The role of a Certified Chief Food Safety & Public Health Officer (CCFSPO) is critical in safeguarding public health by ensuring food products are produced, stored, transported, and prepared under strict safety and quality standards. The CCFSPO is responsible for overseeing food safety management systems, leading health risk assessments, enforcing compliance with food safety regulations, and preventing contamination across the food supply chain. This executive role ensures that food safety is deeply embedded in organizational culture, production processes, and customer assurance programs, all while aligning with global food safety frameworks. The Certified Chief Food Safety & Public Health Officer (CCFSPO) certification is a globally respected credential that affirms a leader’s expertise in mitigating food safety risks, protecting public health, and driving consumer trust.

The CCFSPO certification, awarded by the American Institute of Environment, Health & Safety (AIEHS), represents the highest level of professional recognition for executives managing food safety, public health, and compliance across diverse sectors. This credential validates a candidate’s ability to implement and maintain food safety management systems, conduct risk-based inspections, ensure legal compliance, and guide organizations through evolving regulatory landscapes. Certified professionals are recognized for their ability to protect consumers, ensure quality, and maintain regulatory excellence in food safety.

Certification Program Objectives:

• Lead the development and implementation of robust food safety management systems aligned with international standards
• Conduct food safety risk assessments, contamination prevention plans, and hazard control programs
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, EU, Codex)
• Oversee public health protection strategies, including foodborne illness outbreak prevention and emergency response
• Advise executive leadership on food safety metrics, regulatory changes, and quality improvement initiatives

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for this certification, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience at a senior management level.

Note: Exceptional candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with at least 15 years of senior management experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Certifying Assessment / Examination:

To earn the Certified Chief Food Safety & Public Health Officer (CCFSPO) certification, candidates must undergo a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation designed to assess their ability to lead food safety operations, ensure public health protection, and maintain compliance with global food safety standards.

As part of this assessment, candidates may be required to deliver a 30-minute executive presentation incorporating hazard analysis, safety management systems, contamination response planning, regulatory compliance strategies, and quality assurance frameworks. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session to evaluate their ability to manage complex food safety risks and lead organizational improvement efforts.

For candidates pursuing a C-Level Professional Certification, this assessment may be substituted with a comprehensive examination consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 3-hour timeframe. This examination rigorously evaluates the candidate’s knowledge in food safety regulations, public health requirements, risk management techniques, supply chain controls, and consumer protection measures.

The assessment methodology ensures that the American Institute of Environment, Health & Safety (AIEHS) upholds the highest standards of professional certification, recognizing individuals who lead food safety excellence, public health protection, and regulatory compliance.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Food Safety Standards, Compliance Frameworks, and Risk Assessment Models
• Module 2: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Preventive Controls, and Food Safety Auditing
• Module 3: Public Health Protection, Contamination Response, and Foodborne Illness Outbreak Prevention
• Module 4: Supply Chain Management, Vendor Verification, and Quality Assurance Systems
• Module 5: Executive Leadership in Food Safety Strategy, Consumer Confidence, and Regulatory Advocacy

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Chief Food Safety & Public Health Officer (CCFSPO) certification is ideal for professionals managing food safety, regulatory compliance, and public health programs in manufacturing, foodservice, and retail environments.

• Food safety directors, quality assurance managers, and public health officers responsible for safety programs, inspections, and compliance will benefit from advanced frameworks and operational models
• Aspiring executives preparing to lead large-scale food safety initiatives, public health oversight, or regulatory compliance teams will gain actionable strategies and policy alignment tools
• Industries such as food production, catering, retail distribution, and hospitality will benefit from leadership focused on customer safety, supply chain transparency, and regulatory excellence
• Regulators, consultants, and auditors working in food safety inspections, training, or certification bodies will enhance their governance and assurance capabilities
• Public health officials, educators, and researchers advancing food safety knowledge and prevention practices will strengthen their impact through standardized frameworks and best practices

Earning the CCFSPO certification signifies your ability to protect public health, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead food safety operations with diligence, integrity, and a commitment to consumer trust. Whether you are addressing contamination risks, maintaining quality standards, or leading compliance teams, this certification empowers you to advance food safety leadership and safeguard public health.