10 replies to this topic

[RhiannonVK]

Hello, 

 

We recently had an SQF pre-assessment done along with a GMP/HACCP audit. We did ok on the assessment and received a passing score but but there were a few findings that we need to address before we go for the actual certification, so that we can improve our score. 

 

One of the findings was that I (QA/QC and SQF practitioner) need to undergo some kind of SQF training as well as internal audit training. I am looking at different training options and it's hard to determine which would be best. 

 

I would prefer to do an in class, in person training but that seems hard to find. As for virtual options, there are many. This link below seems to have what I need and also has included in it the internal auditor training. Has anyone used this training? 

 

https://www.zosilear...le/#description

 

Other options I have found, have Implementing SQF and internal auditing as two separate training programs, each 2 days long, but I'm not sure if that is overkill for our facility which is quite small. 

 

Does anyone have any insight on the training above or anything they recommend?

 

Thanks in advance, this forum has been invaluable in getting our facility going with SQF!

[zackewing76]

I may be wrong, as I am in a similar situation as you, but I don't think that SQF requires SQF training, but it does require HACCP certification. At least that is what I have read so far.

[Scotty_SQF]

Required training is HACCP and you will need some sort of formal Internal Audit training as well, unless someone else has it and can train you.  I would suggest taking an implementing SQF course as well if your company will pay for it.  It was worth it to me all those years ago.

[RhiannonVK]

Required training is HACCP and you will need some sort of formal Internal Audit training as well, unless someone else has it and can train you.  I would suggest taking an implementing SQF course as well if your company will pay for it.  It was worth it to me all those years ago.

 

Yes our auditor recommended an implementing SQF course as well as internal auditor training. No one else here has training, the thought was that I get training any then can train others here. We are a very small company. I have HACCP certification. I'm just finding it difficult to know which training to go with. Or maybe they are all similar?

Edited by RhiannonVK, 05 July 2023 - 07:35 PM.

[Scotty_SQF]

Refer to sections 2.1.1.5 and 2.5.4.2 of the code

[RhiannonVK]

I may be wrong, as I am in a similar situation as you, but I don't think that SQF requires SQF training, but it does require HACCP certification. At least that is what I have read so far.

Our auditor did say that. I have HACCP certification but he strongly recommended some kind of implementing SQF training along with the internal audit training. I think he basically said if I have the training I can prove to an auditor I am competent, if I have no official training I would have to somehow prove competency with the SQF code. I am all for getting the training and my company is on board. I'm just unsure of the best course to take. 

[Scotty_SQF]

How confident were you with the code?  That may be why they suggested the SQF course.  Other than that it is not required, just HACCP certification and someone trained formally in Internal auditing.  

[RhiannonVK]

How confident were you with the code?  That may be why they suggested the SQF course.  Other than that it is not required, just HACCP certification and someone trained formally in Internal auditing.  

 

Well I thought I was confident but I guess maybe not, lol.

 

I'm ok with doing the training, I'm sure it will be very useful. Just trying to see if anyone had any specific recommendations on certain courses. 

 

Thanks for the replies!

[kingstudruler1]

I always recommend the IFSQN internal auditor training course.    I've take some other ones that were long and expensive and not nearly as good.   After that I might pick ZOSI.  

 

Store - Practical Internal Auditor Training for Food Operations (ifsqn.com)

 

I would probably recommend the ZOSI course for implementing SQF if you decide to take it.   They were the original "trainer" back when it was required.  I think it is a good idea to take it.  

 

Don't forget about training for the substitute practitioner.  At least haccp - all of the others are good ideas too.  (haccp, internal audit, etc)

[SQFconsultant]

I would make the SQF Code manual bedside reading. Yhe only thing the auditor cares about is that you as the SQF practitioner is proficient in the performance of the position - knowledgeable about what you doing and applying inotherwords and a training session does not form that basis.

I understand that the IFSQN company has a great online Internal Auditor training program and outside of our own (which is outdated and is not being offered any longer) is the only one I would recommend.

Basically you just need to prove that your internal Auditors have been trained and a training completion certificate would do that just fine.

[FeelMyBurner]

Yes our auditor recommended an implementing SQF course as well as internal auditor training. No one else here has training, the thought was that I get training any then can train others here. We are a very small company. I have HACCP certification. I'm just finding it difficult to know which training to go with. Or maybe they are all similar?

Zosi was a good class for Internal auditing. There is also BD food safety consulting out of Naperville, Illinois that does very good food safety courses.