FSSC 22000 v6.1 Lead Auditor Course

Certified by CQI & IRCA | Offered by FS Certifications

This intensive, workshop-based 5-day training course is tailored for professionals seeking the knowledge and competencies required to lead second and third-party audits of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) in accordance with the FSSC 22000 certification scheme.

The FSSC 22000 framework integrates globally recognized standards, including ISO 22000, ISO 9001, ISO/TS 22003, and sector-specific prerequisite program (PRP) requirements such as ISO/TS 22002-1, ensuring a comprehensive and practical approach to food safety across the supply chain.

Course Duration

5 Days (Full-Time)

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

Professionals responsible for implementing or managing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that aligns with FSSC 22000 or ISO 22000
Food safety auditors seeking to enhance their auditing expertise and gain formal recognition of their qualifications
Individuals involved in leading FSMS audits within their organizations or externally, including supplier or certification audits
Those aiming to register as Lead Auditors under the CQI and IRCA Food Safety Auditor Scheme

Prerequisite Knowledge

Required:

A solid understanding of food safety management principles, including HACCP and PRPs

Recommended:

Knowledge of how FSMS relates to the delivery of safe food
Familiarity with relevant food safety regulations within your country or region
Awareness of the structure and requirements of FSSC 22000, ISO/TS 22002, and commonly used FSMS terminology
Understanding of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle

Course Objectives

Build the skills needed to plan, conduct, report, and follow up FSMS audits based on FSSC 22000 v6.1
Gain a deep understanding of the FSSC 22000 Scheme, including its integration with ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002, and additional FSSC-specific requirements
Develop the competencies required to conduct internal, second, and third-party audits
Understand how to embed HACCP principles into the FSMS effectively

Course Content

PDCA cycle and its role within an FSMS
Structure and requirements of FSSC 22000 (ISO 22000 + ISO/TS 22002 + Additional FSSC Requirements)
FSMS documentation and terminology
ISO 19011 and ISO 17021 guidance on audit practices
Types of audits: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party
Selecting audit teams and understanding audit types (Stage 1, Stage 2, Surveillance, Recertification, and Unannounced)
Roles, responsibilities, and required competencies of auditors
Planning, conducting, and reporting on FSMS audits
Identifying nonconformities and generating actionable audit findings
Audit follow-up and continual improvement strategies

Key Benefits

Gain practical, real-world audit skills to assess FSMS compliance against FSSC 22000
Deepen your understanding of food safety system implementation, including HACCP integration
Meet the formal training requirement to register as an Auditor, Lead Auditor, or Principal Auditor under CQI and IRCA
Enhance your value in the food industry through certified lead auditor status

Style of Delivery & Course Leaders

Our training is delivered through engaging workshops, group discussions, real-world scenarios, and hands-on audit simulations. Trainers are qualified, IRCA-registered auditors with years of hands-on industry experience across sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, government, and international supply chains. Their global expertise brings cultural and regulatory context to every session.

Certification

Delegates who successfully complete the course and pass the final examination will receive an internationally recognized CQI and IRCA Accredited FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Certificate.