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Has anyone taken the Certified Food Safety & Quality Auditor certification?

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The Food Scientist

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Posted 19 February 2020 - 08:45 PM

Hey guys, 

Has anyone taken the Certified Food Safety & Quality Auditor certification? (Previously known as certified HACCP auditor)?

 

https://asq.org/cert...dy-of-knowledge

 

Any tips for the exam? What books/resources were sufficient? Did you do a web-based/live training? What would you recommend? 

 

Thanks!


Everything in food is science. The only subjective part is when you eat it. - Alton Brown.


nwilson

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Posted 19 February 2020 - 09:58 PM

Haven't reviewed what is needed for the updated Certified Food Safety & Quality Auditor Certification, my experience is on the ASQ-Certified HACCP Auditor Certification

 

I ended up doing 2 things which (for me) were very helpful. 

 

1.) Download the body of knowledge and

2.) take the practice tests online. 

I utilized the body of knowledge and the source references as my guide.  Then spent 4 months (in off times from my employment) to study and pull any applicable information.  The practice tests are very helpful in that you can dive a bit deeper into areas that you may not be as proficient at or need to work on.  Also help prep for the course. 

 

If going this route good luck as I will be working on the updated certification later this year.  Would be great to hear some feedback on how this goes. 


:coffee:


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The Food Scientist

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Posted 20 February 2020 - 02:13 PM

Thanks.

 

I purchased the two recommended sources and did download the BoK. Will do practice tests. Will do these.

 

There's a preparation training but wow its around $700, did you take that? It costs way too much, not sure if its worth it?

 

I will probably take the test in May.


Everything in food is science. The only subjective part is when you eat it. - Alton Brown.


The Food Scientist

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Posted 20 February 2020 - 02:17 PM

Haven't reviewed what is needed for the updated Certified Food Safety & Quality Auditor Certification, my experience is on the ASQ-Certified HACCP Auditor Certification

 

I ended up doing 2 things which (for me) were very helpful. 

 

1.) Download the body of knowledge and

2.) take the practice tests online. 

I utilized the body of knowledge and the source references as my guide.  Then spent 4 months (in off times from my employment) to study and pull any applicable information.  The practice tests are very helpful in that you can dive a bit deeper into areas that you may not be as proficient at or need to work on.  Also help prep for the course. 

 

If going this route good luck as I will be working on the updated certification later this year.  Would be great to hear some feedback on how this goes. 

 

Wanted to ask you why did you decide to take it? And what was the value to you after taking it?? What career advancements did you see ?? :)


Everything in food is science. The only subjective part is when you eat it. - Alton Brown.


nwilson

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Posted 20 February 2020 - 05:38 PM

Thanks.

 

I purchased the two recommended sources and did download the BoK. Will do practice tests. Will do these.

 

There's a preparation training but wow its around $700, did you take that? It costs way too much, not sure if its worth it?

 

I will probably take the test in May.

I didn't go the preparation training route. Just went for the study the BOK and taking the practice tests.  This was sufficient for my needs and passing the exam.  I would assume it would all depend on how much studying you can get int prior to the exam, in regards to "is it worth it".  


:coffee:


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nwilson

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Posted 20 February 2020 - 05:45 PM

Wanted to ask you why did you decide to take it? And what was the value to you after taking it?? What career advancements did you see ?? :)

I actually just wanted to challenge myself and increase my knowledge along the way.  I am fortunate in that my company paid for the exam and my preparation.   I do keep an ear to the ground on any potential new companies that could be of interest as well as minor consulting, and I do see ASQ Certifications on job postings as a desired certification.  Currently haven't seen career advancement, more personal advancement.  Hopefully when the time comes to changes jobs the new company will see the value.  

 

Plus you get to add the ASQ-CHA (Now ASQ-CFSQA) to your email signature!  Good luck Food Scientist!  


:coffee:


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Benjamin Bunting

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Posted 19 March 2020 - 09:02 PM

I too would like to know if you find any benefit to this training. Both advancement wise and day to day.

Good luck!!



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InspectusCo

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Posted 10 June 2020 - 07:30 PM

Following up on this thread: The Food Scientist: did you end up taking the test to be CFSQA certified? If yes, did you feel the two resources you mentioned buying were sufficient?  Did you think you needed/didn't need the $700 prep course?



The Food Scientist

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Posted 16 June 2020 - 02:28 PM

Following up on this thread: The Food Scientist: did you end up taking the test to be CFSQA certified? If yes, did you feel the two resources you mentioned buying were sufficient?  Did you think you needed/didn't need the $700 prep course?

 

 

I did not take the test yet! Just studying from their recommended resources and practice tests. I believe I won't be needing the $700 course. (I hope I won't).But so far so good. I will update you when I take the test very soon :)


Everything in food is science. The only subjective part is when you eat it. - Alton Brown.


InspectusCo

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Posted 17 June 2020 - 01:27 PM

I did not take the test yet! Just studying from their recommended resources and practice tests. I believe I won't be needing the $700 course. (I hope I won't).But so far so good. I will update you when I take the test very soon :)

 

Good luck!!



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El Molino

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Posted 18 June 2020 - 02:37 PM

ASQ CFSQA is not really recognized by the food industry - the trend going towards GFSI and their certifications - depending where you live some companies in the US will recognize your ASQ affiliations.Yes, I have been a certified ASQ CHA for many years and did not have to use the exam prep at all. The BoK and text is sufficient and I recommend some quality assurance training as well ( use the ASQ CQA text). I have training from a technical university in food safety and that was the best education I could take to prepare me for the food industry as a practitioner and auditor

 

Good luck 

 ps the re-certification journal is key when your certificate expires - no need to do the exam after the first.



Juan Flores

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Posted 29 September 2020 - 06:38 PM

thank you very much for the recommendations guys!





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