Auditors

Resources for auditors:

Can I be a CanadaGAP Auditor?

Before becoming a CanadaGAP auditor, candidates must:

• ensure they review and meet the auditor qualifications and requirements
  • CanadaGAP has created a tool to help participants organize and assess their qualifications against the CanadaGAP requirements. Click here for the tool (Excel file).
  • meet the pre-requisites (all courses and exams must be completed before participants can become fully qualified CanadaGAP auditors)
• provide a copy of their résumé and credentials to the Certification Body (contact the Certification Body you are interested in working with, for more details on their requirements and process for qualifying auditors)
• receive approval of credentials from CanadaGAP (note, communication occurs between the Certification Body and CanadaGAP, not directly with the candidate)
• undergo shadow and witness audits by the Certification Body (CB) and complete any other required onboarding training with the CB prior to final approval.

Auditor Training Course

CanadaGAP^® auditors are trained by an approved trainer in courses offered by a training provider authorized by CanadaGAP to deliver courses. The training materials have been developed by CanadaGAP and are designed to train potential auditors specifically to understand the CanadaGAP Program requirements.

The course content includes an intensive review of the CanadaGAP manual requirements, with the incorporation of practical examples specific to commodity or region. Click here for a copy of the general course outline.

Course participants must:

• familiarize themselves with a CanadaGAP manual in advance of the training
• successfully complete a CanadaGAP-specific pre-course assignment (obtain at least 80%) at least 10 business days before the course begins
• successfully complete the CanadaGAP Auditor Training Course if they wish to qualify as an auditor candidate
• if attempting any of the 3 available exams, familiarize themselves with the Online Exam Proctoring policies and procedures. Note: there is an extra cost to take the exam online (cost covers proctoring fee per exam). Course registration does not include exam proctoring fees

What are the systems requirements to participate in a virtual training?

• Computer (Windows or macOS)
• An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
• Speakers and a microphone – built-in, USB plug-in, or wireless Bluetooth
• A webcam or HD webcam – built-in, USB plug-in

Those interested in a shorter overview of the program should consider the ‘Understanding the CanadaGAP Program’ course. More information is available on the Training Resources page.

Questions? Contact your selected Certification Body or email info@canadagap.ca. See the list of CanadaGAP Certification Bodies.

Note: Taking the CanadaGAP Auditor Training Course does not guarantee employment as an auditor with a Certification Body. All CanadaGAP audits must be carried out by accredited Certification Bodies who may use either permanent staff or sub- contracted auditors. The CanadaGAP Auditor Training Course provides knowledge of auditing skills and of the standard required to become an auditor. Before employing an auditor, Certification Bodies will have to be satisfied that the auditor has the educational and experience requirements and will need to conduct the necessary practical assessment of auditing performance before audits can be carried out. As with any employment opportunity, the potential employer (Certification Body) is responsible for evaluating each candidate’s suitability for the job.

Please be aware that CanadaGAP refresher testing is required, typically every 2-3 years, to keep your auditor training current. For active auditors and those seeking to join the CanadaGAP auditor pool, participation in refresher training or calibration sessions offered by CanadaGAP or by the CB is mandatory.

Upcoming Auditor Training Courses – 2026

If information is available about upcoming auditor training courses, it is listed below in chronological order. Please contact approved training providers directly for further details. For virtual courses, participants must have adequate IT components (computer with audio and visual capabilities, adequate internet connection, etc.) All of the courses scheduled for 2026 are being offered virtually.