The aim of this FSSC 22000 lead auditor course is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform first, second and third-party audits of Food Safety Management Systems against the FSSC 22000 V7.0 scheme, in accordance with ISO 19011, ISO 22003-1 and ISO 17021-1, as applicable. The scheme includes ISO 22000, sector-specific requirements (ISO/TS 22002-100 series) and FSSC 22000 additional requirements. This food safety lead auditor course provides learners with the flexibility to develop their auditing knowledge and skills while focusing on the requirements applicable to auditing Food Safety Management Systems. Note: this document references FSSC 22000 as the management system standard that provides the context for the external audit. However, this course does not address FSSC 22000, the scheme requirement in detail and does not aim to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to determine conformity, or otherwise, with FSSC 22000. Delegates requiring the knowledge and skills to conduct entire Food Safety Management System audits against FSSC 22000 should be directed to attend a CQI and IRCA or Exemplar Global Certified FSSC 22000 V7.0 Foundation training course.) Learners who complete this Exemplar Global Certified FSSC 22000 V7.0 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training course successfully (within the five years prior to making an application to become a certificated auditor) will satisfy the training requirements for initial certification as an Exemplar Global FSMS Auditor.
PR 375 FSSC 22000 V7.0 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course
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Prior Knowledge Requirements
Recommended prior knowledge:
Management systems – Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle
The core elements of a management system and the interrelationship between top management responsibility, policy, objectives, planning, implementation, measurement, review, and continual improvement.
Food safety management
A knowledge of the principles of food safety management including prerequisite programs as specified in ISO 22002-100 series and HACCP.
The relationship between food safety management and the provision of safe food products to prevent or minimize adverse effects on human health and the proactive improvement of food safety performance.
Awareness of common examples of relevant National/Federal and local FSMS legislation and requirements
The role of ISO 22003-1 in food management system certification
Awareness of the food chain categories and sub-categories in ISO 22003-1.
Note: a) and b) can be obtained through attending a CQI and IRCA or Exemplar Global Certified FD 128 ISO 22000:2018 Foundation (FSMS) Training course.
FSSC 22000
Knowledge of the requirements of FSSC 22000 and Annexes (all parts) and the commonly used Food Safety Management System terms and definitions, as given in ISO 22000 and in FSSC 22000 Appendix 1.
Virtual Technology Requirements
To participate in the virtual training sessions, you will need:
- Workplace Networks & VPN Connections
- In our experience, Workplace IT environments’ internal configurations and available software can vary (new or old), and there may be various limitations or other restrictions in place, and as such, the functionality of any Learning Management System (LMS) may be impacted, restricted, and may not perform well.
- The use of a VPN connection can result in poor performance and interfere with the SSO (Single Sign On) that connects users from our website and associated applications to their eLearning modules. We strongly recommend ensuring you are disconnected from a VPN or Proxy Server if experiencing any issues with accessing the eLearning modules.
- Recommended Operating Systems
- Windows 7/10, macOS Sierra, iPad iOS 10
- Mobile Devices
- The Kelmac Group Academy LMS is not available on a mobile app at this time. We recommend using a web browser on a mobile device to complete any eLearning modules. However, if completing any final assessment, we recommend completing it via a desktop browser.
- Internet Speed & Reliability
- We recommend using an internet connection of 256 Kbit/sec or faster, which will ensure that you can successfully access our eLearning modules. A stable connection is important to ensure you do not experience any outages during the completion of any module or any final assessment (s).
- Recommended Internet Browsers
- Google Chrome 32-bit version 50 or later (most recommended)
- Safari 10 or later
- Note: Add-ons and toolbars can affect any browser’s performance.
- Recommended Settings
- We recommend that the following settings be enabled:
- Cookies
- Pop-ups (in both Internet browsers and security software)
- JavaScript
- Plugins
- Latest Version of Adobe Flash Player
- Latest Version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
- To view all resources made available within our LMS, you will probably need Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or an equivalent (i.e. Open Office, Viewer) installed.
