Online PCQI Training - Preventive Controls for Human Food

PCQI stands for "Preventive Controls Qualified Individual." This is an individual responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a food safety plan in compliance with the FDA's regulations, particularly under the Final Rule for Preventive Controls for Human Food. The PCQI plays a key role in validating preventive controls, reviewing records, reanalyzing the food safety plan, and approving deviations from the established program.

PCQI training, or Preventive Controls Qualified Individual training, is a specialized program designed to educate individuals on the development and implementation of food safety plans in accordance with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Our course is completely online with no in-person requirements—no webinars, no travel, and no fixed schedule. All you need is an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or mobile device. Learn at your own pace: start, pause, rewind, or revisit the material anytime. It’s 100% flexible and 100% online.

A Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) can be a trained professional responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a facility's food safety plan to ensure compliance with the FDA's Preventive Controls for Human Food rule.

Under this FSMA regulation, most registered food facilities are required to have at least one PCQI. To be considered a PCQI, an individual must have successfully completed training in the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA or have the equivalent job experience.

Our PCQI 2.0 online training, developed by lead instructors and industry experts, is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to step into the PCQI role. It prepares you to strengthen your facility's food safety system and effectively work towards compliance with FDA regulations.

This self-paced online training covers the following topics:

Introduction & Foundational Concepts

• Course Introduction & Preventive Controls Overview

• Food Safety Plan Overview

• FSMA Regulations & Compliance Requirements

Prerequisite Programs & Food Safety Hazards

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

• Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)

• Hazard Identification & Analysis:

  • Biological Hazards

  • Chemical, Physical, and Economically Motivated Hazards

Developing a Food Safety Plan

• Preliminary Steps in Plan Development

• Resources & Tools for Food Safety Plans

• Hazard Analysis & Preventive Controls Determination

Types of Preventive Controls

• Process Controls

• Food Allergen Controls

• Sanitation Controls

• Supply-Chain Controls

Verification, Validation & Compliance

• Verification & Validation Procedures

• Recordkeeping Requirements

• Recall Plan Development

Regulatory Overview

• cGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices)

• FSMA’s Hazard Analysis & Risk-Based Preventive Controls

This structured approach ensures participants gain practical knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing a FSMA-compliant Food Safety Plan.

Yes, there are assessments at the end of each module to evaluate understanding and mastery of PCQI topics. Successful completion of the exam leads to the award of the certificate of completion.

Don’t worry! You can revisit any topic and retake the assessment as many times as you need to gain confidence and succeed—at no additional cost. These assessments are designed to be engaging and interactive to enhance your learning experience.

The certificate of completion that you earn after passing online PCQI training assessments has no expiration date, however continued PCQI training is recommended.