We are pleased to announce that the GAP auditor training classes for 2025 are open for pre-registration. For new auditors, Audit Services Branch is offering 3 classes for the Harmonized GAP standard and 3 classes for the USDA GAP standard. For current auditors of the USDA GAP and Harmonized GAP programs, we are offering 3 USDA GAP refresher trainings. Attending one of these update trainings is mandatory for existing USDA GAP and Harmonized GAP auditors. For current auditors with experience, we are offering 2 MGAP classes. All of these trainings will be through the Blackboard online training platform with live instruction.
Harmonized GAP (Includes Harmonized GAP Plus+)
Each of these classes consists of 5 days of live instruction and independent assignments. Classes will begin Monday and end Friday and will start at 10:00am EST and end at 5:30pm EST. This time is an estimate and some days may be longer or shorter based on class discussion and participation. Students must have access to a stable internet connection, Firefox or Google Chrome web browsers, and their own email address to be used for enrollment.
1. March 24 – March 28, 2025 – Online via Blackboard (M-F, 10:00am-5:30pm EST)
2. April 21 – April 25, 2025 – Online via Blackboard (M-F, 10:00am-5:30pm EST)
3. July 21 – July 25, 2025 – Online via Blackboard (M-F, 10:00am-5:30pm EST)
Prerequisites
Prior to attendance at any of these classes, new auditors must complete 2 prerequisite classes:
1. Fundamentals of Auditing (online in Blackboard)
2. Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower course.
More information about the Produce Safety Alliance courses can be found here:
Upcoming Grower Trainings | CALS
Information about the online Fundamentals of Auditing course will be provided when students submit candidate packages and pre-registration sheets for their class. Once approved as an auditor candidate, two emails will be sent to the student. The first email will provide instructions on how to create an account in Blackboard and the second will provide registration instructions for Fundamentals of Auditing.
USDA GAP Transition
Current auditors or students who wish to be trained in USDA GAP will need to complete (or have completed) a Harmonized Plus+ class, and then attend an online USDA GAP transition training 2-day, online class. Classes will take place Wednesday and Thursday, from Noon EST to 4:30 PM. This time is an estimate and some days may be longer or shorter based on class discussion and participation. Students must have access to a stable internet connection, Firefox or Google Chrome web browsers, and their own email address to be used for enrollment.
1. April 2 – April 3, 2025 – Online via Blackboard (W, TH; 12:00pm – 4:30pm EST)
2. April 30 – May 1, 2025 – Online via Blackboard (W, TH; 12:00pm – 4:30pm EST)
3. July 30 - 31, 2025 – Online via Blackboard (W, TH; 12:00pm – 4:30pm EST)
USDA GAP Refresher Update (Mandatory)
Current auditors of the USDA GAP and Harmonized GAP standards are required to attend one of the offered mandatory refresher update trainings. The training will be no longer than one day and will cover new changes made to the program. The course will include live instruction through blackboard.
1. USDA GAP Refresher Training; March 12, 2025
2. USDA GAP Refresher Training; March 20, 2025
3. USDA GAP Refresher Training; April 9, 2025
MGAP
This year we will be offering two class for existing auditors. This class will be online through Blackboard platform over 2 days. This course will include live instruction and independent assignments. Students must have access to a stable internet connection, Firefox or Google Chrome web browsers, and their own email address to be used for enrollment.
1. April 15- April 16, 2025
2. August 20-August 21, 2025
Registration
To register for any of the auditor training courses, please submit the following information to
Name
Email Address
Group Name
Choice of classes/dates
Current auditor status/prerequisites already completed