- Virtual Learning Technology Requirements
- General
- Laptop or desktop computer (Note: A tablet or mobile device is not suitable for this training)
- Advisory: Certain features ONLY work on the laptop/desktop version & each Learner will be required to actively participate in online exercises/assignments via virtual breakout rooms in groups
- Webcam – Built-in or USB plug-in
- Advisory: This is required to be enabled for the duration of any live or group exercises, as 100% attendance & participation are required on all virtual workshops. We must be able to verify attendance during live sessions and during any virtual breakout sessions.
- Speakers and a microphone – Built-in or USB plug-in. We strongly recommend a headset for this training.
- Advisory: A headset will ensure that each Learner can effectively communicate & listen. Plus, a headset will provide a better filter for any background noise or interference that may impact the Learner experience, and that of other Learners.
- Internet connection – Minimum of 1.0 Mbps
- Advisory: Naturally, each Learner should ensure that they have reliable access to the Internet during the training, either through a suitable Wi-Fi or wired connection. Any disruptions may cause difficulties during the training and, in certain cases, if large portions of the training are missed, a Learner may not be able to complete the program (Certification Criteria may not be met).
- Zoom Workday
- This is the platform we use for video and team collaboration. Approximately 1 week in advance, a calendar invite including a link to access training material where the course documentation & resources are located. This team’s environment will also be used for submitting/sharing completed individual and team-based assignments.
- We will be sharing access with the EMAIL ID that was provided to us when each Learner was registered for the course.
- It is important that each Learner verifies that they can access the Zoom Workday platform successfully in advance of the live workshops to avoid delays or their planned attendance being impacted by not being able to access the Zoom Workday platform during the training.
- For support with accessing the Zoom Platform, please contact one of our representatives for assistance in advance of the start date to ensure you can gain access on the date of your training.
- Mimeo DRM Application - Digital Course Material
- This is the platform we use for distributing digital versions of course material, ISO standards, case study material, and reference material. Please note International standards are subject to international copyright laws and are not available to download or print.
Course Overview
Advance your career in food safety auditing with our FSSC 22000 V7.0 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course, designed for professionals aiming to lead successful external and internal audits or delegates who have the experience but who may not have an Internationally Certified CQI-IRCA or Exemplar Global training certificate. This comprehensive program is available in In-Person Classroom, Live/Virtual or Blended Learning formats, making it an ideal food safety lead auditor course for professionals seeking flexibility in their learning needs. Through this training, you'll gain the essential skills and knowledge to confidently lead audit teams and assess compliance with the FSSC 22000 V7.0/ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System standard. Whether you're stepping into food safety auditing or looking to enhance your expertise, this FSSC Auditor/Lead Auditor course provides the tools to achieve excellence. Start your journey toward becoming a certified leader in food safety auditing today!
Learning Objectives
Briefly describe what learners will know and be able to do by the end of the FSSC 22000 lead auditor course. On completion, successful learners will have the knowledge and skills to:
Knowledge
1.1.1 Explain the purpose of a food safety management system, of food safety management systems standards and the business benefits of the improved performance of the food safety management system including its relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of organisations (see 2.1).
1.1.2 Explain the role of an auditor to plan, conduct, report and follow up a food safety management system audit within an audit program in accordance with FSSC 22000, ISO 22003-1,
ISO 17021- 1, and the guidelines in ISO 19011.
Skills
1.1.3 Plan, conduct, report and follow up an audit of a food safety and quality control management system to establish conformity (or otherwise) with FSSC 22000 and in accordance with ISO 22003-1, ISO 17021-1, and the guidelines in ISO 19011.
This food safety lead auditor course also supports learners in developing the practical auditing knowledge and skills required to plan, conduct, report and follow up food safety management system audits.
Our Methodology
Introducing our skilled Consultants!
