How to Become a BBQ Judge

How to Become a Certified BBQ Judge

If you’ve ever stood in line at a BBQ competition, soaking in the aroma of hickory smoke and slow-cooked brisket, you’ve probably thought: “Man, I wish I could taste all this for free.” Good news—you can. Becoming a certified BBQ judge is not only possible, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to be part of the competitive barbecue world without firing up a smoker yourself.

Whether your interest is with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA), or the Rib Cookoff Association (RCOA), each organization has its own path to certification. Here’s how to get started.

Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)

The KCBS is the world’s largest competitive barbecue organization, sanctioning hundreds of events every year. Their judging program is well-structured and widely recognized.

Steps to Become a KCBS Certified BBQ Judge (CBJ):

1. Become a KCBS Member
   • Sign up at kcbs.us

2. Take the Certified BBQ Judge Class
   • Classes are held year-round at events across the country.
   • The course lasts about 4 hours and is taught by a KCBS Master Judge.
   • You’ll learn the rules, scoring system, and how to judge appearance, taste, and tenderness.
3. Start Judging
   • Once certified, you can sign up to judge at KCBS-sanctioned events.
   • After a certain number of contests, you can even work toward becoming a Master Judge.

Start here: Become a KCBS Judge

Steak Cookoff Association (SCA)

The SCA specializes in one thing: cooking the perfect steak. Their events are fast-paced, high-energy, and a bit more casual than full BBQ competitions.

Steps to Become an SCA Certified Judge:

1. Join the SCA
   • Membership info is available at steakcookoffs.com

2. Attend a Certified Judge Class
   • Classes usually take 2–3 hours and cover the judging system, steak doneness, taste expectations, and the official SCA scorecard.
3. Judge Your First Event
   • After certification, you’re eligible to judge any SCA-sanctioned contest worldwide.
   • Many events will have both steak and ancillary categories (like wings, burgers, or desserts), giving you even more variety.

Start here: Become an SCA Judge

Rib Cookoff Association (RCOA)

A newer player in the competitive BBQ scene, the Rib Cookoff Association focuses solely on ribs. If you love ribs (and who doesn’t?), this is the most specialized judging gig out there.

Steps to Become an RCOA Judge:

1. Sign Up for Membership
   • Visit www.ribcookoffassociation.com

2. Complete Judge Training
   • RCOA offers training either online or at events.
   • You’ll learn what makes a championship rib: bite-through texture, balanced flavor, and perfect tenderness.
3. Start Judging Rib-Only Competitions
   • Once trained, you can sit at the judging table at RCOA events.

Start here: Become an RCOA Judge

Becoming a BBQ judge isn’t just about free food (though that’s a nice perk). It’s about supporting competitive pitmasters, learning the craft, and being part of a passionate community that takes barbecue seriously.

Whether you’re judging brisket at a KCBS contest, a ribeye at an SCA showdown, or mouth watering ribs with the RCOA, you’ll gain a front-row seat to some of the best barbecue in the world.

So, bring your appetite, clear your calendar, and take that first step toward becoming a certified BBQ judge—you’ll never look at barbecue the same way again.