LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor
The LICQual ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Lead Auditor qualification is a globally recognized certification designed for professionals seeking to lead, conduct, and manage audits of food safety management systems in line with international standards. As food safety continues to be a critical concern for businesses across industries, organizations require skilled auditors who can ensure compliance, identify risks, and drive continuous improvements in food safety processes.
This advanced program provides learners with the essential knowledge and practical auditing techniques needed to evaluate an organization’s FSMS against ISO 22000:2018 requirements. It equips participants with a deep understanding of hazard analysis, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and corrective action planning—key elements in maintaining food safety across the supply chain.
By enrolling in this course, learners will not only gain auditing competence but also build credibility as internationally recognized professionals in food safety management. Whether you are a food safety officer, auditor, quality manager, or consultant, this qualification empowers you to lead audits with confidence and contribute to safer food practices globally.
The LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor course is an excellent pathway for career growth, offering opportunities in auditing, compliance, consultancy, and food safety management across industries such as food manufacturing, catering, hospitality, agriculture, and distribution.
Why Choose this Qualification
Choosing the LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor qualification is a strategic decision for professionals and organizations aiming to strengthen their expertise in food safety and auditing. With increasing global demand for safer food supply chains and stricter compliance requirements, this certification ensures that learners are well-prepared to meet international standards while enhancing their career opportunities.
- Gain globally recognized certification in food safety auditing, respected by employers, regulators, and certification bodies worldwide.
- Develop advanced auditing skills, including audit planning, evidence collection, reporting, and corrective action management.
- Build strong expertise in ISO 22000:2018 requirements, hazard analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Enhance professional credibility and demonstrate competence as a lead auditor in food safety management systems.
- Open career opportunities in multiple sectors, including food manufacturing, hospitality, catering, agriculture, logistics, and retail.
- Contribute to global food safety improvements by identifying risks, preventing contamination, and promoting safe food practices.
- Learn from internationally recognized frameworks and auditing methodologies aligned with LICQual standards.
- Create opportunities for professional growth and progression to higher-level auditing and management qualifications.
The LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor qualification is not just about meeting compliance—it is about building leadership in food safety auditing and making a meaningful impact in industries where consumer health and safety are paramount.
Course Overview
LICQual UK Awarding Body
Average Completion Time:
6-12 Months
Study Units: 6 Units
Evidence & Assignment Based
Mandatory Units
Who Should Take This Course
The LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor course is designed for professionals who aim to enhance their expertise in food safety auditing, compliance, and management systems. It is an ideal qualification for individuals working in industries where food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance are critical for business operations and consumer trust.
This course is highly suitable for:
- Food Safety Officers and Managers – responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining effective food safety systems in their organizations.
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control Professionals – seeking to strengthen their auditing capabilities and ensure compliance with ISO 22000:2018 standards.
- Internal and External Auditors – aiming to upgrade their auditing skills to lead full-scale FSMS audits with confidence and competence.
- Compliance and Regulatory Professionals – working with government authorities, certification bodies, or regulatory agencies who require in-depth knowledge of food safety standards.
- Food Manufacturing and Processing Supervisors – who oversee production, packaging, or distribution and need to ensure safety and quality at every stage.
- Consultants and Trainers – who advise organizations on food safety and wish to add internationally recognized auditing expertise to their portfolio.
- Hospitality, Catering, and Retail Sector Professionals – who need to ensure their operations meet global food safety standards.
Whether you are an experienced professional or aspiring to grow your career in the food industry, this qualification provides the knowledge, auditing competence, and recognition needed to lead food safety management audits effectively.
Course Benefits
Enrolling in the LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor course offers a wide range of professional and personal benefits that extend beyond gaining a certification. This qualification empowers learners to develop leadership, auditing, and compliance skills that are highly valued in the global food industry. By completing this course, participants enhance their ability to ensure food safety, build consumer trust, and support organizations in meeting international standards.
Key benefits of this course include:
- Strengthen your knowledge of ISO 22000:2018 standards and their application in food safety management systems.
- Acquire advanced auditing skills, including audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up activities.
- Gain an internationally recognized qualification that improves career prospects worldwide.
- Boost your credibility as a lead auditor capable of managing and leading FSMS audits.
- Improve organizational compliance with global food safety regulations and best practices.
- Contribute to public health and consumer protection by minimizing risks of food contamination.
- Enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills through real-world case studies and practical audit scenarios.
- Open opportunities for employment or career progression in food production, hospitality, catering, agriculture, logistics, and retail sectors.
- Develop confidence in handling external certification audits and driving continuous improvements in food safety.
- Position yourself as a valuable professional asset to employers seeking to meet international compliance and safety standards.
This course not only advances your career but also allows you to play a critical role in ensuring safe food practices across industries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for enrollment in the LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in food safety, quality management, environmental sciences, or a closely related discipline is required. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in food technology, microbiology, hospitality, agriculture, or quality management are also eligible.
Professional Experience: While not mandatory, applicants with at least 2 years of relevant work experience in food safety, food manufacturing, quality control, or regulatory compliance are strongly preferred.
English Language Proficiency: Since the course is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate adequate language skills. This can be shown through an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent, or by proof of previous education or work experience conducted in English.
The Qualification Process
The LICQual ISO 22000:2018 FSMS Lead Auditor course follows a structured process to ensure learners gain the required knowledge, skills, and competencies to lead food safety management system audits effectively. Below is a step-by-step guide from registration to certification:
Self-Assessment
- Begin by reviewing the entry requirements for this qualification, such as relevant educational background, professional experience, and English proficiency.
- Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria before registration.
Registration
- Complete the application form and provide necessary documents, including a valid ID.
- Pay the registration fee to officially begin your learning journey.
Induction
- An assessor will conduct an induction session to confirm your eligibility.
- During this stage, you will be introduced to the assessment process, evidence requirements, and course structure.
Evidence Submission
- Learners will need to submit assignments, case studies, or professional experience records that demonstrate competence in ISO 22000:2018 auditing practices.
- Evidence must reflect knowledge of audit planning, conducting audits, reporting findings, and following up on corrective actions.
Feedback and Revision
- The assessor reviews submitted evidence and provides feedback.
- If improvements are needed, learners may revise and resubmit until all criteria are successfully met.
Competence Evidence
- Once all required evidence is submitted and approved, it will be marked as “Criteria Met.”
- This demonstrates that the learner has achieved the expected learning outcomes.
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
- The Internal Quality Assurer reviews the completed portfolio to ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with LICQual standards.
External Verification
- The portfolio is then presented to the External Quality Assurance (EQA) verifier from LICQual.
- The EQA may contact learners to verify the authenticity of submitted evidence.
Certification
This globally recognized qualification confirms your ability to lead, manage, and conduct food safety management system audits in line with international best practices.