Gerard Kelly
Principal Consultant
Syllabus breakdown
Introduction and Welcome
- Course Introduction and Welcome
- Course Certification
- Course Learning Objectives
- Course Program/Rules
- Auditor Certification
- Privacy, Data Processing, Special Considerations,
- Course Materials
- Virtual Platform Overview
- Learner Support
Introduction to Food Safety Management Systems
- Purpose and Benefits of a Food Safety Management System
- FSSC 22000 V7.0 Overview and Structure
- ISO 22000-100 Purpose, Structure and Requirements
- ISO 22000 Purpose, Structure and Requirements
- FSSC 22000 V7.0 Additional Requirements
- Overview of of GFSI Food Safety Management System Schemes
ISO 19011:2026 Purpose, Scope and Requirements
- Overview and Context
- Introduction, Scope and Structure
- Terminology
- Audit Principles
- Audit Program
ISO 19011:2026 Purpose, Structure and Requirements
- Audit Life Cycle
- Auditor Roles and Responsibilities
- Auditor Behaviors
- Auditor Competency, Evaluation and Performance
ISO/IEC 17021-1 Purpose, Scope, and Requirements
- Purpose and Scope
- Audit and Certification Cycle
Audit Initiation and Preparation
- Initiation and Activities
- Audit Preparation Activities
- Document and Data Review
- Audit Risks and Opportunities
- Audit Planning, Sequence and Strategy
Audit Initiation and Preparation
- Audit Checklist/PEAR Report
- Audit File
- Final Audit Preparation Requirement Activities
Audit Examination Debrief
- Examination Overview/De-Brief and Resources
- Examination Platform and Access
- Examination Preparation and Evaluation
- Examination Practice and Review
Conducting the Audit
- Audit Activities
- Pre-Opening Meeting Activities
- Opening Meeting Exercise Role Play
- Guides and Consultants Do's and Don'ts
- Audit Evidence and Trails
- Auditee Documentation And Records
- Audit Meetings Exercise
- Lead Auditor Leadership and Coaching
- Auditee Reactions and how to handle Exercise
- Audit Investigations
- Final Audit Team Meeting
- Audit Conclusion Statement
Conducting the Audit
- Audit Investigation - Case Study Exercise
- Audit Findings
- Audit Examination Preparation
Conducting the Audit
- Closing/Exit Meeting
Audit Post-Delivery
- Audit Post-Delivery Activities
- Reviewing Non-Conformities including Closure
- Extent Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Correction, Corrective Action
- Correction/Corrective Action Implementation and Monitoring
- Corective/Corective Action Verification
- Corrective Action/Corrective Action Effectiveness Review
- Audit Completion
- Audit Program Review and Update
Class Close
- Summary/Review of Learning Objectives
- Examination Strategy
- Examination Results/Training Certificate
- Class Evaluation
- Class Close
Frequently Asked Questions
Examinations turn-around time is typically 15 days. Scheme Owners require a minimum of 10 days TAT. Issuing the training certificate takes 1-2 days
All learners have 1 opportunity to re-sit the examination. The maximum time to complete the examination re-site is 12 months, however most learners complete the examination re-sit in 1 to 4 weeks. There is a small re-sit examination fee set by the Scheme Owner.
An FSSC 22000 Auditor/Lead Auditor course provides the knowledge and practical skills required to initiate, plan, conduct, manage, and report external audits of food safety management systems against applicable FSSC 22000 requirements, e.g. suppliers/vendors, co-manufacturers, distributors/importers, transport companies etc.. It helps participants develop competence in audit planning, evidence gathering, evaluating conformity, audit reporting, and follow-up activities.
FSSC 22000 Version 7.0 Auditor/Lead Auditor training is suitable for food safety and quality professionals, internal and external auditors, consultants, managers, supervisors, and professionals responsible for implementing, maintaining, or auditing food safety management systems based upon FSSC 22000 V7.0
Prerequisites depend on the course requirements and participant's background. A basic understanding of food safety perquisite programs, food safety management systems, basic HACCP course, relevant FSSC 22000 requirements, and food safety regulatory requirements can be beneficial. Participants should review the specific entry requirements before registering.
The training covers FSSC 22000 Version 7.0 requirements, audit principles, audit initiating, audit planning and preparation, risk-based auditing, collecting objective evidence, audit sampling, audit methods, identifying evaluating audit findings, documenting conformities/ nonconformities, preparing audit conclusion statements/ audit reports, corrections and corrective actions, and audit follow-up.
