This past spring, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) hosted a stakeholder consultation on a proposed plan to phase out the GFSI Knowledge Exam. Based on the feedback they received, GFSI will proceed with the plan to phase out the GFSI Knowledge Exam and remove requirements for it from the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements Version 2020.
Please refer to the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements Amendment Document for full details regarding this change to Version 2020.
Effective immediately, SQFI has discontinued the use of the GFSI Knowledge Exam. This requirement no longer part of the application process for SQF Professionals and has been removed from Exemplar Global.
An updated criteria document for SQF Professionals will be available with the release of SQF Edition 9. We hope that in the meantime, you will continue to advance your food safety career by pursuing other forms of training and knowledge validation.
With the release of Edition 10, SQF Unites 2026 is the perfect place for the food safety community to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from the experts who shaped the Code.
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) is proud to recognize six outstanding professionals as finalists for the 2026 SQF Excellence Awards, with our presenting partner, Exemplar Global.
In early March, SQFI will release the SQF Edition 10 Code, marking an important evolution of the program shaped by extensive industry input.