The cost to become an SQF Certified Professional varies depending on the specific role, with application fees ranging from $150 to $250 USD and re-registration fees from $175 to $275 USD.
How much does it cost to get SQF certified?
The term "SQF certified" can refer to different aspects within the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program. It can mean an individual becoming a registered SQF Professional or a food production facility achieving SQF certification for its food safety and quality management system. The specific costs depend on which type of certification is being pursued. The information below focuses on the registration fees for individual SQF Professionals.
Costs for Individual SQF Professional Certification
Individuals who wish to register as an SQF Professional, such as Technical Reviewers, Consultants, Trainers, or Certified SQF Practitioners, are required to pay specific application and annual re-registration fees. These fees are for the professional's recognition and enable them to participate directly in the SQF program.
SQF Professional Registration Fees
The following table details the application and annual re-registration fees for various SQF professional roles:
| Professional Type | Application Fee (USD) | Re-registration Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Reviewer | $150 | $275 |
| Consultant | $150 | $275 |
| Trainer (including contractor and employee) | $150 | $275 |
| Certified SQF Practitioner | $250 | $175 |
These fees cover the initial processing and approval of a professional's application, as well as the recurring annual renewal necessary to maintain active status and access to the latest program resources.
Distinguishing Professional Fees from Facility Certification Costs
It is important to note that the professional registration fees listed above are separate from the overall expenses a food manufacturing or supply chain facility would incur to achieve SQF certification for its operational site. Facility certification involves a broader and more comprehensive set of costs, including but not limited to:
- System Implementation: Investment in developing, documenting, and implementing a food safety and quality management system that aligns with the SQF Code requirements. This may involve internal resources or external consulting.
- Training: Costs associated with training internal staff on SQF principles, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and other relevant food safety standards.
- Consulting Services: Fees for engaging expert consultants to assist with gap analyses, system development, pre-assessment audits, and ongoing support.
- Third-Party Certification Audit: The most significant cost for a facility is typically the audit conducted by an SQF-licensed certification body. These fees vary based on the facility's size, the complexity of its operations, and the scope of the certification.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Expenses for internal audits, corrective actions, and the annual re-certification audits required to maintain SQF certification status.
While registered SQF professionals play a crucial role in guiding facilities through their certification journey, their individual registration fees represent only a small component of the total financial commitment a facility makes to achieve and maintain SQF certification.
