How do I become a FSO?

To become a Food Safety Officer there is a need to hold the Higher Certificate in Food Practice, as awarded by the Scottish Food Safety Officers’ Registration Board. Information Leaflet

This qualification requires the achievement of both academic knowledge and practical training, submission of reports and sitting professional interviews.

Academic Knowledge

An HND or BSc (Hons) in Food Science or Technology is an appropriate academic qualification to hold, to pursue a career as a Food Safety Officer.

If you hold substantial experience in a food related role and academic qualifications in relevant subjects, to at least the equivalent of SCQF 8*, you may also be able to pursue the career.

*Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework

Practical Training

Suitably qualified candidates can register with the Scottish Food Safety Officers’ Registration Board for the Higher Certificate in Food Practice. On registration the candidate receives the Scheme of Practical Training and can commence training. Such training is completed with a local authority Food Service, which sits within the Environmental Health Department of every local authority in Scotland. The practical training should last for at least 8 months and registration must take place before practical training commences.

Professional Examination

Once the required academic learning and practical training is complete, a candidate presents for examination, through the submission of reports and sitting 2 professional interviews.

Interested?

Should you be interested you should contact relevant local authorities and ask if they would be able to provide training to enable you to become a Food Safety Officer. They may ask you to confirm whether your qualifications meet the requirements of the Scottish Food Safety Officers’ Registration Board and you can confirm this by contacting REHIS with details of your qualifications and experiences*. Please note that you should have at least SCQF level 8 (equivalent to HND level) qualification in a science related subject and experience in a food related discipline for this to be considered.

*Fees apply