ISO 22000 Lead Auditor

The ever-increasing popularity of food safety, as one of the key aspects of the food industry, has boosted demands from organizations to get certified against ISO 22000. Such certification demonstrates commitment from organizations toward the wellbeing of their consumers and provides sustainability in the market. A PECB auditor credential is a formal and independent recognition of your personal competences. It proves that you are qualified to conduct food safety management system (FSMS) audits for a certification body.

This training course has been developed to reflect the importance of an effective audit. It strengthens your knowledge and skills to plan and carry out an FSMS audit in compliance with the guidelines for auditing management systems provided in ISO 19011 and the certification process presented in ISO/IEC 17021-1.

Through practical exercises, interactive sessions, and discussions, you will be able to gain knowledge on the FSMS and audit techniques. You will also be able to perform an FSMS audit by applying widely recognized audit principles, procedures, and techniques, as well as be able to manage an audit team.

After attending the training course, you can take the exam. If you pass, you can apply for the “PECB Certified ISO 22000 Lead Auditor” credential. An internationally recognized “PECB ISO 22000 Lead Auditor” certificate validates your professional capabilities and competences to audit organizations based on the requirements of ISO 22000 and auditing best practices.

• Auditors interested in performing and leading food safety management system audits
• Managers or consultants interested in mastering the food safety management system audit process
• Individuals responsible for maintaining conformity to the FSMS requirements in an organization
• Technical experts interested in preparing for a food safety management system audit
• Expert advisors in food safety management

This training course enables you to understand the:

• Operations of a food safety management system based on ISO 22000
• Relationship between ISO 22000 and other standards and regulatory frameworks
• Requirements of ISO 22000 in the context of an FSMS audit
• Auditor’s role in planning, leading, and following up on a management system audit in accordance with ISO 19011

This training course is participant centered and contains:

• Theories, auditing best practices used in FSMS audits, ISO 22000 requirements, and international auditing standards
• Lecture sessions, which are illustrated with practical exercises based on a case study that includes role-playing and discussions
• Interactions, made between participants by means of questions and suggestions
• Exercises, which are a simulation and preview of the certification exam

The main requirements for participating in this training course are: a fundamental understanding of food safety concepts and a comprehensive knowledge of FSMS audit principles.

Day 1: Introduction to the food safety management system (FSMS) and ISO 22000

Day 2: Audit principles and the preparation for and initiation of an audit

Day 3: On-site audit activities

Day 4: Closing of the audit

Day 5: Certification exam

The PECB Certified ISO 22000 Lead Auditor exam complies with the PECB Examination and Certification Program (ECP) requirements. It covers the following competency domains:

Domain 1: Fundamental principles and concepts of a food safety management system

Domain 2: Food safety management system (FSMS) requirements

Domain 3: Fundamental audit concepts and principles

Domain 4: Preparing for an ISO 22000 audit

Domain 5: Conducting an ISO 22000 audit

Domain 6: Closing an ISO 22000 audit

Domain 7: Managing an ISO 22000 audit program

For more detailed information about the PECB exam process, please visit Examination Rules and Policies

Upon the successful completion of the exam, you can apply for one of the credentials shown on the table below. You will receive the certificate once you comply with all the requirements related to the credential. 

For more information about ISO 22000 certifications and the PECB certification process, please refer to the  Certification Rules and Policies.

The PECB ISO 22000 Auditor certification scheme has the following requirements:

To be considered valid, the audit activities should follow best audit practices and include the following:

1. Planning an audit
2. Managing an audit program
3. Drafting audit reports
4. Drafting nonconformity reports
5. Conducting documented information review
6. Carrying out on-site audit activities
7. Following up on nonconformities
8. Leading an audit team

• Certification fees are included in the exam price.
• Participants will be provided with over 450 pages of training material containing explanatory information and practical examples. 
• An attendance record valid of 31 CPD (continuing professional development) credits will be issued to participants who have attended the training course.
• In case of exam failure, the candidate can retake the exam once for free within 12 months following the initial exam date.