Student Certification: Safety, Skills, and Opportunity

 | National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

Student Certification

NHSBBQA® Certification Overview for Parents

What Parents Need to Know

The National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA®) is committed to providing students with safe, structured, and educational experiences through barbecue and live-fire cooking programs.

Student certification is a key part of that commitment.

Certifications ensure that students are learning proper safety practices, building real-world skills, and earning recognized credentials that support both education and future opportunities.

Why Certification Matters for Students

When students cook, prepare, serve, or sell food in a school-based environment, safety and responsibility come first.

Certification helps students:

• Learn food safety and sanitation basics

• Understand risk awareness in kitchens and live-fire settings

• Build confidence and professionalism

• Practice accountability and teamwork

• Earn credentials they can use beyond school

Certification transforms participation into documented learning, not just an activity.

A Safety-First Approach

NHSBBQA® programs operate within schools and districts and are designed to meet expectations for student supervision, safety, and age-appropriate instruction.

Before students participate in cooking or food-related activities, they are required to complete Food Handlers Certification, ensuring they understand:

• Personal hygiene

• Safe food temperatures

• Preventing cross-contamination

• Cleaning and sanitation

• Basic food safety risks

This requirement protects:

• Students

• Families

• Schools and districts

• Community partners

Food Handlers Certification (Required)

All students participating in NHSBBQA® teams, clubs, classes, or service groups that involve food must complete Food Handlers Certification.

This certification is provided in partnership with eFoodHandlers, a nationally recognized food safety training provider.

What Parents Should Know:

• Cost: $7.00 per student

• Completed online

• Age-appropriate and easy to understand

• Nationally recognized

• Widely used by schools and employers

This is often the first certification a student earns and is ideal for middle school and high school students.

Beyond Food Safety: Building Skills for Life

NHSBBQA® certifications go beyond basic food handling.

Students also learn:

• Responsibility and preparation

• Teamwork and leadership

• Respect for process and safety

• Goal-setting and achievement

These skills support success in:

• Culinary Arts

• Agriculture

• STEM and applied sciences

• Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS)

• Life skills and workforce readiness

Recognition & Achievement

Student certification includes meaningful recognition for effort and achievement.

Depending on participation and progress, students may earn:

• Digital micro-badges for portfolios and resumes

• Physical recognition, such as:

  • Team or achievement patches

  • Letter jacket patches

• Eligibility for scholarships and recognition opportunities

Certification gives students something tangible to show for their hard work.

Is This Required?

Yes — certification is required for students who:

• Cook or prepare food

• Serve or sell food

• Participate on NHSBBQA® teams or clubs

• Take part in NHSBBQA®-sanctioned events

This requirement reflects best practices in education and youth safety and aligns with expectations used by schools, districts, and employers.

Is This an Adult Competition?

No.

NHSBBQA® programs are educational, school-based, and student-centered.
They are not adult competitions, festivals, or entertainment events.

Students are supervised by educators and participate in age-appropriate, learning-focused activities.

How Parents Can Support Their Student

Parents can help by:

• Encouraging certification completion early

• Talking with students about safety and responsibility

• Celebrating earned credentials and badges

• Viewing certification as an investment in life skills

Learn More

• [Student Certification Pathways]

• [Food Handlers Certification]

• [School & District Verification]

• [What Is NHSBBQA®?]

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NHSBBQA® student certifications support safe, supervised, school-based learning experiences.