Free PCQI Training | Is It Worth It?

Is Free PCQI Training Worth It?

Many people are wondering if there are any free PCQI training classes available and if those classes would classify participants as being a “qualified individual”, as defined by FSMA? The short answer is…likely not. The only currently accepted curriculum by the FDA is one developed by FSPCA (Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance). Those classes have certain requirements that must be met.

What Should You look For with PCQI Training

To be sure you find the proper training that classifies you as a qualified individual, look for these key components:

The class is a registered FSPCA course
The training course is approximately 20 hours
The trainer is an approved FSPCA lead instructor
Participants get an FSPCA certificate at the end of the training

What training method is right for you?

There are many different FSPCA training options available, so it really depends on what your preferred learning method is. Here are some options:

In-person
This is the traditional method where participants attend the full training in-person. These classes can be offered as public classes or private classes delivered onsite at your facility. This option is ideal for those who need face-to-face interaction from lead instructors. To learn more about traditional PCQI training, click here!
Blended
The blended training method is where participants take the class in two parts. Part 1 is a self-paced, online training option through IFPTI. This is usually paid separately from Part 2. Part 2 is commonly taken with a live instructor. The instructor works with the participants to conduct all of the required exercises in the course. Each course is the equivalent of one day of training. This option is good for those individuals who need some face-to-face interaction but do not necessarily have the time to spend more than one day away from work. To learn more about blended PCQI training, click here!
Online
PCQI courses are now being offered as a 100% online course. Most of these online courses are with a live instructor, although some have been developed as a self-paced option. The online option is good for participants who like to learn in a virtual setting. To learn more about online PCQI training, click here!

Training Options with FSQ Services

As the old adage goes, "you get what you pay for." Food Safety and Quality Services offers in-person, blended, and 100% online PCQI training as public classes throughout the year. We can also offer any of these options as private, in-house training for your company. So whatever your training needs are, you are sure to find what you need by either locating the right public class for you or contacting us directly to schedule your private training.

About the author

Lance Roberie

Food Safety Consultant and Trainer

Lance Roberie has over 20 years of quality assurance and food safety experience within the food industry. Mr. Roberie holds the following certifications:

Certified Food Safety HACCP Manager
Preventative Controls for Human Foods (PCQI) Lead Instructor
Meat & Poultry and Seafood HACCP Lead Instructor
FSPCA Food Defense (IAVA) Lead Instructor
ASQ Certified Manager of Quality & Organizational Excellence
ServSafe Instructor and Exam Proctor
Internal Auditor and GFSI Specialist

Lance and the Food Safety & Quality Services’ training curriculum will advance your team's food safety knowledge through certified training, consulting, and “real life” industry scenarios.