Every 5-7 years ASQ reviews and updates each Body of Knowledge (BoK) to ensure the most current state of practice is being tested in the examination. Part of the updating process is to conduct a job analysis survey to determine whether the topics in the 2012 BoK are still relevant to the job role of HACCP auditors and to identify any new topics that have emerged since that BoK was developed. Based upon qualitative research with industry experts and feedback from the CHA Job Analysis Committee, food industry knowledge was included in the job analysis survey. The quantitative results of the CHA job analysis survey indicated that all topics from the 2012 BoK are still relevant to common practice and that food industry knowledge is essential to the role of ASQ Certified HACCP Auditors. To accurately reflect the expanded new knowledge and the practice of ASQ Certified HACCP Auditors, ASQ and the CHA Committee have updated the name of the exam program to the Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor (CFSQA).

 The 2020 Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge (CFSQA BoK) will be introduced at the January 2020 administration. After that, ASQ Certified HACCP Auditors will be renamed and recertify as ASQ Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditors.

 To see the 2020 Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge, click here, and to see the changes between the 2012 CHA BoK and the 2020 CFSQA BoK, click here. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the update.

 FAQs

Why will the name be changed?

ASQ conducts a job analysis studies to determine what topics in the existing BoK are still relevant to the job role of HACCP auditors and to identify any new topics that have emerged since that BoK was developed. Based upon qualitative research with industry experts and feedback from the CHA Job Analysis Committee, additional food industry knowledge was included in the job analysis study and was subsequently validated by the active CHAs. To accurately reflect the expanded new knowledge and the practice of ASQ Certified HACCP Auditors, ASQ and the CHA Committee have updated the name of the exam program to the Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor (CFSQA).

 When will the certification program’s title change?

Starting January 1^st, 2020, all Certified HACCP Auditors will be known as Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditors.

 What was the scope of change in content within the Body of Knowledge?

No content from original CHA Body of Knowledge was removed, only new content (primarily related to the food industry) was added to the new BoK in the update. View the CFSQA BoK Map for additional information.

 When will the new CFSQA BoK be tested?

The first administration testing new CFSQA BoK will be during the January 3–19, 2020 testing window.

This is a good move. Its definitely good for folks in the food industry as it better defines the certification to material required in food safety.

It also removes the focus on a tool which is of use for other industries (we use heavily in pharma for example). I often found the focus on the tool for a specific industry confusing for those folks who were looking at the tool for other uses. This clarity is good for everyone.