An SQF auditor is a person registered by SQFI to audit a site’s SQF food safety and/or quality system. To be classified as an SQF auditor, there are certain requirements that must be in place and training to help you reach these requirements. For more information, see our Auditor page or attend an Auditing the SQF Code Requirements course.
SQF auditors and technical reviewers are registered with SQFI to conduct or review audits on behalf of a licensed SQF certification body. SQF auditors collect objective evidence to assess compliance of a site's food safety and/or quality system with the SQF Code requirements. After the audit is completed, the technical reviewer reviews or provides oversight of the review of a certification body's SQF audit reports.
Auditors and technical reviewers work for a licensed SQF certification body as an employee or a subcontractor.
Kristie Grzywinski
Technical Director, SQFI
The requirements of the SQF auditor are outlined in the Criteria for SQF Auditors & Technical Reviewers document.
Have attained a university degree in a discipline related to the food sector category(ies) being applied for (e.g., food science, food technology, dairy technology, packaging technology).
Auditors who do not have a university degree in a discipline related to a food sector category can demonstrate Education equivalency through
EITHER
Completion of a minimum of 10 years of industry experience.
OR
The submission of an education plan.
An education waiver must be submitted by the auditor's sponsoring Certification Body.
Successfully complete “Auditing the SQF Code Requirements” virtual instructor-led course.
AND
Attend an HACCP training course that meets the definition of HACCP Training in the SQF Glossary.
AND
Successfully complete the “Auditing SQF Food Safety Systems” exam.
Complete at least 160 hours of auditing in the food industry. (Count: Supplier audits, HACCP audits, GMP audits. Do not count: Internal audits, pest control assessments, training, and sample retrieval).
AND
Demonstrate at least 5 years’ work experience in a food-related, technical, professional, or supervisory position involving food safety accountability and the exercise of judgement.
Experience Log
AND
Be employed or contracted with at least one designated licensed SQF certification body.
Sponsor Verification FormHave at least 2 years’ work experience in the FSC.
OR
Have at least 160 audit hours in the FSC.
OR
Have a combination of work experience and audit hours in the FSC.
Upon registration as an SQF Auditor, further qualification is conducted by the Certification Body.
Our auditor training and exams include the following resources.
Auditing the SQF Code Requirements Course
Prospective registered SQF-certified auditors and technical reviewers learn how to apply auditing principles for the SQF Codes.
Auditing SQF Quality Systems Course
Prospective SQF quality auditors are required to understand the structure, requirements, and execution of the SQF Quality Code.
SQF Packaging Auditor Course
Training for candidates seeking qualification to conduct SQF certification audits of food packaging materials.
SQF Auditor Exams
These exams are required by candidates seeking registration as an SQF food safety quality auditor or technical reviewer.
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