Internal Auditor Training
Internal Auditor Course
Course Description
Internal auditors are the immune system of a food safety management program. When trained properly, they don’t just “check boxes,” they detect weak signals, verify controls, and translate regulatory and certification language into operational reality.
This training prepares participants to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on internal audits aligned with regulatory requirements and GFSI-benchmarked standards, while reinforcing FDA FSMA and USDA expectations.
Objectives
Interpret and apply food safety requirements from regulatory frameworks and GFSI-benchmarked schemes, including HACCP-based systems and prerequisite programs, in a manner consistent with third-party and regulatory audit expectations.
Plan, schedule, and scope internal audits using a risk-based approach that considers process complexity, product risk, historical performance, and regulatory exposure.
Conduct effective internal audits using appropriate audit techniques, including observation, employee interviews, and record review, while maintaining professionalism and operational awareness.
Evaluate the effectiveness of food safety controls, including preventive controls, CCPs, sanitation programs, allergen management, and traceability systems, rather than merely confirming their existence.
Identify, classify, and document audit findings (conformities, nonconformities, and opportunities for improvement) using objective evidence and clear, defensible language.
Prepare accurate and actionable audit reports that communicate risk, trends, and system gaps to management and cross-functional teams.
Verify and follow up on corrective actions, ensuring root causes are addressed and controls are effective and sustainable over time.
Support continuous improvement and food safety culture by using internal audits as a proactive tool rather than a reactive compliance exercise.
Audience
This course is designed for members of the HACCP/Food Safety Team and any individuals performing tasks that require Certified HACCP Training. This includes food safety professionals, especially those whose facility is certified to any of the GFSI-approved food safety standards (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, and IFS). Certified facilities are required to implement an effective Food Safety Plan based on CODEX HACCP requirements.
Quality Assurance (QA) Managers, Supervisors, and Technicians
Food Safety Managers and HACCP Coordinators
Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQIs)
SQF Practitioners and Food Safety Team Leaders
Employees assigned to conduct internal audits or supplier audits such as:
Operations/Production Supervisors involved in audit readiness
Managers/Leads responsible for prerequisite programs
Maintenance/Engineering personnel impacting hygienic design and food safety controls
Warehouse, Receiving, and Shipping personnel involved in traceability and storage programs
Instruction Hours
Internal Auditor classes are scheduled 8:00 am-4:30pm CST via TEAMS.
$795 per participant
Course Availability:
Internal Auditor Training
Select an available date to reserve your spot.
Internal Auditor Training is a 2-day course. Dates indicated above are training start dates. Multiple seats can be reserved when completing the checkout process.
2026 Internal Auditor Course Dates
Training Methodology
This course is interactive and hands-on, based on adult learning theory. It includes presentations, demonstrations, activities, exercises, multimedia tools, and a hands-on evaluation. The exercises can be customized to address the specific requirements of your organization.
There will be a pre-assessment before the start of training, and a post-assessment along with a student evaluation at the end of the training.
Instructor
This course is delivered by a highly skilled, certified trainer with real world experience in development and implementation of Food Safety systems across multiple food sector categories.
Course Outline
What You'll Learn
Audit Intent
Risk-based Auditing
Effective Audit Techniques
Evidence-based Findings
Corrective Action Verification
Continuous Improvement
What's Included
Instructor-led Training
Practical Audit Exercises
Real-world Case Examples
Internal Audit Tools & Templates
Certificate of Completion
