CANADIAN CERTIFIED
INDUSTRIAL MEAT CUTTER (CCIMC) LEVEL 1

The Canadian Certified Industrial Meat Cutter (CCIMC) Level 1 certification is an introduction to basic meat cutter knowledge and skills that identifies and recognizes individuals who meet a specified standard defining competence in the meat field.

1 Hour Exam &
1 Hour Course

Price
$399

Level
1

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Who Would Benefit from a CCIMC Level 1 Certification?

  • Increase their success in the Canadian meat processing industry
  • Gain recognition with the new CCIMC Level 1 title in their name
  • Become certified on cutting techniques, procedures, and safety standards.
  • Gain physical proof of their Industrial Meat Cutting knowledge
  • Apply their knowledge within the facility and among their co-workers
  • Instill safety standards to benefit millions of Canadians
  • Increase their career opportunities for the future
  • Demonstrate that they meet the national standard
  • Increase the standards in their facility for food safety with your skills
  • Benefit from your extended knowledge
  • Demonstrate the industry’s high standards
  • Attract students who will get a start on their career path
  • Challenge the Knowledge Exam
  • Obtain a Nationally recognized Canadian certification
  • Educators that offer professional certifications can tap into new markets, boost enrolments, and become leaders in their field

Getting Started

A Standard of Excellence

The CCIMC Level 1 Certification, developed in collaboration with industry leaders, is based on the National Occupational Standard for an Industrial Meat Cutter (IMC).

Our process involves a simple knowledge exam and performance evaluation that is reviewed online after vetting the applicability and information of our candidates.

Steps to achieve the CCIMC Level 1 Certification

1. Are you Eligible

To qualify for CCIMC Level 1 , Candidates applying via the FoodCert Platform are required to communicate proof of employment of a minimum of three months in a meatpacking organization in a position that requires the use of conventional knives. 

To vet for this Candidates will have to upload any of the following to provide evidence of experience:

  • CV/ Resume
  • Reference Letter 

Food Processing Skills Canada is responsible for conducting an annual random audit of 5%-10% of all applications through which evidence of information reported by candidates is requested. Candidates will be informed if their submission may be subject to an audit.

To apply for certification, you’ll need to pay a processing fee that covers the cost of reviewing your initial submission. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.

Filings are submitted by accessing the application form online to complete and upload the filings listed above. These items must be vetted before writing the exam. Without it, a candidate’s experience could not be properly justified, and would not be deemed eligible for the CCFPS examination:

  • Reference Letter: From manager/supervisor/owner of candidate’s:
    • Current organization from the past 2 years
      OR
    • For candidate’s who are not currently employed, previous direct manager/owner within the past 3 years from certification application date.

  • Resume & General Application detail: Alongside your Resume/ CV and application details, a checklist is to be completed by your direct manager/supervisor or previous direct manager / supervisor as part of the certification process – you will be providing the manager/ supervisors’ contact details and information for them to participate in the later stages accordingly.

Once the applications details are submitted, a notice on the approval status will be provided to the candidate via email within 7 business days of submission. If your application is approved, you can move on to the next step. However, if your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of reasoning and will need to resubmit your application to address any gaps mentioned within the reasoning notice.

 

An Organizational Administrator can register for a FoodCert account in order to purchase seats for the CCFPS certification that will be then assigned to any candidates that meet the eligibility requirements.

After you submit your application, it will be reviewed within seven business days. If your application is approved, you can move on to the next step. However, if your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of reasoning and will need to resubmit your application to address any gaps mentioned within the reasoning notice.

Payment with Credit Card

Follow the given instructions and proceed to pay with your credit card.

Candidates must complete the IMC Level 1 Online Training Course through the FoodCert platform. This self-paced course delivers essential foundational knowledge required for safe and compliant work on the production floor.

The course covers:

  • Introduction to the World of Meat Processing
  • Personal Hygiene Practices & Workplace Procedures
  • Personal Protective Equipment & Safety in the Workplace
  • Food Safety Management
  • Meat Cutting Knives, Tools & Equipment
  • Knife Sharpening Tools & Methods
  • Meat Cutter Cleaning Basics
  • Cleaning & Sanitizing
  • Product Quality
  • Food Traceability Systems
  • Communications & Leadership
  • Industry Legislation & Regulation


Participants must successfully pass the online course assessment with a 75% score to demonstrate competency.

