Training Schedule
Build your SQF Food Safety Management System step by step. Each week focuses on one program, with practical examples and guidance you can apply immediately.
This is ideal for QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Operations Teams who want to strengthen their SQF system.
SQF 2.1 Management Commitment
2.1.1 Management Responsibility
Week 1: Management Responsibility Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Strong leadership is the foundation of food safety culture. Under SQF, senior management is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a commitment to the development, implementation, and continual improvement of the food safety system. This includes defining roles, allocating resources, and ensuring accountability across all levels of the organization.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ Core management responsibilities under SQF 2.1.1
✓ How to develop and maintain a Management Responsibility Program
✓ Techniques for demonstrating top management commitment
✓ Effective methods for internal communication and accountability
✓ What auditors look for in management review and evidence of commitment
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ Core management responsibilities under SQF 2.1.1 ✓ How to develop and maintain a Management Responsibility Program ✓ Techniques for demonstrating top management commitment ✓ Effective methods for internal communication and accountability ✓ What auditors look for in management review and evidence of commitment
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Operations Leaders who want to strengthen their SQF system and build a culture of proactive compliance.
Week 2: Personnel Qualification – Job Descriptions Procedure
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Competent personnel are essential to maintaining an effective SQF System. Clear and well-structured job descriptions help define responsibilities, authority, and accountability for all roles that impact food safety. Under SQF, management must ensure that each employee understands their duties and is properly qualified to perform assigned tasks.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ Core SQF requirements for personnel qualifications and competence
✓ How to create and maintain compliant job descriptions
✓ Linking roles to responsibilities, training, and authority
✓ Best practices for updating job descriptions and managing change
✓ What auditors look for when reviewing personnel files and job documentation
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ Core SQF requirements for personnel qualifications and competence ✓ How to create and maintain compliant job descriptions ✓ Linking roles to responsibilities, training, and authority ✓ Best practices for updating job descriptions and managing change ✓ What auditors look for when reviewing personnel files and job documentation
This training is ideal for HR officers, QA Managers, and Food Safety Leaders who oversee staff qualifications, training documentation, and role compliance.
Week 3: Blackout Dates Policy
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Effective planning and communication are vital to maintaining uninterrupted food safety operations. The Blackout Dates Policy ensures that critical SQF activities—such as internal audits, management reviews, or regulatory inspections—are not compromised by staff absences or production shutdowns. This proactive approach strengthens compliance readiness and minimizes operational risk.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ The purpose and scope of a Blackout Dates Policy within the SQF System
✓ How to identify critical compliance and audit periods
✓ Steps for developing and implementing a site-specific blackout calendar
✓ Communicating and enforcing blackout periods across departments
✓ How auditors assess management planning and continuity measures
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ The purpose and scope of a Blackout Dates Policy within the SQF System ✓ How to identify critical compliance and audit periods ✓ Steps for developing and implementing a site-specific blackout calendar ✓ Communicating and enforcing blackout periods across departments ✓ How auditors assess management planning and continuity measures
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Production Supervisors, and Compliance Coordinators responsible for scheduling, audits, and SQF program continuity.
Week 4: Recognition Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions is a key driver of food safety culture. The Recognition Program under SQF encourages management to acknowledge individuals and teams who actively support compliance, continuous improvement, and safe production practices. A structured recognition system boosts motivation, reinforces accountability, and promotes ownership of food safety at all levels.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ The importance of recognition in building a strong food safety culture
✓ SQF expectations for employee engagement and participation
✓ How to design and implement a Recognition Program
✓ Practical examples of recognition activities and measurable outcomes
✓ What auditors look for when evaluating employee involvement initiatives
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ The importance of recognition in building a strong food safety culture ✓ SQF expectations for employee engagement and participation ✓ How to design and implement a Recognition Program ✓ Practical examples of recognition activities and measurable outcomes ✓ What auditors look for when evaluating employee involvement initiatives
This training is ideal for QA Managers, HR Officers, and Food Safety Leaders who want to strengthen staff morale and embed food safety values across the organization.
