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Help interpreting section 1.5 in the SQF Code

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cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 12:51 PM

Hey folks, I need some help here.  I have read the code over 20 times and am having trouble understanding whether or not "suitably qualified" means that as long as you are HACCP trained and certified, per section 2.1.2.5 (iii), you are qualified to implement and oversee an SQF Level 2 program. 

 

Is this statement correct?  "Section 1.5 states specifically that the company must have a certified SQF practitioner, and the only way to achieve that is take the exam. As far as I know, there is no other way to be considered a certified practitioner by the SQF. It is black & white"

 

Thanks. -Bob

 

 


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Setanta

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 01:56 PM

You need to be a certified SQF Practitioner and have completed a HACCP training course.


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cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:18 PM

You need to be a certified SQF Practitioner and have completed a HACCP training course.

Thank you for your response.  I don't mean to be a putz, but is there a section that specifically states the requirements for being a "certified SQF Practitioner"?  The reason I ask, is that the senior most, senior manager is thinking that my HACCP certification may be enough for me to begin implementing, and eventurally representing, the SQF Level 2 program.  I have told him that I don't think that is the case, and that I need to take the SQF exam, and in turn, then be "certified".  Thanks. -Bob


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Setanta

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:35 PM

"2.1.2.5 The SQF practitioner shall:

i. Be employed by the supplier as a company

employee on a full-time basis;

 

ii. Hold a position of responsibility in relation to

the management of the supplier’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 Code level

2 and the requirements to implement and

maintain SQF System relevant to the supplier

scope of certification."

http://www.sqfi.com/...7.1-4-29-13.pdf

 

I have this quoted from the SQF site, I have always taken as all of these requirements must be met.

 

 

Setanta

 

 

 


Edited by Setanta, 07 May 2013 - 02:36 PM.

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cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:42 PM

http://www.sqfi.com/...7.1-4-29-13.pdf

 

I have this quoted from the SQF site, I have always taken as all of these requirements must be met.

 

 

Setanta

I have read the same direct requirements.  Trust me, I want to do all of the preliminary work and take the exam, I just have to, in a sense, prove to my boss that just my HACCP training is not going to adequately prepare me for the task of implementing the SQF program.  There is no mention anywhere in the code, that an exam must me taken and passed to be a certified SQF practitioner.  I need something like that to bolster my case. I am dealing with non food safety types on this issue... Thanks. -Bob


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Setanta

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:49 PM

Oh, I understand your predicament!  :ejut:  For me, there was some heel dragging in even moving to SQF. Until a major customer said' I want you to do this.."  I don't think it would have happened. 

 

I have had to show my Practitioner Certificate and my HACCP training cert to auditors.

 

Setanta


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cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:01 PM

Oh, I understand your predicament!  :ejut:  For me, there was some heel dragging in even moving to SQF. Until a major customer said' I want you to do this.."  I don't think it would have happened. 

 

I have had to show my Practitioner Certificate and my HACCP training cert to auditors.

 

Setanta

I was brought in to establish a complete food safety program, and the powers were going to be satified with the standard GMP based system.  I told them since close to 80% of the work I would be putting into establishing a basic GMP program could be put toward a SQF Level 2, we should go ahead and do that.  They agreed, now I have to tell them I need some extra schoolin' to acomplish the task.  Extra schoolin' takes time and money, both of which I have to justify!


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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:04 PM

There's no requirement to take any class or exam in order to be an SQF Practitioner.  You do, however, need to show your HACCP training credentials - approved course, International HACCP Alliance seal, all that.

 

That being said .... if you haven't, expect your auditor to be super-questiony regarding what you know about the code when he/she is on site.  I chose to avoid any issues and just took the test, even though I hadn't taken a course.


Edited by Marshenko, 07 May 2013 - 03:08 PM.


cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:21 PM

There's no requirement to take any class or exam in order to be an SQF Practitioner.  You do, however, need to show your HACCP training credentials - approved course, International HACCP Alliance seal, all that.

 

That being said .... if you haven't, expect your auditor to be super-questiony regarding what you know about the code when he/she is on site.  I chose to avoid any issues and just took the test, even though I hadn't taken a course.

Ah, thank you.  I have the AIB certification for HACCP, and may just go ahead and wager the $75 bucks for three shots at the test.  Regarding the exam,did you find many questions referencing situations that were outside Module 2 and 11?  I know they have the pre and post farm exam, and I would take the post, since I am in candy manufacturing.  Thanks. -Bob


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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:25 PM

We used a GFSI consultant during our SQF process.  He guided us through that section as well, and said basically the same as everyone here.  A HACCP certified person with proper experience and knowledge can easily satisfy the number 5 requirement of "having an understanding of SQF code" without taking the exam.  However, in SQF there is obviously an emphasis on documentation, and passing the SQF Practitioner Exam is a quick and easy way to prove you have the understanding.  Otherwise, our consultant said it opens the doors for the auditor to constantly question how you felt your programs meet SQF standards.  With that certificate in hand, all you have to do is point at the wall where you're hanging it and say "That's how."

