The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) has introduced a Food Safety Regulatory Professional Credentialing program.

The program is both for aspiring professionals and those already working in food safety regulation at various levels, including local, state, tribal, territorial and federal. By completing certifications through the AFDO program, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in animal foods, manufactured foods and retail foods.

Fees start at $245 per assessment. 

once applicants are accepted and have paid for the credential exam, they receive a comprehensive study guide outlining the detailed competencies covered for each topic.

Food Safety Regulator Certification (FSRC)
Among the credentials offered is the Food Safety Regulator Certification (FSRC), suitable for both aspiring and current regulatory professionals in the food safety industry, irrespective of prior work experience. The assessment evaluates general education courses, enabling individuals to showcase their regulatory knowledge and skills.

The FSRC covers various topics, including:

• Allergens
• Biological Hazards
• Biosecurity
• Communication Skills
• Data and Information Systems
• Emergency Response
• Environmental Hazards
• Food/Feed Defense
• Integrated Food Safety System
• Inspections, Compliance, and Enforcement
• Investigation Principles
• Jurisdiction
• Labeling
• Personal Safety
• Pest Control
• Plumbing
• Preventive Controls
• Professionalism
• Public Health Principles
• Recalls
• Sampling
• Sanitation Practices
• Transportation

Food Foundations Regulator Certification (FFRC)
Another available credential is the Food Foundations Regulator Certification (FFRC), designed for professionals actively involved in manufactured and retail food safety regulations. The FFRC assesses knowledge based on the IFSS Curriculum framework and core competencies essential for all food protection professionals.

Topics covered in the FFRC include:

• Communication Skills
• Emergency Response
• Facility Design
• Food Processes
• Inspections
• Investigations
• Pest Control
• Plumbing
• Recall/Traceability
• Sampling

Manufactured Foods Regulator Certification (MFRC)
For individuals seeking specialized certification, the AFDO offers advanced levels that require completion of the basic testing outlined in the program. The Manufactured Foods Regulator Certification (MFRC) is intended for professionals actively involved in the regulation of manufactured food safety. This credential evaluates competency in applying laws and regulations related to facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods for human consumption.

The MFRC covers topics such as:

• cGMP Inspections
• Food Processing Technology
• Laws, Regulations, and Guidance
• Preventive Controls Inspections

Retail Foods Regulator Certification (RFRC)
The Retail Foods Regulator Certification (RFRC) is focused on professionals actively participating in the regulation of retail food safety. This specialized credential assesses competency in applying laws and regulations related to retail food establishments.

Topics covered in the RFRC include:

• Regulatory Foundations for Retail Food Safety
• Risk-based Inspections
• Non-traditional Food Operations
• Introduction to Specialized Processing Methods

For further information and to begin earning professional credentials, interested individuals can visit the AFDO website.