Top 10 Validation Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a validation manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications from organizations such as the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ) show potential employers that a validation manager has been trained and is knowledgeable about industry standards, regulations, and best practices. They also provide assurance to employers that a validation manager is up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. Having certifications may give a validation manager an edge over other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Validation Managers and explain how they can contribute to a validation manager's career growth.

What are Validation Manager Certifications?

Validation Manager Certification is a program designed to help validation professionals gain the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the validation process. It covers topics such as regulatory compliance, risk assessment, design control, quality assurance, change control, and system validation. The certification program provides an understanding of the principles behind validation management and how to apply them in a practical setting.

Validation Manager Certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees. For employers, it can provide assurance that their staff is knowledgeable about the processes necessary for successful validation and has experience with managing complex projects. For employees, it can provide recognition of their expertise in validating products and services, as well as demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance. In addition, certification can also lead to increased job opportunities within the validation industry.

Pro Tip: Research the best certification program for your needs and make sure to take advantage of any available practice exams or other resources that can help you prepare for the certification exam. Additionally, consider joining a professional organization related to validation manager certification to stay up-to-date on industry trends and network with other professionals in the field.

Related: What does a Validation Manager do?

Top 10 Validation Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Validation Managers today.

1. Certified Validation Manager (CVM)

Certified Validation Manager (CVM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the validation of computer systems and software. CVM certifies that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that computer systems and software meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.

The CVM certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as validation principles, validation process, risk management, quality assurance, documentation, change control, and audit. The exam is administered by the International Society for Quality Assurance (ISQA).

It typically takes about two months to complete the CVM certification process. Applicants must first register with ISQA and pay a registration fee. After registering, they must complete an online application form and submit it along with any required documents. Once their application is approved, they will be provided with access to the CVM exam.

The cost of taking the CVM exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. Certified Quality Validation Manager (CQVM)

Certified Quality Validation Manager (CQVM) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality validation, which includes designing, implementing, and managing quality validation processes. The CQVM certification is intended for professionals who are responsible for the development and implementation of quality assurance plans and procedures.

The CQVM exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as validation principles, risk management, process control and improvement, design verification, statistical analysis, and documentation. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in quality assurance or related fields.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their CQVM certification within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of taking the CQVM exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members it costs $399 USD while members pay $299 USD.

3. Certified Software Validation Professional (CSVP)

Certified Software Validation Professional (CSVP) is a certification program offered by the International Association for Software Testing (IASQ). It is designed to recognize and promote professionals who have demonstrated expertise in software validation.

The CSVP certification process consists of three parts: an application, a written exam, and an interview. The application requires applicants to provide information about their current experience and qualifications in software validation. The written exam tests applicants’ knowledge of software validation principles, practices, and techniques. Finally, the interview assesses applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The entire process typically takes between two and six months depending on the applicant’s availability. To become certified as a CSVP, applicants must successfully complete all three parts of the certification process.

The cost of becoming a Certified Software Validation Professional varies depending on the country or region where you are applying from. In general, it costs around $2,000 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam or attending an interview.

4. Certified Compliance and Validation Manager (CCVM)

Certified Compliance and Validation Manager (CCVM) is a professional certification program designed to help validate the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the compliance and validation field. The certification is offered by the International Association for Compliance Professionals (IACP).

The CCVM program consists of two components: an online exam and a practical experience requirement. The online exam tests knowledge in areas such as risk management, regulatory compliance, internal controls, quality assurance, data security, and more. The practical experience requirement involves completing at least one year of work related to compliance and validation in either a full-time or part-time capacity.

The cost of the CCVM program depends on whether you are taking the online exam only or if you are also completing the practical experience requirement. For those taking just the online exam, it costs $295 USD plus applicable taxes. For those who are also completing the practical experience requirement, it costs $395 USD plus applicable taxes.

It typically takes about two months to complete both components of the CCVM program. To get started with your certification process, you will need to register for an account on IACP's website and then follow their instructions for submitting your application materials. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to access study materials and take the online exam when ready. After successfully passing the online exam, you must submit evidence of your practical experience before your certification can be issued.

5. Certified Process Validation Manager (CPVM)

Certified Process Validation Manager (CPVM) is a professional certification program designed to help process validation professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of process validation. The CPVM certification is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to quality assurance and improvement.

The CPVM certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in process validation, as well as passing an exam that covers topics such as risk management, regulatory requirements, process design and development, validation planning and execution, verification and validation reporting. Candidates must also have a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or science-related fields.

To get the CPVM certification, candidates must complete an application form and submit it to ASQ with the required fee. After submitting the application form, candidates will receive a confirmation email from ASQ with further instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, candidates can take up to six months to prepare for it before taking it at a designated testing center.

