What are the requirements to become an SQF Practitioner?

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

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.

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.

Specific SQF code point 2.1.2.5:

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?

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! :) 

I see this is an old thread, but  does the above advice apply to the substitute practitioner for Edition 9? It seems like it would. Thanks!

Nope---the requirements for both are now---from V9

Step 2: Designate an SQF Practitioner

The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing requires that every certified site has a suitably qualified SQF practitioner to oversee the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF System, including the system elements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety plans. The requirements for an SQF practitioner are described in the system elements, Part B: 2.1.1.4 and 2.1.1.5. You may choose to have more than one SQF practitioner to meet shift and operational requirements. An alternative staff member should also be identified to manage the SQF System in the absence of the designated SQF practitioner.

2.1 Training (optional) An “Implementing SQF Systems” training course is available online and through the SQFI network of licensed training centers. SQF practitioners, who are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the requirements of the SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing, are encouraged to participate in a training course. The “Implementing SQF Systems” training course is not mandatory for SQF practitioners but is strongly recommended. Details of the training courses are available at sqfi.com. SQF practitioners are required to successfully complete HACCP training that is a minimum two-day duration and assessed. Training in other food industry disciplines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Internal Auditing may also be beneficial, and licensed SQF training centers can provide details about the other training courses they provide.

2.1.1.5

The primary and substitute SQF practitioner shall:

i. Be employed by the site;

ii. Hold a position of responsibility related 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: Food Manufacturing and the requirements to implement and maintain an SQF System relevant to the site's scope of certification