Week 5: Disciplinary Action Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Accountability is a cornerstone of food safety management. The Disciplinary Action Program ensures that all personnel understand the consequences of non-compliance and reinforces the organization’s commitment to maintaining integrity, consistency, and safety in every process. SQF requires that management implement and communicate clear procedures for handling violations related to food safety and quality practices.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF expectations for disciplinary and accountability programs
✓ How to establish fair, consistent, and transparent disciplinary procedures
✓ Linking disciplinary actions to food safety culture and continuous improvement
✓ Steps for documenting, communicating, and enforcing disciplinary measures
✓ What auditors look for when evaluating accountability systems and corrective action evidence
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF expectations for disciplinary and accountability programs ✓ How to establish fair, consistent, and transparent disciplinary procedures ✓ Linking disciplinary actions to food safety culture and continuous improvement ✓ Steps for documenting, communicating, and enforcing disciplinary measures ✓ What auditors look for when evaluating accountability systems and corrective action evidence
This training is ideal for HR Managers, QA Leaders, and Operations Supervisors who manage compliance, employee conduct, and corrective action systems.
2.1.2 Management Review
Week 6: Management Review Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Management review is one of the most critical processes in the SQF System. It ensures that top management continually evaluates the performance, suitability, and effectiveness of the Food Safety Management System. A structured Management Review Program promotes accountability, identifies opportunities for improvement, and drives strategic decisions that sustain compliance and customer confidence.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF requirements for conducting management reviews
✓ How to prepare agendas, gather data, and document review outcomes
✓ Key performance indicators and trend analysis for review discussions
✓ Integrating corrective actions and continual improvement initiatives
✓ What auditors look for in management review minutes and follow-up evidence
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF requirements for conducting management reviews ✓ How to prepare agendas, gather data, and document review outcomes ✓ Key performance indicators and trend analysis for review discussions ✓ Integrating corrective actions and continual improvement initiatives ✓ What auditors look for in management review minutes and follow-up evidence
This training is ideal for Senior Management, QA Managers, and Food Safety Coordinators responsible for system oversight and continual improvement activities.
2.1.3 Complaint Management
Week 7: Complaint Management Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Customer feedback is an essential driver of continuous improvement in any SQF-certified facility. An effective Complaint Management Program ensures that all product complaints are properly received, documented, investigated, and resolved. This process not only supports compliance with SQF requirements but also builds consumer trust and demonstrates management’s commitment to accountability and product integrity.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF requirements for complaint handling and response
✓ How to establish and maintain a structured Complaint Management Program
✓ Techniques for complaint logging, categorization, and root cause analysis
✓ Using complaint trends to improve processes and prevent recurrence
✓ What auditors look for in complaint records, investigations, and corrective actions
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF requirements for complaint handling and response ✓ How to establish and maintain a structured Complaint Management Program ✓ Techniques for complaint logging, categorization, and root cause analysis ✓ Using complaint trends to improve processes and prevent recurrence ✓ What auditors look for in complaint records, investigations, and corrective actions
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Customer Service Representatives, and Food Safety Coordinators who oversee complaint handling, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
SQF 2.2 Document Control and Records
2.2.1 Food Safety Management System
Week 8: Food Safety Management System Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
A well-documented Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is the backbone of SQF certification. It defines how an organization develops, implements, and maintains programs that ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality products. Proper documentation and recordkeeping not only demonstrate control but also provide the evidence auditors require to verify system effectiveness.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF requirements for establishing and maintaining a documented FSMS
✓ How to organize and structure your Food Safety Manual
✓ Roles and responsibilities in maintaining controlled documents
✓ Effective methods for updating, approving, and communicating procedures
✓ What auditors look for in system documentation and record control
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF requirements for establishing and maintaining a documented FSMS ✓ How to organize and structure your Food Safety Manual ✓ Roles and responsibilities in maintaining controlled documents ✓ Effective methods for updating, approving, and communicating procedures ✓ What auditors look for in system documentation and record control
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Document Controllers responsible for maintaining SQF documentation and ensuring traceable, up-to-date records.