The cost of the CPVM certification is $395 USD for ASQ members and $495 USD for non-members.

6. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a credential offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). The CRMP designation is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate knowledge and experience in risk management. It is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s expertise in the field of risk management.

The CRMP program consists of three courses: Foundations of Risk Management, Advanced Risk Management, and Enterprise Risk Management. Each course requires approximately one month to complete and must be completed within two years of starting the program. The program also includes an online assessment that must be passed with a minimum score of 80% in order to receive the certification.

To qualify for the CRMP designation, applicants must have at least five years of experience in risk management or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Additionally, applicants must pass an ethics exam prior to being approved for the certification.

The cost for the entire CRMP program is $2,500 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee covers all three courses and materials required for completion of the program.

7. Certified Quality System Manager (CQSM)

Certified Quality System Manager (CQSM) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the management of quality systems. The CQSM certification is based on the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), which emphasizes customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness.

The CQSM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as quality system design, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply TQM principles through a written case study.

In order to become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least 5 years of professional experience in quality system management or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Applicants must also be members of ASQ in good standing.

The cost for the CQSM certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or not. For non-members, the fee is $495; for members it is $395. The fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams, as well as the exam itself.

8. Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)

A Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of financial services regulatory compliance. The certification is awarded by the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association (ABA).

The CRCM certification program is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and understanding of banking regulations, laws, and industry best practices. It requires successful completion of an examination that covers topics such as consumer protection, anti-money laundering, fair lending, deposit accounts, privacy and information security, investments and fiduciary activities, and more.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the exam. Preparation includes studying independently or attending courses offered by ICB or other organizations. The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of ABA or not; it ranges from $495 - $695 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CRCM certificate from ICB.

9. Certified Clinical Data Management Professional (CCDMP)

Certified Clinical Data Management Professional (CCDMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of clinical data management. The certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Data Management Professionals (ACDMP).

The CCDMP requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as clinical data management processes, regulations, and best practices. It also requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as data collection, coding, database design and analysis, and quality assurance.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. The cost for the exam is $395 USD.

To become certified, applicants must first submit an application form and provide evidence of their experience in the field of clinical data management. After submitting the application form, applicants must register for the exam online or by mail. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam.

Once they have successfully completed the exam, they will receive a certificate from ACDMP certifying them as a Certified Clinical Data Management Professional (CCDMP). This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending conferences related to clinical data management.

10. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) is a professional certification program for individuals who are involved in the regulatory affairs of medical products. This certification is offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). It recognizes those who have attained a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of regulatory affairs.

The CRAP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience in regulatory affairs, including two years of direct involvement with medical product regulation. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge in areas such as Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality System Regulations, and FDA regulations.

The CRAP exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics related to regulatory affairs and medical product regulation. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is administered twice per year.

To get the CRAP certification, applicants must first apply for it online through RAPS’ website. After submitting an application form and fee, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants must complete the online practice test before taking the actual exam.

The cost for taking the CRAP exam is $495 for members of RAPS and $595 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for and maintaining the certification after it has been obtained.

Do You Really Need a Validation Manager Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need a Validation Manager Certificate in order to be successful in the field of validation management. Validation managers are responsible for ensuring that all systems, processes, and procedures adhere to industry regulations and standards. However, having a certificate can make it easier to demonstrate your qualifications and expertise in this area.

A Validation Manager Certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to further your career in the field of validation management. It can provide employers with evidence that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. Additionally, a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to securing interviews or promotions.

In addition, having a Validation Manager Certificate can help ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date with any changes or advancements in the field. This can also be beneficial as it will allow you to better understand and respond to new challenges faced by validation managers on a daily basis.

Overall, while it is not essential for success as a validation manager, having a certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and qualifications in this specific area of expertise. Therefore, if you are serious about pursuing a career in validation management, obtaining such certification may be worth considering.

Related: Validation Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Validation Manager Certifications

1. What certifications does Validation Manager offer?

Answer: Validation Manager offers four certifications: Certified Validation Manager (CVM), Certified Validation Professional (CVP), Certified Validation Technician (CVT) and Certified Validation Analyst (CVA).

2. How can I become a certified validation manager?

Answer: To become a certified validation manager, you must pass the CVM exam and meet the minimum experience requirements. You will also need to have completed relevant training courses and have sufficient knowledge of validation principles and practices.

3. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, the cost ranges from $500 - $1000 USD per exam.

4. How long do certifications last?

Answer: Certifications are valid for three years from the date they are issued by Validation Manager. After three years, you will need to renew your certification in order to maintain it.

5. What is included in the certification examination?

Answer: The certification examination consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics related to validation principles and practices, such as risk assessment, process validation, system integration testing and software quality assurance.