 

My .02 anyway.  You can take the exam without taking their full on courses.



woodspro

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:26 PM

I just had a Level 2 re-cert last week on modules 2,10 and 12. My auditor has asked to see my Practitioner and HACCP certificates at each of my audits. One of my 4 minors was for not having Internal Auditor training. This was the 1st time this was brought up. You might want to consider this as well.


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cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:35 PM

I just had a Level 2 re-cert last week on modules 2,10 and 12. My auditor has asked to see my Practitioner and HACCP certificates at each of my audits. One of my 4 minors was for not having Internal Auditor training. This was the 1st time this was brought up. You might want to consider this as well.

Very helpful suggestion on the Internal Auditor training.  Thank you!


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Marshenko

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 03:57 PM

Ah, thank you.  I have the AIB certification for HACCP, and may just go ahead and wager the $75 bucks for three shots at the test.  Regarding the exam,did you find many questions referencing situations that were outside Module 2 and 11?  I know they have the pre and post farm exam, and I would take the post, since I am in candy manufacturing.  Thanks. -Bob

 

Parts A and B and Module 1 2 and 11 from what I recall about it.  Handy to have the code printed out and next to you just in case.  I took it once and got 1 incorrect.

 

Oh, and definitely good call on the Internal Auditor training.  Gotta have that.


Edited by Marshenko, 07 May 2013 - 03:58 PM.


cheeseheadbob

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 04:43 PM

Parts A and B and Module 1 2 and 11 from what I recall about it.  Handy to have the code printed out and next to you just in case.  I took it once and got 1 incorrect.

 

Oh, and definitely good call on the Internal Auditor training.  Gotta have that.

Very cool.  Thanks!


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SQFconsultant

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 07:58 PM

Back in the day you were required to take the course for SQF, not anymore - but you are required to meet the requirements for being the SQF Practitioner as noted in the SQF Code.  The SQF Practitioner and back-ups should expect the SQF Registered Auditor to either conduct an interview for SQF Code knowledge and can also just see as he/she goes through the process if you and backups are up to speed on what you should know. My suggestion is to go and take the in-person course because outside of the things you'll learn about SQF you will also get "real world" input from others that are attending and the SQF Practitioner certificate is great to add to your HACCP certificate when presenting to the Auditor. 


All the Best,

 

All Rights Reserved,

Without Prejudice,

Glenn Oster.

Glenn Oster Consulting, LLC -

SQF System Development | Internal Auditor Training | eConsultant

Martha's Vineyard Island, MA - Restored Republic

http://www.GCEMVI.XYZ

http://www.GlennOster.com

 


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Posted 09 May 2013 - 12:28 AM

Wow, SQF Module 2 starts with management commitiment , sounds like your managment is not committed or serious enough to get in the ball game.

You need to start at the beginning, or find a soft 3rd party audit to land on .



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Posted 10 May 2013 - 10:32 AM

You need to be a certified SQF Practitioner and have completed a HACCP training course.

 

A 'suitably qualified SQF Practitioner' is the requirement.

 

Part A: Implementing and Maintaining the SQF Code

1. Preparing for SQF Certification

1.5 Designate an SQF Practitioner

Whether or not an SQF consultant is used, the SQF Code requires that every supplier have a suitably qualified SQF practitioner on site

1.6 SQF Implementation Training

Implementing SQF Systems training is not mandatory for SQF practitioners, but is strongly recommended.

Training in other food industry disciplines, such as HACCP, Good Agriculture/Aquaculture/Manufacturing Practices (GAP/GMP), and Internal Auditing may also be required and training centers can provide details of the other training courses they provide.

 

Appendix 2 – Glossary

SQF Practitioner

An individual, designated by a producer/supplier to develop, validate, verify, implement and maintain that producer’s/supplier’s own SQF System. The SQF practitioner details shall be verified by the SQF auditor as meeting the following requirements:

i. Be employed by the company as a permanent full time employee and hold a position of responsibility in regard to the management of the company’s SQF System;

ii. Have completed a HACCP training course and be experienced and competent to implement and maintain HACCP-based food safety plans;

iii. Have an understanding of the SQF Code and the requirements to implement and maintain SQF System relevant to the company’s scope of certification. Successful completion of the “Implementing SQF System Training Course Exam” would meet this requirement.

 

As others have indicated taking the exam may avoid an interrogation during the audit and remove the 'opinion' element as to your knowledge of the SQF Code. So if $900 for the online implementation course is a bit steep and/or the money could be better spent then the exam only option at $75 removes one element of what could be a stressful couple of days.

 

Regards,

 

Tony





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