What is Youth PQA Plus?

• Program launched in 2007 that allows youth ages eight to 18 to participate in the industry’s efforts to produce a safe and wholesome food product, with particular attention to the care and well-being of animals raised for pork.

Why was Youth PQA Plus developed?

• To put the pork industry in a position to demonstrate its commitment to providing the best possible care for its animals.
• To assure consumers that they are purchasing the highest quality, safest product possible while using care caring for animal well-being.

How was Youth PQA Plus developed?

• The Pork Industry Animal Care Coalition, made up of pork producers, packers/processors, restaurants and food retailers, dedicated itself to finding a food-industry solution that would give confidence to consumers that U.S. Pork is safe, wholesome and is produced in a way that respects animal well-being.
• It was developed to be a continuous improvement program.

When did Youth PQA Plus take effect?

• On June 1, 2008, following a one-year phase-in that started in June 2007.

Can I still participate in Youth PQA® program?

• Since June 1, 2008 only Youth PQA Plus has been available.
• Youth producers are encouraged to participate in the new Youth PQA Plus program as it is made available in their states.
States including Iowa, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio currently have programs that are equivalent to the Youth PQA Plus program.

What terms should I be familiar with to understand more about the Youth PQA Plus program?

• Youth PQA Plus Advisors: Veterinarians, Extension specialists or secondary/postsecondary agriculture instructors who have received Youth PQA Plus advisor training from a Youth PQA Plus Trainer, successfully completed an examination and will offer Youth PQA Plus training to youth producers.  

• Youth PQA Plus Trainers: Veterinarians, Extension specialists or secondary/postsecondary agriculture instructors who have receive Youth PQA Plus trainer training and will offer Youth PQA Plus advisor training. There will be a limited number of these individuals within each state.

• Youth PQA:  Program launched in 2004 to allow youth ages eight to 18 to participate in the industry’s efforts to produce safe and wholesome pork.  The Youth PQA program was mirrored after the industry’s adult certification program PQA Level III. Youth PQA will not be available after June 1, 2008.

• PQA Plus: Adult certification program launched in 2007. The program focuses on responsible animal health product administration, residue avoidance, responsible antibiotic use and the well-being of animals. Program includes producer certification, on-site farm assessment of animal care and third-party verification of assessed farms. This program replaced the pork industry’s food safety flagship program, PQA Level III.

How do I contact an advisor?

• Contact the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800)456-PORK to locate the advisor nearest to your area.

What are the main differences between Youth PQA® and Youth PQA Plus program?

• The Youth PQA Plus program includes much of the program material from the Youth PQA but it expands on the animal well-being portion of the content.

Who can certify youth in the Youth PQA Plus program?

• Veterinarians, extension specialists or ag educators that have taken the Youth PQA advisor training and received Advisor certification can certify youth.

If I attend the Youth PQA Plus class with my child, will that qualify me for PQA Plus™ certification?

• No, the Youth PQA Plus program is designed specifically for youth.  Adult PQA Plus training is available for producers older 19 years of age or older.

If I am a certified adult PQA Plus advisor, can I also train youth?

• No, Youth PQA Plus advisors must go through youth advisor training and successfully pass an examination to become a youth advisors.

How long is the certification class?

• That depends on the instructor and the size of the class. The average class is two hours.

How long will it take to get my Youth PQA Plus certificate after I take the class/test?

• Your renewal certification will be immediate and your advisor can print you a new certificate. If this is your first certification, please allow up to 10 business days.

Will I be notified when my Youth PQA Plus certificate is about to expire?

• Yes, the Pork Checkoff will send out reminders about 6 - 8 weeks before your certificate expires.

I lost my Youth PQA Plus card, can I get a replacement?

• Yes, you can contact your advisor for a reprint or you can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800)456-PORK for a replacement. If you need your replacement card immediately you will need to provide the Pork Checkoff Service Center an email address or fax number.

Can youth take an on-line test to certify in Youth PQA Plus?

• The Pork Checkoff does not offer an on-line test option for youth certification. Program requirements are that youth participate in an annual class with test-out options determined by the advisor. Some states have accredited food/meat safety programs that may include an on-line test option. Contact your local extension office to determine your state's certification program options.

How long does my Youth PQA Plus certification last?

• Certification lasts for one year unless you choose the test-out option (see below for test out option).

Can I still test out of the Youth PQA Plus program?

• Yes, Youth 12-14 years of age (Intermediate) and 15-18 years of age (Advanced) can certify/recertify by completing and passing an examination (administered by an advisor) at the appropriate age level. To certify by examination, a minimum of 70 percent of the questions must be correctly answered. Once certified by examination, youth are not required to recertify in Youth PQA Plus until the next age level is reached. The youth producer’s age is determined by the individual’s age on January 1 of that year.

My state has its own youth quality assurance program that includes other species, ethics and character education.  Do I still have to get Youth PQA Plus certification?

• You may be eligible to obtain Youth PQA Plus certification if you have completed your state's youth quality assurance program. An equivalency process that allows the National Pork Board to verify that these state-specific quality assurance programs address all of the minimum standards and key learning objectives of the Youth PQA program exists.  Read more about the Youth PQA Plus state program equivalency process by clicking here.    Talk to your advisor or contact the Pork Checkoff at (800) 456-PORK to find out if the your state's program has obtained equivalency to Youth PQA Plus.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about Youth PQA Plus?

• Call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-PORK.