2.2.2 Document Control
Week 9: Document Control Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Effective document control is essential to ensuring the integrity and consistency of your SQF Food Safety Management System. The Document Control Program defines how policies, procedures, and work instructions are created, approved, distributed, and maintained. Proper control ensures that only current, authorized documents are in use—supporting traceability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF requirements for document creation, approval, and revision control
✓ How to establish a document hierarchy and master list
✓ Techniques for managing electronic and printed copies
✓ Roles and responsibilities in document approval and version management
✓ What auditors look for when verifying document control systems
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF requirements for document creation, approval, and revision control ✓ How to establish a document hierarchy and master list ✓ Techniques for managing electronic and printed copies ✓ Roles and responsibilities in document approval and version management ✓ What auditors look for when verifying document control systems
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Document Controllers, and Compliance Coordinators responsible for maintaining up-to-date procedures and ensuring proper version control.
2.2.3 Records
Week 10: Records Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Accurate and complete records are vital to demonstrating the effectiveness of your SQF Food Safety Management System. The Records Program ensures that all evidence of monitoring, verification, and corrective action is properly maintained, legible, and readily retrievable. Strong record management supports traceability, compliance verification, and continuous improvement across all food safety programs.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF requirements for recordkeeping and retention
✓ How to design and implement a Records Program that ensures compliance
✓ Best practices for maintaining legibility, accessibility, and integrity of records
✓ Digital vs. manual record control and verification methods
✓ What auditors look for in record review, traceability, and documentation evidence
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF requirements for recordkeeping and retention ✓ How to design and implement a Records Program that ensures compliance ✓ Best practices for maintaining legibility, accessibility, and integrity of records ✓ Digital vs. manual record control and verification methods ✓ What auditors look for in record review, traceability, and documentation evidence
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Production Supervisors responsible for maintaining SQF records and ensuring data integrity.
Week 11: Master Signature and Initials Records Program
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Consistency and accountability in documentation are essential to the integrity of your SQF System. The Master Signature and Initials Records Program ensures that all handwritten entries, verifications, and approvals can be traced back to authorized personnel. This program supports document authenticity, prevents falsification, and reinforces management responsibility for record accuracy and control.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ The purpose and importance of maintaining a Master Signature and Initials Record
✓ How to establish and control authorized signatories in your SQF System
✓ Proper verification methods to prevent misuse or falsification of records
✓ Steps for maintaining, reviewing, and updating signature registers
✓ What auditors look for when verifying documentation authenticity and traceability
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ The purpose and importance of maintaining a Master Signature and Initials Record ✓ How to establish and control authorized signatories in your SQF System ✓ Proper verification methods to prevent misuse or falsification of records ✓ Steps for maintaining, reviewing, and updating signature registers ✓ What auditors look for when verifying documentation authenticity and traceability
This training is ideal for QA Managers, Document Controllers, and Supervisors who manage record approvals, traceability, and documentation control.
Week 12: Proper Error Correction Procedure
Free Familiarization Training + Certificate
Accurate recordkeeping is a cornerstone of SQF compliance. The Proper Error Correction Procedure ensures that all corrections made to records are handled transparently, maintaining the integrity, traceability, and authenticity of food safety documentation. Improper corrections—such as using correction fluid or obscuring original entries—can raise serious audit non-conformances and compromise data reliability.
What you’ll learn in this training:
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✓ SQF requirements for maintaining accurate and traceable records
✓ Correct and incorrect methods of making record corrections
✓ How to document and validate corrected entries
✓ Responsibilities of personnel in ensuring record accuracy
✓ What auditors look for when reviewing error corrections and record integrity
Certification Included – All participants will receive a Familiarization Training Certificate to recognize
completion.
What you’ll learn in this training:
- ✓ SQF requirements for maintaining accurate and traceable records ✓ Correct and incorrect methods of making record corrections ✓ How to document and validate corrected entries ✓ Responsibilities of personnel in ensuring record accuracy ✓ What auditors look for when reviewing error corrections and record integrity
This training is ideal for QA Technicians, Production Supervisors, and Food Safety Coordinators responsible for recording, reviewing, and verifying operational data.
Join us for Free Training Sign up through TrainingAce.pro for Free End-to-End Compliance Support Training and get practical guidance on meeting SQF compliance.
