Thermal Processing 4200
Self-Paced
(TPS_2025-4200)
August 3 – September 25, 2026
Nominations are due: Friday, July 24th 2026
OFO and State nominations are to be entered in the Registration Application via OFO District Resource Coordinators or State POCs. Nominations from all other program areas are to be submitted to CFL Class Registration on the attached Excel spreadsheet through Outlook. Please include the employee’s full legal name.
Access to this course begins on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 6:00 am ET and ends on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:30 pm ET.
Please note: this training should be accessed only during official duty hours. Do not access this training on Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.
Course Overview
The Thermal Processing Self-Paced course is an independent 40-hour online training. However, participants will have up to 8 weeks to complete this training.
This course provides a basic overview of thermally processed food products (also known as “canning”) and prepares Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) to perform verification tasks which are specific to their job. IPP will learn essential FSIS policies, regulations, authorities, and responsibilities related to these tasks. This training consists of twenty-four (24) modules which include videos and exercises for IPP to view and complete. In addition, IPP must complete 2 quizzes. To receive credit for this training, IPP must complete ALL exercises and quizzes.
Target Audience
CSIs who have been assigned to establishments that conduct thermal processing and have previously attended either the Inspection Methods (virtual or classroom) or FSRE Sanitation/Raw/RTE course. Frontline Supervisors and EIAOs who have canning assignments in their circuit or district are also encouraged to enroll in this course. Employees who have previously attended the Thermal Processing course should not enroll in this course.
Course Logistics
Participants will need a government computer (not shared during the training), and the ability to connect either directly to the USDA network or to the VPN via MiFi, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet. Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome are the preferred web browsers. CFL will not provide a training computer or other equipment for this training session. Following enrollment, participants will receive instructions and a link to the FSIS Training Site
For technical assistance with accessing the training, please send an email to CFLHelpDesk@usda.gov. Please do not contact the CEC Help Desk.
After completing this training, only CSIs assigned to establishments that produce these products must complete Thermal Processing On-the-Job (OJT) training. CSIs will have up to 3 weeks following the training to complete OJT. After completion of the OJT, both the CSI and supervisor should sign the OJT checklist attesting successful completion of OJT. Participants should keep a copy of the OJT checklist for their records. Participants will receive credit for completion of OJT by sending an email to: FSISAgLearn@usda.gov. The email should include the participant’s name, the course number, date of completion of OJT and a statement attesting completion of OJT. In addition, the participant should attach the signed checklist to the email.
If you have any questions regarding the course, send an email to CFL.ClassRegistration@usda.gov
The upcoming course calendar and course materials can be accessed on the FSIS website at: Inspection Training & Videos | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)