5 replies to this topic

[HRABI N]

What are the requirements to become an SQF Practitioner? Are people required to register or obtain a practitioner certification?

[The Food Scientist]

You MUST have a HACCP training with certification. You "may" take SQF related trainings but it's not really "required". But definitely better if you do not have the experience or much knowledge.

 

The SQF practitioner shall:

 

i. Be employed by the site as a company employee on a full-time basis; ii. Hold a position of responsibility in relation to the management of the site's SQF System; iii. Have completed a HACCP training course; iv. Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based food safety plans; and v. Have an understanding of the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing and the requirements to implement and maintain an SQF System relevant to the site's scope of certification.

[SQFconsultant]

What are the requirements to become an SQF Practitioner? Are people required to register or obtain a practitioner certification?

 

Years back there was  required by SQFI to take Practitioner training - but that is no longer required. What is required is to have through knowledge of the SQF Code as it applies to your operation.

 

Registration with SQFI is not required.

 

Qualifiers however are:

 

1. Must be HACCP certified - be prepared to show your certificate to the Auditor

2. Must be a full time employee at that location - SQF will also accept a floater that is in command of 2+ locations, but still full time

3. Must hold a position of responsiblity

 

The Food Scientist hit it good with i.

 

Also, keep in mind that a cover person (or what is known as provision to cover) is required - so you need a backup that has similar qualifications - knowledge of the system etc.

 

There is a course for Practitioners, however no certification - you get a course completion certificate.

Edited by SQFconsultant, 15 March 2019 - 01:41 PM.

[AudreyB]

Specific SQF code point 2.1.2.5:

 

2.1.2.5 The SQF practitioner shall:

i. Be employed by the site as a company employee on a full-time basis;

ii. Hold a position of responsibility in relation to the management of the site's SQF System;

iii. Have completed a HACCP training course;

iv. Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based food safety plans; and

v. Have an understanding of the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing and the requirements to implement and maintain an SQF System relevant to the site's scope of certification.

 

In relation to HACCP training, SQF also defines HACCP training as the following:

Training that meets the guidelines outlined in the Food and Agriculture Organization’s CODEX Alimentarius Commission. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System and Guidelines for its Application – Annex to CAC/RCP 1 – 1969, Rev. 4-2003), – “A system, which identifies, evaluates and controls hazards which are significant for food safety.” And this training shall be: 1. Recognized as a HACCP training course used extensively in a country. 2. Administered and delivered by an institution recognized as a food safety training center of excellence. 3. A minimum of two days (16 hours) in duration, or equivalent. 4. The acquired knowledge of the candidate shall be assessed as part of the training program.

 

Make sure you have the SQF Practitioner's certifications and training on file (the auditor will ask for them). It is also very important as SQFconsultant noted above to have a back up defined, trained and aware of his / her role. 

[stickymess]

What would be a good course to take to be able to be the SQF Practitioner?  I am not finding a specific becoming an "SQF Practitioner" course.  Would an "Implementing SQF" course suffice for SQF requirments?

[The Food Scientist]

What would be a good course to take to be able to be the SQF Practitioner?  I am not finding a specific becoming an "SQF Practitioner" course.  Would an "Implementing SQF" course suffice for SQF requirments?

 

First thing you need to make sure if you having completed a HACCP course. (Thats a requirement to be an SQFP). You can take the "Implementing SQF" as well (though not required), I prefer taking it if you have no prior experience or exposure to SQF. Hope that helps! :)