PNWBA Certified BBQ Judge Classes

Looking to taste some of the best BBQ you've ever had? Join our group of certified judges to be eligible to judge BBQ and a PNWBA sanctioned event. To become a certified judge, just attend on of our judging classes provided by PNWBA every year. Our classes are just a one-day event, where you can learn the following:

  • Learn about history of BBQ and competition BBQ.
  • Learn about the different competition meats turned in
  • Learn how to score an appearance of an entry
  • Learn how to score the texture of an entry
  • Learn how to score the taste of an entry
  • Learn how to provide constructive comments for entries to help assist teams in understanding how it was scored in order to improve.
  • Learn scoring procedures
  • Evaluate sample entries to simulate an actual event


Upcoming Judging Classes

Interested in becoming a Certified PNWBA BBQ Judge? 

You can add your name to the general notification list for upcoming judging classes by adding your name to the list to the PNWBA CERTIFIED BBQ JUDGE CLASS NOTIFICATION AND WAIT LIST.

If you would like more information about judging classes and potential schedule or locations, click the button below to send an email to our training committee.


The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (PNWBA) offers classes throughout the year to grow our community of certified BBQ judges. But we can’t do it without your support!

We’re Looking for Class Locations and Volunteers!

If you know of a great location or want to help with our classes, here’s what we’re looking for:

Pitmaster Class Requirements:

  • Outdoor space suitable for setting up cooking equipment.
  • Amenities like power, water, and preferably a kitchen.
  • Room for a classroom-style setup (this could be a parking lot, private property, restaurant, or commercial location).
  • Teams needed to teach, assist, and cook for the class, along with additional helpers.

Judging Class Requirements:

  • Indoor space with seating for 30 people (5-6 tables seating 6 each).
  • Power for audio/visual equipment.
  • Areas for turn-in box preparation, a kitchen, and an ideal judging setup.
  • Experienced teams, table captains, and judges needed to assist with the class.

General Requirements for Both Classes:

  • Restroom facilities.
  • Dumpster access.
  • Availability of the location from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How You Can Help:

  • Recommend a suitable location.
  • Volunteer as a cooking team or helper.
  • Join the effort to make these classes a success.

If you can help or have a recommendation, email us with the details. We’ll get in touch to discuss the next steps. Thank you for supporting the PNWBA!


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