Completion and passing of this course is mandatory before advancing to the next certification step: the Knowledge Exam.

Successful completion of the knowledge exam to test general knowledge and skills in order to proceed to the performance evaluation steps.

The exam is virtually proctored consisting of 30 multiple choice questions; each question has four possible choices, with only one correct answer. All choices are designed to be realistic. Qualified candidates will need to read the choices carefully in order to be successful.

Candidates have one hour to complete and submit the exam. The exam can be taken online at any time of the day and at any location of the candidate’s choice (i.e. home, closed office, library, space provided by the employer, etc.) with the oversight of a virtual proctor.

Candidates must pass the knowledge exam with a 75% passing score in order to qualify to the next step of certification. 

Once passing both the knowledge exam and the performance evaluation, a certification completion package will be sent to you with the certification passport, certificate, and certification badge to acknowledge your skills and participation.

Online Course

The IMC Level 1 Online Course, is delivered through the FoodCert platform, to test candidate competence with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work confidently and safely on the production floor as an Industrial Meat Cutter. 

This interactive course is a mandator step and covers:

  • Organizational policies and procedures, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

  • The importance of proper handling, maintenance, and control of equipment associated with industrial meat cutters

  • Monitoring product conditions, including the use of lot numbers and expiry dates, foreign material detection, and visual inspection

  • The importance of cleaning and sanitizing food processing equipment and tools in meat processing operations

  • Food Safety Management Systems, how they are developed, and their role in delivering safe, quality products

  • The importance of traceability systems in a meat processing plant and the industrial meat cutter’s role in traceability

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Program and essential requirements for processors and manufacturers

  • Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements

  • Effective communication skills, including listening, speaking, and the use of hand signals

  • Professionalism in the workplace and expected standards of conduct

The course is completed at the candidates own pace. Once finished, you’ll take an assessment to confirm your understanding. Pass the course with a 75% or above and you will be able to move forward to the next step of certification: the IMC Level 1 Knowledge Examination.

The CCIMC Level 1 Exam is taken in a “virtually proctored” environment. An online supervisor monitors the examinee via a webcam as he/she completes the exam. Examinees are required to provide the proctor with two pieces of Government-issued ID. Virtual proctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be scheduled “on demand.”

In preparation for the exam, individuals may choose to take the online CCIMC Certification Practice Exam. This Practice Exam consists of 15 multiple choice questions and mimics the online environment and content of the official designation exam. Once you have reviewed all the supporting documents and feel prepared, launch your practice exam at any time!

PLEASE NOTE: The Practice Knowledge Exam is exclusively designed to prepare candidates for the official CCIMC Level 1 exam; your choice to participate is entirely optional.

Click here to learn more about the Knowledge Exam

The CCIMC Level 1 Performance Assessment will be conducted by the assigned supervisor/ manager using a smartphone, tablet or computer to record their observations regarding candidates carrying out the tasks. The assessment includes a digital interface to complete the checklists, enter observations and fill the performance summary score. Candidates must achieve the passing score for each of the four sections of the performance evaluation in order to successfully pass.

 

The following table indicates a passing score for each section.

IMC: Level 1 Performance Checklist/ Evaluation Criteria

Performance Evaluation/Assessment Section Candidate Score Required Score to Pass Pass or Fail
1. Prepare for Work /4 4
2. Use Equipment /3 2
3. Monitor Quality /3 2
4. Clean and Sanitize Equipment and Workstation /3 3

