructorship.

The Courses

Q Arabica Combo Course

This course consists of two corresponding parts over six days. In the first part, over three days, learners review assumed knowledge and theoretical principles, including practice of all activities. The second part is a three-day series of exams regarding the material presented. The course includes 20 exams over 9 modules to test the learners’ job-relevant skills including cupping protocols, olfactory and gustatory senses, green and roasted grading, organic acid identification, triangulation skills, roast sample level identification, coffee processing evaluation, and general coffee value chain knowledge. Testing also includes recognizing and recalling CQI Flavor Standards in aqueous solutions.

This course targets coffee quality professionals who are aiming to obtain their Q Grader certificate for the first time, former Q Graders whose certificates have lapsed, or those needing to take retakes (i.e., specific exams retakes only).

Q Cupping Essentials:

In QCE, novice cuppers will expand the depth of their knowledge of the cupping form. The course goes into detail on each section exploring the how and why of the cupping form. Each box on the cupping form will be explored theoretically and experienced practically via multiple methodologies using coffee as well as other sensory tools. Cuppers earning their Q Cupping Essential certificate will be able to cup consistent with the CQI protocols and procedures and demonstrate a working understanding of the cupping form.

This course targets aspiring coffee professionals such as children of coffee farmers or exporters, students or other youth looking to develop or sharpen their coffee quality evaluation skills.