KCBS Judging Certification

Elevate your BBQ game at the 2025 IBA Spring Training, a one-of-a-kind event packed with hands-on learning, exclusive insights, and mouthwatering flavors. Whether you dream of becoming Barbecue Grand Champion or a certified KCBS judge, this event has something for everyone.

The first ten ticket purchasers for the KCBS Judges certification or Harry Soo Competition workshop experience are guaranteed an opportunity to judge an IBA Event in 2025.

This ticket is only for the KCBS judging certification.

KCBS Judging Certification ($89): Attend the KCBS Judges Training and receive your CBJ certification. Step into the world of competitive BBQ with KCBS Judges Training. Gain expert knowledge on how to evaluate world-class barbecue as you taste, critique, and score example boxes. By the end of the 4-hour session, you’ll be certified as a KCBS BBQ judge, qualified to judge competitions across the USA! Please note, in order to register for a KCBS judging class, a KCBS membership is required. To register, visit the KCBS website HERE.

This 4-hour session is perfect for those who want to learn to effectively judge a KCBS style BBQ hand in box. Attendees will learn in a hands on class room environment from a Certified KCBS Master Judge. Prospective Certified BBQ Judges will learn how to judge and will sample hand in boxes for Brisket, Pork Ribs, Pork and Chicken.

Understanding how a KCBS judge reviews and determines the score for a hand in, is hugely valuable for actively competing teams. It gives the understanding of what will earn points and what can potentially remove them or land them with the dreaded DQ.

Please note that this portion of the event does not include the Harry Soo Workshop or catered lunch.

Please note: KCBS Judging certifications are required by the KCBS to not generate income. This price of $119 for the class covers only the costs of putting on a KCBS Judging Certification class including KCBS Fees, traveling costs for volunteer KCBS Master to teach the class and costs of goods used to teach the class, eg example proteins, garnishes and hand in boxes.

Tickets are limited—secure your spot now and take your BBQ passion to the next level! The final day for a refund on the purchase of the KCBS Judges certification is Saturday March 1st 2025, 11:59pm MST.