FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training (CQI-IRCA)

The FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) Lead Auditor course is the advanced standard for auditing high-level food safety systems. Unlike standard ISO 22000, FSSC is fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it a mandatory requirement for auditors working with major global retailers and manufacturers.

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FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training (CQI-IRCA)

Overview

This 5-day (40-hour) program (CQI-IRCA Course ID: PR375) is built on three specific pillars: ISO 22000:2018, the sector-specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs), and the FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements. The training focuses on evaluating an organization’s ability to provide safe food through a robust management system, hazard control, and risk management.

Key Learning Objectives:

GFSI Benchmarking: Understanding the importance of FSSC in the global supply chain.
Audit Methodology: Planning and conducting audits according to ISO 19011 and ISO 22003-1.
Food Defense & Food Fraud: Auditing the mitigation plans for intentional contamination and adulteration.
Management of Allergens: Verifying the controls for cross-contamination in production environments.

The New Version: FSSC 22000 Version 7 (2026)

The Foundation FSSC has officially scheduled the launch of Version 7 for May 15, 2026. This update reflects significant changes in international standards and GFSI expectations.

New Course Contents & Version 7 Changes:

ISO 22002:2025 Series: The training will shift from the old “ISO/TS 22002” series to the new ISO 22002:2025 standards, which consolidate prerequisite programs across sectors.
Climate Action: Direct auditing of climate-related risks (Amendment 1 to ISO 22000).
UN SDGs: Enhanced requirements for organizations to demonstrate how their FSMS supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., food waste reduction).
GFSI Benchmarking (v2024): Alignment with the latest global benchmarking requirements for certification schemes.
Food Safety Culture: A more technical, evidence-based approach to auditing “culture” beyond simple documentation.

Prerequisites

CQI-IRCA requires delegates to possess a “prior knowledge” of food safety before attending:

FSMS Principles: Knowledge of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and ISO 22000 requirements.
HACCP Expertise: Understanding the 7 principles and 12 steps of HACCP.
Sector PRPs: Familiarity with the relevant PRP standards (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturing).
Experience: It is highly recommended to have 2–3 years of experience in the food industry.

Scope

The training covers the three critical elements that make up the FSSC 22000 scheme:

ISO 22000:2018: The management system requirements.
Sector-Specific PRPs: Detailed requirements for hygiene and infrastructure (ISO/TS 22002-x series).
FSSC Additional Requirements: Including food safety culture, quality control, equipment management, and waste reduction.

Target Audience

Certification Body Auditors: Those seeking to perform third-party audits.
Quality & Food Safety Directors: Responsible for global compliance.
Management Representatives: Leading the FSSC implementation team.
Supply Chain Managers: Auditing high-risk vendors for international retail compliance.
Consultants: Providing expert advice on GFSI-recognized schemes.

Certifications

Course Certificate: Issued after passing the continuous assessment and the online IRCA exam.
Professional Registration: This certificate allows you to register as a Lead Auditor with CQI-IRCA, specifically under the FSMS/FSSC category.
GFSI Status: This training is a prerequisite for becoming an “FSSC 22000 Auditor” for any accredited certification body.

Examination & Membership Fee

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FAQ's

Q: Is the exam different from the ISO 22000 exam?

A: Yes. The FSSC Lead Auditor exam includes specific sections on the Additional Requirements (Food Fraud, Food Defense, etc.) that are not part of the standard ISO 22000 curriculum.

Q: How long is the transition period for Version 7?

A: Following the publication in May 2026, there is typically a 12-month transition period. All audits from May 2027 onwards must be conducted against Version 7.

Q: Does this course include the “Quality” module (FSSC 22000-Quality)?

A: Usually, no. The standard Lead Auditor course covers Food Safety. If you want to audit FSSC 22000-Quality, you typically need an additional ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification.

Q: What is the exam format?

A: The exam is typically 1 hour and 45 minutes, conducted online through the CQI-IRCA portal. It is open-book, requiring you to have the FSSC scheme documents and ISO 22000 standard on hand.

Module 1: The GFSI & FSSC 22000 Scheme Framework

Module 2: Auditing Technical Hazard Controls

Module 3: FSSC Additional Requirements & Food Defense

Module 4: Lead Auditor Competencies & Planning

Module 5: Executing, Reporting, & Non-Conformities