The Acidified Foods Manufacturing School (often referred to as the Better Process Control School) is an FDA-recognized program designed primarily for operators and operating supervisors of thermally processed acidified foods.

This 100% online, on-demand course fulfills the federal training requirements outlined in 21 CFR 114.10 and 21 CFR 108.25. It provides the exact same high-quality training and equivalent certification as attending the standard, in-person Acidified Foods portion of the Better Process Control School (BPCS).

• Format: 100% Online and On-Demand (Self-paced)
• Timeframe: You have 365 days from registration to complete the material, which takes approximately 20 hours.
• Quizzes: A randomized, 10-question multiple-choice quiz follows each of the 9 online modules.
• Passing Score: Students must achieve a 70% or higher on each quiz. You are allowed two automatic attempts per quiz.
• Certification: Upon successfully passing all modules, you will receive an official Certificate of Course Completion to satisfy FDA supervisor training regulations. (Please note: Once you complete the course and receive your certificate, access to the online content will close).

Dedicated Support: While this course is fully online, you aren't on your own. Students receive direct support from the NC State Process Authority. If you need help mastering the material or passing a quiz, you can easily schedule a supportive phone call or email consultation.

The course features 9 modules covering essential industry topics:

• History of Acidified Foods Regulations
• The science of pH and acid in food safety
• Microbiology: How bacteria and microorganisms grow and multiply
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) & Sanitation
• Thermal processing principles
• Containers and closures
• Required records and essential recordkeeping
• Recall strategies
• FDA registration and scheduled process filing requirements

Before registering, please review our standard course policies:

• Refunds & Cancellations: No cancellations or refunds can be issued once you have accessed the course or after a manual has been shipped. A $10 fee applies to any refund requested before the manual ships.
• Participant Substitutions: Only one substitution is allowed per registration, and no switches can be made once online materials have been accessed.
• Course Manual Shipping: A physical manual and domestic shipping are included in your registration. A valid mailing address is required. If a manual is returned to us due to an incorrect address, a $25 reshipping fee will apply.
• Quiz Remediation: If you score below 70% after your two allowed attempts, you must contact the instructor to unlock the course. If a third attempt falls below 70%, you will be required to correct your missed questions before the quiz can be reset.

Note: AFMS Course Policies are subject to change at any time.

International students have two options for accessing the required course textbook:

1. Digital/Print Option (No Extra Fee): Use the "Print Book" feature within the online portal to download and print individual chapters yourself.
2. Physical Book Option (Additional Fee): If you prefer a physical copy shipped internationally, an additional shipping fee applies. After completing your main registration, please follow our International Shipping Payment Link to cover these charges.

Click Here to Register for the Acidified Foods Manufacturing School