The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) worked alongside subject matter experts around the globe to develop the Certified in Comprehensive Food Safety (CCFS) credential. Designing the curriculum and delivering the courses helps industry professionals meet the high standards and requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The credential aims to provide a pathway for comprehensive knowledge and training resources focused on preventing food safety breaches at production and manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and abroad.

Who Should Obtain the Credential?
The CCFS credential is for those professionals who oversee the U.S. and global human food supply chain including production, processing, and manufacturing facilities. The credential and learning materials were designed for those in the industry and regulatory communities and complements another NEHA food safety credential: Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS). This credential covers the science behind food safety and how to keep food safe. More than 2,000 individuals currently hold the CP-FS or CCFS credentials.

Individuals who have a desire to demonstrate mastery of food safety knowledge, systems, and compliance, and are looking to advance their careers, are ideal candidates. The CCFS is a core credential for those working to ensure safety of human food by managing or evaluating food facilities and food manufacturing processes.

What Knowledge Do CCFS Credential Holders Demonstrate?
The CCFS study guide and in-person trainings educate candidates about compliance for Preventive Controls rules, Foreign Supplier Verification Program, and other FSMA rules. Credential holders can address the qualified individual components of FSMA and develop, manage, and review food safety plans for products and facilities. The credential curriculum implemented scientific, manufacturing, legal, and practical experience from professionals into its development, and leverages the experience and knowledge of interested candidates.

The CCFS exam emphasizes identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, observing and training staff, assessing the physical facility, and ensuring corrective measures are implemented to control hazards.

NEHA will offer the CCFS credential review course as well as its Professional Food Safety Auditor training this November. The 2-day review provides a foundation for participants as they move forward in their careers. E-mail credentialing@neha.org or call 303.756.9090 ext. 339 for questions about the credential or the exam.

To learn more about NEHA food safety credentials or to obtain learning materials, visit www.neha.org/professional-development/credentials.

Nancy Finney, M.P.A., is a technical editor at NEHA, which has been delivering high-quality educational solutions and trainings for food safety professionals since 1937. NEHA is a leading provider of resources for continuing education and career development through its key credentials, books, and online courses.