Free SQF training · Certificate included
SQF Training Schedule: Free Weekly SQF Familiarization Training
Our SQF training schedule offers free weekly familiarization sessions. Each week focuses on one SQF program, with practical examples you can apply immediately. In addition, every participant earns a Familiarization Training Certificate.
How it works
How the SQF Training Schedule Works
One SQF program per week
Each session covers one SQF Code element with practical, ready-to-use guidance.
Free to join
Free familiarization training for QA managers, food safety coordinators and operations teams.
Certificate included
All participants receive a Familiarization Training Certificate on completion.
Module 1
SQF 2.1 Management Commitment Training
Week 1 · 2.1.1 Management Responsibility
Management Responsibility Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Operations Leaders who want to strengthen their SQF system and build a culture of proactive compliance
Register freeWeek 2 · 2.1.1 Management Responsibility
Personnel Qualification – Job Descriptions Procedure
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: HR officers, QA Managers, and Food Safety Leaders who oversee staff qualifications, training documentation, and role compliance
Register freeWeek 3 · 2.1.1 Management Responsibility
Blackout Dates Policy
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Production Supervisors, and Compliance Coordinators responsible for scheduling, audits, and SQF program continuity
Register freeWeek 4 · 2.1.1 Management Responsibility
Recognition Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, HR Officers, and Food Safety Leaders who want to strengthen staff morale and embed food safety values across the organization
Register freeWeek 5 · 2.1.1 Management Responsibility
Disciplinary Action Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: HR Managers, QA Leaders, and Operations Supervisors who manage compliance, employee conduct, and corrective action systems
Register freeWeek 6 · 2.1.2 Management Review
Management Review Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: Senior Management, QA Managers, and Food Safety Coordinators responsible for system oversight and continual improvement activities
Register freeWeek 7 · 2.1.3 Complaint Management
Complaint Management Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Customer Service Representatives, and Food Safety Coordinators who oversee complaint handling, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
Register freeModule 2
SQF 2.2 Document Control and Records Training
Week 8 · 2.2.1 Food Safety Management System
Food Safety Management System Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Document Controllers responsible for maintaining SQF documentation and ensuring traceable, up-to-date records
Register freeWeek 9 · 2.2.2 Document Control
Document Control Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Document Controllers, and Compliance Coordinators responsible for maintaining up-to-date procedures and ensuring proper version control
Register freeWeek 10 · 2.2.3 Records
Records Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Food Safety Coordinators, and Production Supervisors responsible for maintaining SQF records and ensuring data integrity
Register freeWeek 11 · 2.2.3 Records
Master Signature and Initials Records Program
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Managers, Document Controllers, and Supervisors who manage record approvals, traceability, and documentation control
Register freeWeek 12 · 2.2.3 Records
Proper Error Correction Procedure
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
✓ 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
Ideal for: QA Technicians, Production Supervisors, and Food Safety Coordinators responsible for recording, reviewing, and verifying operational data
Register freeMore free training
Free End-to-End SQF Compliance Training on TrainingAce
Sign up through TrainingAce.pro for free end-to-end compliance support training and practical guidance on meeting SQF requirements.
Training FAQs
Questions About Our Free SQF Training
Is the SQF training really free?
Yes. The weekly sessions are free familiarization training, and every participant receives a Familiarization Training Certificate.
Who should attend?
QA managers, food safety coordinators, operations leaders, HR officers and supervisors who want to strengthen their SQF system.
How do I register?
Use the “Register free” button on any session to sign up through our registration form.
Join for free and earn your certificate
Strengthen your SQF system one program at a time. Register for the next free session today.
Food Safety Systems is an independent consulting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). Read our disclaimer.
