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Who must attain WSQ FSC Level 4 certification?
All Advanced Food Hygiene Officers (Advanced FHOs), whether working in retail or non-retail food establishments licensed by SFA, must attain WSQ FSC Level 4. Training and certification are provided by approved training providers.
Individuals who have attained WSQ FSC Level 4 are qualified to help companies develop, implement, maintain, update, and audit their Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).
It is mandatory for certain types of SFA-licensed establishments to appoint Advanced FHOs. For details, see Requirements of Food Hygiene Officers. To learn more about FSMS, see Food Safety Management System.
What does WSQ FSC Level 4 cover?
This program equips participants with the occupational knowledge and skills necessary to do the following:
- apply Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles for developing, implementing, maintaining and updating a HACCP-based Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
- conducting internal audits of FSMS, and managing and rectifying non-compliances
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to develop, implement, and manage an FSMS plan within their food establishments.
WSQ FSC Level 4 was developed to train and equip the food industry with the knowledge to implement, manage and audit an FSMS.
Is it a one-time certification?
WSQ FSC Level 4 is a one-time certification.
Advanced FHOs who also perform the activities of a food handler are required to also attained one of the following:
- WSQ FSC Level 1
- WSQ FSC Level 2
- WSQ FSC Level 3
In addition, Advanced FHOs who wish to continue handling food are required to attend and pass refresher trainings as outlined in the table below.
Food Handler Training | Compliance |
|---|---|
First refresher training: To attain either WSQ FSC Level 1 or Level 2 | Within 5 years from the date of initially passing one of the following:
|
Second and subsequent refresher training: To attain either WSQ FSC Level 1 or Level 2 | Every 10 years from the date of passing the previous refresher training |
How long is the training and certification process?
Training Structure for WSQ Food Safety Course Level 4
The course consists of 22 hours of coursework and 6 hours of assessment.
As part of the course, participants will develop and implement an FSMS plan at their workplace, suitable for submission to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
In-Class Written Assessment (2 hours)
At the end of the 22-hour training, participants will take a 2-hour written assessment comprising short answer and case-based questions.
On-Site Practical Assessment (4 hours)
Additionally, participants will undergo a 4-hour on-site practical assessment on FSMS implementation. This ensures that FSMS plans developed by the participants graduating from the course meet SFA’s requirements.
Participants who complete the course successfully will receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
Inspection of Food Caterers
For food businesses applying for a catering licence, as part of the application process, a SFA officer will inspect the food establishment after the following:
- The licence applicant has appointed an Advanced FHO with WSQ Level 4.
- The Advanced FHO appointed has completed implementation of the FSMS developed in the course.
Who provides the training and certification?
Training and certification are provided by training providers approved by SSG. To enrol, contact the training providers listed below:
List of Approved Training Providers (ATOs)
Asian Culinary Institute (ACI)
Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
Industry Training Programme, General Programmes & Systems Department
Singapore Polytechnic (SP) - Professional & Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy
Temasek Polytechnic (TP) – Temasek SkillsFuture Academy (TSA)
How much does training and certification cost?
To find out the cost of training and certification, contact the SSG-approved training providers listed above.
Are previously attained certifications recognised?
WSQ FSC Level 4 has replaced the former WSQ Apply Food Safety Management Systems for Food Service Establishments Course. Holders of the former certification will continue to be recognised by SFA as trained Advanced FHOs.
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