The course develops practical auditing knowledge and skills that help participants plan and conduct systematic food safety management system external audits based upon FSSC 22000 V7.0 requirements. Participants learn how to gather and evaluate objective evidence, assess conformity with applicable requirements, identify conformities/nonconformities, regulatory compliance, communicate audit findings and risk classification, and complete audit reporting and follow-up activities.
An FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor course primarily focuses on conducting internal audits within an organization and typically focuses on specific organizational or operations processes. Auditor/Lead Auditor training encompasses broader auditor/lead auditor knowledge and skills for auditing all organizational and operational processes within a food safety management system, encompassing the complete audit life cycle, clause 6, ISO 19011:2026 and FSSC 22000 V7.0 requirements.
Lead Auditor training typically incorporates practical activities such as audit planning, case studies, identifying evidence evaluation, interviewing techniques, identifying nonconformities, and preparing audit findings. These exercises help participants apply FSSC 22000 auditing tools and techniques in to realistic audit situations. Within the Kelmac Group our course includes over 16 practical skill based exercises, far more than any other FSSC 22000 Training Provider.
The course includes a written proctored online examination designed to assess participants' understanding of the relevant FSSC 22000 requirements, best audit practices based upon, ISO 19011:2026, ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO 22003-1:2022 . The examination format, duration, assessment criteria, and pass requirements are determined by the applicable course and certification scheme. Within the Kelmac Group participants are provided a practice examination before completing the actual examination.
Participants are encouraged to gain audit experience within their own organization, auditing suppliers/vendors, or conducting food safety management system audits on behalf of a Certification Body or Registrar. Auditors/Lead Auditors are also expected to play a key role and assist their organization maintain an effective FSSC 22000 V7.0 food safety management system.
Yes. The training is designed to develop the knowledge and auditing skills needed to evaluate food safety management systems against applicable FSSC 22000 requirements and/or to conduct, internal, supply chain or conduct FSSC 22000 V7.0 or GFSI approved food safety management system audits on behalf of a IAF Certification Body or Registrar. Consultants who attend the training can conduct readiness audits prior to a IAF/FSSC 22000 Certification Body or Registrar certification audit or pursue a career with an IAF/FSSC 22000 Certification Body or Registrar.
Yes. The course can be particularly valuable for experienced food safety, quality, laboratory, compliance, and auditing professionals who want to assist food and beverage, transport, storage and warehousing, animal feed, food packaging or beverage food processors or food service retail organization gain certification to FSSC 22000 V7.0 or strengthen their market credibility and competence to conduct and lead FSSC 22000 audits. Participants should also review the stated prerequisites to ensure the course matches their existing knowledge, qualifications, experience and careers.
Completing an FSSC 22000 Auditor/Lead Auditor course is first and foremost a Internationally recognized qualification and with the Kelmac Group multi accreditations is recognised anywhere. If you are motivated and interested in advancing your food safety/ quality career it can also support food safety professionals advance your career within the food and beverage industry, with an IAF/FSSC 22000 Certification Body or Food Safety Regulatory Inspection Body.
FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor training can strengthen your professional knowledge and practical auditing capabilities for roles involving food safety auditing, quality assurance, compliance, food safety management, and audit program/audit coordination. It can also provide a structured foundation for professionals seeking to progress toward greater responsibility in food safety management system auditing.
Virtual Technology Requirements
To participate in the virtual training sessions, you will need:
- A current generation laptop or desktop computer with the latest web browser installed, capable of handling multiple software applications at the same time (a tablet or mobile device is not suitable for this training).
- HD webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
- Speakers and a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in). A headset is highly recommended for optimal audio quality.
- Internet connection with a minimum of 2.5 Mbps download and 3.0 Mbps upload.
- Two display monitors are highly recommended: one for joining the virtual classroom and viewing e-course documentation (if applicable), and the other for completing class exercises and assignments.
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View Sample Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion, each learner shall receive a digital Certificate of Completion that is recognized globally.