Blended PCQI Training (Part 1 and 2) -

FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food

Blended PCQI Training Overview

This two-part Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training follows the standardized curriculum developed by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) and recognized by the FDA. It is designed for individuals responsible for developing, implementing, or overseeing a food safety plan under Preventive Controls for Human Food rule under FSMA.

You will learn how to conduct a hazard analysis, determine and apply risk-based preventive controls, and build a compliant food safety plan aligned with FDA requirements. The training focuses on how these requirements are applied in practice, not just what they are.

This blended format combines self-paced learning (Part 1) with a live instructor-led session (Part 2). Complete Part 1 on your own schedule, then join Part 2 to ask questions, work through real scenarios, and strengthen your understanding before finalizing your training and earning your official FSPCA PCQI certificate.

395 USD

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Blended PCQI Course Structure

Part 1

12–16 Hours | Self-Paced Online Training

Once enrolled, you will receive an automated enrollment confirmation email, followed by a separate email with your login details to access Part 1 of the training. You can complete Part 1 at your own pace within 9 months upon enrolment.

Upon completion, you will receive a Part 1 enrollment ticket and a completion email from IFPTI, which are required to attend Part 2. Please ensure you present your Part 1 enrollment ticket to join the live session. To receive your official FSPCA Certificate of Training, Part 1 must be completed prior to attending Part 2.

Part 2

1-Day Live Virtual Instructor-Led Training

Part 2 is a live virtual instructor-led session that reviews the Part 1 material from the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI) training. During this session, we will address your questions, clarify key concepts, and work through practical exercises to apply hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls in real-world scenarios and experiences.

This session is designed to reinforce your understanding and help you confidently develop and implement a compliant food safety plan in accordance with FDA FSMA requirements.

What's Included

Official FSPCA Certificate

Earn your official FSPCA Certificate of Training upon successful completion, issued by AFDO. Certificate fee included.
FSPCA Participant Manual and Workbook

Gain access to the official electronic Preventive Controls for Human Food Participant Manual and Workbook used throughout the training.
Model Food Safety Plans and Fillable Forms

Work through practical examples and use fillable templates to develop and document a model food safety plan in alignment with FDA FSMA requirements under the Preventive Controls for Human Food rule.
FIC Resource Centre - Lite

Access a curated resource page with many guidance documents, tools, and downloads to support the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of your food safety plan.

Agenda

Part 1: Self-paced, to be completed within 9 months of enrolment.

Part 2: 1-Day Live Virtual Instructor-Led Session

Central Time (CT): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Eastern Time (ET): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Prerequisites

There is no required prerequisite for this course. Prior knowledge of GMPs and HACCP or experience with food safety systems is useful, but the course is also suitable for those new to food safety.

Practical Food Safety Plan Development

Throughout the training, you will progressively build a comprehensive Food Safety Plan for a model product, applying hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls in a structured, practical way.

What will I Learn from This Blended PCQI Training?

By taking this PCQI training, you will learn how to develop, implement, and maintain a compliant Food Safety Plan in accordance with FDA FSMA requirements under 21 CFR Part 117.

You will work through the full hazard analysis process, including identifying potential hazards, evaluating their severity and likelihood, and determining appropriate risk-based preventive controls. This includes process controls, food allergen controls, sanitation controls, and supply-chain controls, along with monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and validation activities.

Learn how to comply with the FDA requirements under the FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule (21 CFR Part 117).

Updated FSPCA Curriculum – Version 2.0

This training is based on the updated FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.0 curriculum, the latest PCQI training aligned with current FDA expectations. Even if you have previously completed PCQI training, it is strongly recommended to take Version 2.0 to stay up to date with the latest regulatory insights, expanded guidance, and evolving industry practices.

Version 2.0 places a stronger emphasis on practical application, with more in-depth examples, updated resources and tools, and more interactive exercises designed to help you better understand and apply hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls in real-world situations.

Become a PCQI With the Standardized Curriculum

Throughout the course, you will apply key concepts through practical examples and exercises, helping you understand not just the requirements, but how to implement them effectively in real food manufacturing environments.

Upon successful completion, you will meet the training requirement to be recognized as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI). As a PCQI, you are responsible for developing and overseeing the Food Safety Plan, including conducting hazard analysis, determining and implementing risk-based preventive controls, validating controls, reviewing records, and performing reanalysis of the plan in accordance with FDA requirements under 21 CFR Part 117.

View FAQs

FSPCA PCQI Lead Instructors

Sonia Akbarzadeh

Over 25 years of experience in the food industry, working with several reputable companies for food safety implementation and product development. She has been teaching PC for Human Food since 2015.

Nima Saidi

A specialist in Product Development, Food Safety and Food Science. He has been teaching HACCP and FSPCA curricula since 2020 and has taught over 125 classes. This includes PCHF/PCQI, FSVP, and IAVA.

PCQI FAQs

What is FSPCA?

FSPCA stands for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance. It is a public-private partnership established to develop industry-specific training and resources for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations.

Is PCQI for Human Food training considered a standard requirement for food industry professionals?

Yes, PCQI for Human Food training is considered a standard requirement for food industry professionals who are responsible for developing and overseeing food safety plans at covered facilities under FSMA regulations. Having a PCQI on staff is essential for compliance with FSMA requirements.

Is PCQI for Human Food training recognized by the FDA?

Yes, the PCQI for Human Food training provided by FIC, is a standardized curriculum created by the FSPCA and recognized by the FDA as meeting the training requirements for a PCQI who is responsible for implementing a food safety system.

Is FSPCA PCQI Training required by law?

While the FDA mandates that covered facilities must have a PCQI responsible for developing and overseeing the food safety plan, there is no specific requirement to attend FSPCA PCQI Training. However, completing this training is highly recommended as it provides comprehensive guidance on meeting FSMA requirements.

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