SQF Audit Support Services
Practical Guidance for Certification Success
At Food Safety Systems, we provide hands-on support to help your team prepare for audits under the SQF Code, part of the GFSI-benchmarked certification programs. We guide you through mock audits, staff coaching, and corrective action planning to help ensure audit confidence and regulatory alignment.
✓ Mock Audit Services
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• Simulated certification audits to assess preparedness
• Identification and categorization of potential non-conformances
✓ Audit Readiness Coaching
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• Staff preparation for auditor interviews and walkthroughs
• Documentation review, organization, and gap identification
✓ Corrective Action & CAPA Support
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• Root cause analysis of audit findings
• Development of Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plans
Ongoing Compliance Management for SQF Systems
Sustaining Certification with Confidence
At Food Safety Systems, we support businesses in maintaining ongoing compliance with the requirements of the SQF Code, helping ensure food safety systems remain current, audit-ready, and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.
✓ Compliance Maintenance Programs
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• Quarterly internal compliance reviews and system checks
• Annual revalidation of food safety plans and documentation
✓ Document Control Services
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• Version management and controlled updates of food safety documents
• Support for implementing change control procedures
✓ Supplier Verification Support
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• Development of approved supplier programs and qualification protocols
• Assistance with supplier audits and verification documentation
Specialized Consulting for SQF-Aligned Programs
Tailored Support for Complex Certification Needs
At Food Safety Systems, we offer specialized consulting to help businesses navigate advanced compliance requirements related to the SQF Code, including multi-site certifications, standard upgrades, and retail/wholesale applications.
✓ Edition Transition Support
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• Guidance on transitioning from SQF Edition 8 to 9 to 10
• Implementation of updated program requirements and controls
✓ Multi-Site Program Consulting
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• Development of corporate-level food safety frameworks
• Support for maintaining consistency across multiple locations
✓ Retail & Wholesale Applications
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• Custom food safety programs for distribution environments
• Temperature control, cold chain validation, and handling practices
Crisis & Regulatory Support Services
Preparedness and Response for Real-World Challenges
At Food Safety Systems, we help businesses strengthen their response protocols for recalls, inspections, and regulatory non-conformances. Our services align with the SQF Code, FSMA requirements, and broader FDA compliance expectations to support food safety resilience and audit readiness.
✓ Recall Preparedness & Response
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• Conduct mock recall drills and scenario testing
• Validate and test traceability systems and recordkeeping
✓ FDA & Regulatory Compliance Integration
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• Align food safety systems with FSMA and SQF requirements
• Import/export documentation and regulatory compliance support
✓ Non-Conformance & Inspection Response
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• Assistance during regulatory inspections or third-party audits
• Support in drafting responses to FDA Form 483 findings
Technology Solutions for SQF-Aligned Compliance
Digital Tools to Support Your Food Safety System
At Food Safety Systems, we offer modern, tech-enabled solutions to support compliance with the SQF Code and other GFSI-benchmarked standards. Through our partnership with InterlinkIQ.com, we provide digital platforms that simplify documentation, reporting, and system monitoring.
✓ Digital Compliance Tools
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• Electronic document management systems
• Cloud-based, audit-ready recordkeeping
✓ Data & Performance Analytics
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• Dashboards for tracking key food safety metrics
• Automated reporting for trend analysis and continuous improvement
Premium Support Packages
Accelerated & Ongoing Support for SQF-Aligned Certification
At Food Safety Systems, we offer premium service tiers designed to help food businesses fast-track implementation, maintain ongoing compliance, and receive expert guidance throughout their certification journey—aligned with the requirements of the SQF Code and other GFSI-recognized standards.
Platinum Certification Program
• Assigned food safety consultant with SQF system expertise
• Unlimited remote support for audit preparation and documentation
Rapid Certification Pathway
• 90-day intensive implementation program for fast-track readiness
• Priority scheduling for mock audits and compliance reviews
Compliance Guardian Plan
• On-call access to a dedicated compliance management expert
• Monthly compliance check-ins and system health reviews
Food Safety Systems – Full-Spectrum Support for SQF-Aligned Certification
At Food Safety Systems, we provide end-to-end support for food businesses preparing for and maintaining certification under the SQF Code, a GFSI-benchmarked food safety standard. Our comprehensive service offerings are designed to guide you through every stage of your certification journey.