Click here to learn more about the Performance Assessment

Exam Description The CCIMC Level 1 Exam is taken in a “virtually proctored” environment. An online proctoring software monitors the examinee via a webcam as they complete the exam.
Number of Questions 30
Type of Questions Multiple choice questions, mimicking the online environment and content of the official designation exam.
Length of Test 1 hour
Passing Score 75% for both the Exam & Online Course
Recommended Experience A minimum of three months of practical work experience.
Languages English, French
Renewal No certification renewal required.
Price $399
Category Major Skill Competency Unit
Food Processing Equipment Use Food Processing Hand and Power Tools
  • Use knives and saws
Food Safety Management System Comply with Food Safety Management System
  • Follow food safety management system
Quality Management Follow Food Traceability System
  • Follow food traceability system
Monitor Product Quality
  • Monitor foreign body detection and removal equipment
  • Inspect finished meat and game
Sanitation Clean Food Processing Equipment and Tools
  • Prepare for cleaning
  • Conduct daily cleaning for food processing equipment and tools
Sanitize Food Processing Equipment and Tools
  • Prepare for daily sanitizing of food processing equipment and tools
  • Conduct daily sanitizing of food processing equipment and tools
Health & Safety Comply with Occupational Health and Safety Program
  • Follow occupational health and safety program
  • Participate in emergency preparation
Organizational Policies, Procedures, and Practices Comply with Legislation / Regulations
  • Interact with regulatory agents/inspectors
  • Participate in accident/incident investigations
Comply with Organizational Policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Comply with organizational policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Leadership Demonstrate Professionalism
  • Exhibit professional and ethical conduct
Communication Communicate Effectively
  • Use active listening skills
  • Use speaking skills
  • Use hand signals
Do I need an account to purchase an exam?

No, you do not need to sign-up anywhere before purchasing an exam. An account will be created under your registered email address, AFTER your application gets approved by the FoodCert™ team.

You can refer to our prices here: https://foodcert.ca/store/. Our registration application will also show a price list, specific to the certification you are applying for. Please note, prices may be subject to change.

We accept all major payment methods:

  • Cheques
  • Credit Cards
    • Visa
    • Master Card
    • Amex
  • E-transfers
  • Cash

You can find many helpful tools (specific to this exam) by clicking the resources link in the menu. We offer resources such as: Practice Exam, Study Guide, Handbook, and more.

Though the materials may differ based on the specific exam, we recommend having a high-speed Wi-Fi, working laptop, webcam, and pieces of government ID (for verification purposes).

All FoodCert™ notifications will be sent to the email address you use when filling out the exam application. This will be your official registered email address in our FoodCert™ database.

Be sure to check in your Spam folder! If you are still having issues viewing your notifications, please let us know at foodcert@fpsc-ctac.com.

We are available during working hours (Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm) on foodcert@fpsc-ctac.com. You can also phone us at 613-237-7988, Toll-Free 1-877-963-7472.

Do not worry! After successfully completing the last component of the certification, you should receive an official email from the FoodCert™ team asking you to confirm your mailing address. Be sure to include the one which is most accessible for you!

As we use Canada Post as our choice of delivery company, you can expect your package to reach you anytime between 2-5 business days (if local). Please note, we do not take responsibility for any unexpected delays due to any unavoidable external conditions (e.g., weather). Rest assured, we will do our best to make sure that your certification package reaches you safely and promptly!

At this time only Canadian citizens are able to participate for our certifications. For further information or inquiries please contact  us directly foodcert@fpsc-ctac.com

If you have a disability or other special needs that could interfere with your test
performance, you may be entitled to receive special accommodations. If this is
applicable to your situation, fill out and submit the Accommodation Request Form to
the Registrar’s Office, as soon as possible. At the latest, the form must be submitted a
minimum of 5 business days before your scheduled exam.

Special accommodation requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For the purposes of this exam, all forms of ID must include a photo and your full name.

In Canada, the following are acceptable forms of Government Issued ID:

  • Registered driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Nexus Card/ Pass
  • Health Card – must have picture to be valid
  • Citizenship, Permanent Resident, Immigration/ Refugee Card – must have picture to be valid
  • Certificate of Indian Status (laminated card issued by Indian & Northern Affairs Canada)
  • Age of majority card

For questions relating to acceptable forms of ID, please contact foodcert@fpsc-ctac.com; all discrepancies will be handled on a case-by –case basis.

Industrial Meat Cutter

Canadian Certified Meat Professional