​IRCA Food Safety Management Systems Certification Scheme

To be certificated to this scheme you'll need to demonstrate that you have the skills to audit the proper implementation of ISO 22000 or an acceptable alternative standard e.g. FSSC 22000.

The scheme has been developed in response to the food industry's transition from inspection-focused practice to the management system approach to risk management, supported by a staged audit process based on ISO 19011. Our programme was developed in partnership with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

The Food Safety Management Systems professional programme supports the third-party certification of food industry quality management systems. We certify the different categories of auditors – those employed by certification bodies/registrars, consultants and internal auditors as well as developing and promoting good auditor training and auditing best practice.

Important notes

• For Part 1 of this scheme, all of the IRCA auditor grades are available (see table 1)
• For Part 1 of this scheme, the generic auditor criteria apply 
• For Part 2 of this scheme, only one grade is available – ISO 22003: Auditor
• For Part 2 of this scheme, all the generic criteria for auditor grades apply 

Scheme specific (additional) requirements

Auditors are required to demonstrate the following knowledge and competencies:

For Part 1 of the FSMS Scheme:

• Experience working within the food chain, preferably with an understanding of implementing and/or operating a management system (e.g.: general microbiology and general chemistry)
• Understanding the food sciences associated with food safety programmes
• Knowledge of relevant key food safety legislation
• Understanding prerequisite programmes
• Knowledge of relevant good practice guides, such as GMP, GHP, GAP, GVP, etc.
• Understanding the principles of HACCP, as defined by the Codex Alimentarius
• Knowledge of GFSI benchmark scheme (e.g.: FSSC 22000) if necessary
• Ability to identify and evaluate potential biological, chemical and physical hazards to safely produce, handle, cook, store and transport food
• Ability to assess the validity of methods for managing identified hazards
• Knowledge related to the selection, usage, and maintenance of equipment
• Understanding of methods and techniques of food safety management that enable the auditor to examine a food safety management system, and to generate appropriate audit findings and conclusions.

For Part II of the FSMS Scheme

As with Part 1, plus the following:

• Acceptable qualifications corresponding to post-secondary education, within general microbiology and general chemistry, in the category in which the auditor is seeking certification (see categories below). This may be part of a science-based degree or near degree qualification, or a separate award by a recognised institution. Each additional category requires this qualification.
• For those meeting the training requirements through an FSMS Auditor Conversion course, a minimum of a one-day course in HACCP principles, hazard assessment and hazard analysis, and food safety management principles including relevant prerequisite programmes (PRPs) of the Codex Alimentarius.

For Part II of the FSMS Scheme

Part II: Auditing experience

• For initial certification to their first category, the auditor must have performed a minimum of 12 FSMS audit days all under the direction and guidance of a Lead Auditor (or similarly qualified) competent to attest to their competence. The audits must have been conducted within four different organisations in the category they are applying for.
• Each additional category requires four FSMS audits under the direction and guidance of a qualified auditor in the new category.

Part II: Renewal of certification

• Auditors need to have completed a minimum of five external audits per year, including a minimum of two FSMS audits, or
• A minimum of four FSMS on-site external audits per year, or
• Ten FSMS audit days per year.

The FSMS Scheme is based on the auditing key standards:

Part I: ISO 22000: Food safety management systems – Requirements for any organisation in the food chain (latest issue).

Part II: As with Part I, but including additional requirements based on ISO/TS 22003, for auditors who only carry out third-party certification audits.

Guidance on who these schemes are intended for

Part I:

• Environmental health officers
• Quality, environmental or health and safety management systems auditors who possess a considerable understanding and knowledge of food safety issues, and who are able to demonstrate competence to participate in food safety or integrated management system audits
• Food safety auditors who wish to have their auditing competence recognised.

Part II:

• Auditors conducting third-party audits on behalf of an accreditation or certification body and performing audits to ISO 22000 (latest issue) and ISO/TS 22003 (latest issue) or an acceptable alternative.

Auditing experience

The audit experience that you acquire after you have successfully completed your course will determine your auditor certification grade. The auditing experience requirements for each grade are detailed here: Grades

Acceptable alternative standards

We may accept audits to alternative standards not listed on the IRCA certification scheme. To find out more please visit the Acceptable Alternative Standards page.