Training Overview
The SQF Program offers a variety of training options for SQF Practitioners, Auditors and Consultants.
Training for SQF Practitioners and Consultants
(Implementing SQF 1000 or SQF 2000 Systems)
A designated SQF Practitioner must complete a HACCP training course and be experienced and competent to implement and maintain HACCP-based food safety plans. In addition, he/she must have an understanding of the SQF Code(s) and the requirements to implement and maintain SQF Systems.
Successful completion of the online Implementing SQF Systems Exam meets this requirement. However, pursuing a course of study either in a classroom setting or online prior to taking the exam is highly recommended.
Implementing SQF Systems Course Outline:
- IM-1 Introduction & Overview of the Course
- IM-2 About Quality, Customers and the Cost of Quality
- IM-3 The SQF Codes
- IM-4 The SQF 1000 / 2000 Code
- IM-5 SQF 1000 / 2000 Code - Property Location, Building/Plant & Equipment Design and Construction
- IM-6 SQF 1000/ 2000 Code - Pre-requisite Programs
- IM-7 The SQF 1000 / 2000 Food Safety Plan
- IM-8 The SQF 1000 / 2000 Food Quality Plan
- IM-9 Implementing and Maintaining Your SQF System
- IM-10 Auditing an SQF System - an Overview
The training is delivered as a traditional 2-day class by Licensed Training Centers (TCs) and also as an online program (available Spring/Summer 2009). Click on the links below for more information.
SQFI also offers 4 hour webinars for SQF Consultants that fulfill the annual professional update requirement outlined in the Criteria for SQF Consultants.
The SQF Institute offers classes in "Auditing SQF Systems" that will allow potential auditors to meet the training requirements outlined in the "Criteria for SQF Auditors." The objective of this class is to ensure that auditors are fully aware of their role and responsibility as an SQF Auditor and to facilitate a common approach to auditing of SQF Systems. Demonstrated completion of HACCP training and an understanding of the HACCP method is required. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will have a full understanding of the SQF program and its auditing requirements.
Once the student has completed and passed an online exam (taken externally after the course), a Certificate of Attainment will be issued indicating that the participant has met the SQF training requirements to be registered as an SQF Auditor or SQF Contract Auditor. Please note that the prospective auditor must still submit his/her application package and meet the requirements outlined in the Criteria for Auditors document. The Certificate of Attainment fulfils only the training requirement.
SQFI also offers 4 hour webinars that fulfil the annual professional update requirement outlined in the Criteria for SQF Auditors.
Click here for a list of classes and webinars.
Licensed SQF Training Centers and Scheduled Classes
Click here to download a list of training establishments that are licensed by the SQF Institute to carry out training classes in Implementing SQF Systems (1000 and 2000) and a link to class schedules.
In order to receive an attainment certificate for these classes, students will also be required to take an online exam.