FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training

About the Course

FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training equips professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and conduct successful audits in accordance with the FSSC 22000 scheme for food safety management systems. Integrated Assessment Services (IAS), in collaboration with our sister organization Empowering Assurance Systems (EAS), provides this CQI-IRCA Certified FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training for individuals aspiring to audit food safety management systems.

What the FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Course Covers

FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized scheme built on three components, all of which the course addresses:

ISO 22000the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) requirements, including the HACCP principles, hazard analysis, CCPs and operational PRPs.

Sector-specific prerequisite programmes (PRPs)the relevant ISO/TS 22002-x technical specification for your food sector.

Additional FSSC 22000 requirementsincluding food fraud mitigation, food defense, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and management of services and purchased materials.

Alongside the scheme requirements, the course develops auditing competence through ISO 19011: audit planning, conducting the audit and gathering objective evidence, identifying and grading nonconformities, reporting, and follow-up, plus auditor roles and responsibilities.

Key Benefits

Expert instructorslearn from seasoned professionals and certified lead auditors with extensive FSSC 22000 experience.

Interactive learningengaging sessions with active participation, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Comprehensive curriculumcovers FSSC 22000 requirements, documentation, risk management, and the audit process within a food safety management system.

Practical applicationcase studies, role-playing exercises, and simulations to apply knowledge in realistic audit scenarios.

Certification and recognitiona globally recognized FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor credential on successful completion.

Who Should Attend

This training is tailored for professionals involved in food safety management, quality assurance, and those aspiring to become lead auditors. Whether you are from a food processing facility, distribution center, or regulatory body, the course will provide the skills needed to ensure compliance and excellence in your organization.

Training Delivery Methods

Delivered over a 5-day (40-hour) program, with the method of delivery you prefer:

In-House Trainingconducted at your premises, with content tailored to your organizational processes and industry requirements, fostering team cohesion without travel.

Open Classroom Trainingcentralized sessions with a standardized curriculum, bringing together professionals from various industries for diverse perspectives.

Tutor-Led Virtual Trainingremote participation with interactive elements such as virtual breakout sessions, polls, and discussions, providing flexibility and cost savings. Enrol in the FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Course online.

Assessment & Certification

Continuous Assessment: candidates are evaluated throughout the course on attendance, active participation, completion of individual and group exercises, and professional engagement during class discussions.

IRCA Examination: at the end of the course — whether delivered in a classroom, virtual, or in-house setting — participants complete the IRCA examination, conducted online. The examination specifications are as follows:

Duration1 hour and 45 minutes.

Questions40, without options or negative marking.

Contentcovers five domains: concepts and principles, audit methodologies, audit planning, audit conducting, and reporting/closing.

Total Marks80, with a required minimum pass mark in each domain and an overall score of at least 50% (40 marks).

Formatopen book, but internet searches are restricted; access to the relevant ISO standard (electronic or paper copy) is recommended.

Markingall questions are computer-graded.

Securityresponses cannot be changed after submission.

Preparationsample questions are discussed to familiarize candidates with the format.

ProctoringIRCA's exams are proctored live to ensure integrity. Candidates verify their ID through a secure portal and are monitored via webcam by a proctor who ensures compliance with exam rules. Unauthorized resources or leaving the exam screen are prohibited; sessions may be recorded for further review.

Candidates taking the exam in languages other than English, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, or Traditional Mandarin will complete a paper-based version.

Certification: participants achieving 70% or higher in continuous assessment, plus 50% or above in the final examination, will receive a CQI/IRCA-accredited certificate of successful course completion, recognized globally. Candidates who do not meet this threshold will be issued a certificate of attendance.

Enrolment Process

Submit an Inquiryregister your interest through our website.

Consultationour coordinators will promptly contact you to discuss available training schedules and formats.

Confirm Registrationfinalize your enrolment by completing the registration and payment.

Access Course Detailsreceive your course login credentials and relevant materials upon confirmation.

Start your professional journey by contacting us about the FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training today.

FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Training — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor course?

An IRCA-certified course that qualifies you to lead audits against the FSSC 22000 food safety system certification scheme, in line with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021.

What's the difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000?

FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognised certification scheme built on three components — ISO 22000, sector-specific prerequisite programmes (PRPs, e.g. the ISO/TS 22002 series), and additional FSSC requirements. ISO 22000 is the underlying management-system standard.

What does the course cover?

The three components of FSSC 22000, HACCP principles and prerequisite programmes, hazard analysis, food safety culture and the additional FSSC requirements, and auditing the scheme across the full audit lifecycle.

Is the course IRCA certified?

Yes. It is an IRCA-certified Lead Auditor course delivered through EAS, IAS's sister organisation.

What are the prerequisites?

A working knowledge of ISO 22000 / food safety and HACCP concepts is recommended.

How is the course assessed, and how long is it?

Continuous assessment plus a written examination — you must pass both to receive the certificate. The course typically runs 5 days (around 40 hours), as virtual classroom or in-house delivery.

Read the full ISO certification FAQ →

Where This Course Is Delivered

IAS delivers this Lead Auditor course across India and online.