11 replies to this topic

[Foodie_2110]

Hi everyone, I am looking into getting Certified SQF Practitioner designation from SQFI. I am unsure if it's worth the effort and how challenging the process might be. I found the guidelines a bit confusing. If any of you have gone through this, I would really appreciate your insights and experiences.

[TimG]

Worth it how?

• Self-improvement? No probably not...
• Self-marketability? If you can see yourself routinely applying to positions in an SQF facility in any mid-tier or above FSQ roles I'd say yes. If you are looking to have marketability in general, stateside I'd get PCQI training first. I'm not sure if there is a Canadian equivalent. HACCP manager training is also more applicable for a general food safety role than SQF.

 

EDIT: also, it's not particularly challenging to get your SQF Practitioner training. I have even been told there is no more timed exam, although I haven't verified that.

Edited by TimG, 09 April 2025 - 07:07 PM.

[krissy.cwell]

I went through the process with Exemplar and it was quite simple really. There are continuing education requirements but, for me, the intial application and test wasn't bad. I do agree the guidance is a little confusing but it isn't neary as bad as it sounds. Just set up an account with Exemplar Global and start from there.

 

I think it helps more with marketability than anything. 

Edited by krissy.cwell, 09 April 2025 - 07:21 PM.

[Scampi]

Not in Canada

 

It won't set you apart at all, and cannot replace experience.  I wouldn't waste my $ and time on that 

 

Adding this won't further your career any IMHO

[Foodie_2110]

Thanks all for the responses. I have taken PCQI as well as Implementing SQF training course. I am looking into excel my career development. And this credential crossed my mind as it was recommended by an auditor, apparently a "new thing" on SQFI. 

[jfrey123]

Not sure I'd say it's a "new thing", SQFI says "Those who earn this voluntary professional certification credential demonstrate their ability to implement, maintain, and continuously improve an SQF food safety system at any site."  I've had a cert for Implementing SQF Systems from their site for over a decade now.  It's not required to be a site's designated practitioner, as SQF code only demands that the practitioner demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the code.  So having a cert helps prove it to your auditor, but again not required.

 

Will some organizations favor your resume because you can show it?  Maybe.  But only those with SQF certs, and only those who care about the razzle dazzle factor.

[nwilson]

When the Certified SQF Practitioner was proposed I thought of it just as another SQFI money grab.  Since you can just show that you are knowledgeable in SQF code and having HACCP and PCQI (In the USA) is a good foundation (albeit required), didn't see a solid need for this.  

 

This is an interesting subject as I would like to see if there are any true benefits other than website recognition and a piece of paper to hang on the wall.  

 

I would personally put more effort into accreditations like Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified HACCP Auditor (CHA), ISO, Lean Six/Six Sigma, etc.  I have  a CHA from ASQ and in process of CQM, next being green belt Six Sigma.  These focus on a wider scope and have more career advancements at least in my circles of colleagues.  

[SQFconsultant]

Well, its not really a certification, a training completion certificate.

 

With that said I've never seen value in taking the course - in the beginning of SQF, taking the course was required, however that soon changed.

 

Someone asked me once when I was starting an on-site build of an SQF system if they should take the course, because they saw it offered in Miami at a training center (which I don't think exist anymore) and if I would say its needed his boss would send him for a week - he really just wanted to go to Miami, so I said you can play that if you want to, however the only value I saw was in networking with others that were taking the course.

 

Experience will teach you how to be a great SQF Practitioner - I'd grab one of the SQF Code and guidance books and study it - it makes great bedtime reading.

 

Better course would be PCQI, HACCP, Internal Auditor, etc.

Edited by SQFconsultant, 10 April 2025 - 03:44 AM.

[krissy.cwell]

Well, its not really a certification, a training completion certificate.

 

 

It is actually a full on certification/credential now. It's new within the last year and is offered through Exemplar Global. In the past it was just completion of a training course. The credential requires both experience and knowledge of the SQF code. 

 

https://www.sqfi.com...oner-credential

Edited by krissy.cwell, 10 April 2025 - 02:59 PM.

[TimG]

It is actually a full on certification/credential now. It's new within the last year and is offered through Exemplar Global. In the past it was just completion of a training course. The credential requires both experience and knowledge of the SQF code. 

 

https://www.sqfi.com...oner-credential

So let me wrap my head around this one. It used to be a full-on certification/credential (it was when I first got into SQF, timed test with proctors and everything), that turned into just a 'you attended our class here's your certification of attendance', and now we've gone full circle back to a certification/credential?

 

Ok SQFI...Ok

[Setanta]

So let me wrap my head around this one. It used to be a full-on certification/credential (it was when I first got into SQF, timed test with proctors and everything), that turned into just a 'you attended our class here's your certification of attendance', and now we've gone full circle back to a certification/credential?

 

Ok SQFI...Ok

 

With an annual renewal of $175.00! 

[Marshenko]

Ehh, just take the Advanced Practitioner Exam for 85 beans, it sounds cooler anyway:

 

 

https://www.sqfi.com...actitioner-exam