Top 11 Validation Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a validation specialist in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in their field. They also show that the individual is up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. As validation specialists are often responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, certifications can provide employers with assurance that the individual is qualified for the job. Additionally, certifications can help individuals stand out from other applicants and help them advance their careers.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Validation Specialists and explain how they can enhance a validation specialist's career.

What are Validation Specialist Certifications?

Validation specialist certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of validation. Validation is the process of ensuring that products, services, and systems meet certain standards of quality, reliability, and safety. This certification enables professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in this area and to help ensure that organizations are compliant with industry regulations.

Validation specialists must understand the principles of validation, such as risk management, design control, software development lifecycle, verification and validation planning, requirements engineering, test design, configuration management, documentation control, traceability analysis, and system integration. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in these areas and prove their ability to develop effective processes for validating products or systems.

Validation specialists also need to be able to work with stakeholders at all levels within an organization to ensure successful implementation of a validation strategy. This certification can help validate specialists show their ability to collaborate with different departments and understand how each team contributes to the overall success of a project. Additionally, it can provide validation specialists with recognition for their contribution to an organization’s success.

Overall, validation specialist certification can help professionals stand out from their peers by demonstrating their expertise in the field of validation and showing potential employers that they have the skills necessary to successfully implement validation strategies within an organization.

Pro Tip: Validation specialist certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the field and give you an edge when competing for validation-related jobs. However, be sure to research the requirements of the certification program and make sure it meets your needs before investing time and money into obtaining it.

Related: What does a Validation Specialist do?

Top 11 Validation Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Validation Professional (CVP)

Certified Validation Professional (CVP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the validation of software, systems, and processes. The CVP certification is offered by the International Association for Software Testing (IASQ).

To get the CVP certification, you need to pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as validation process management, risk-based approaches, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

You can apply for the CVP certification online or through mail. You will need to submit an application form along with your resume and a nonrefundable fee of $150 USD. Once your application is approved, you will receive further instructions on how to take the exam.

The cost of the CVP certification varies depending on whether you are taking it online or through mail. If you take it online, it costs $250 USD; if you take it through mail, it costs $300 USD.

2. Certified Validation Manager (CVM)

Certified Validation Manager (CVM) is a certification program offered by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). The CVM certification is designed to help validate the knowledge and skills of professionals in the pharmaceutical industry who are responsible for validation activities.

The CVM program covers topics such as validation principles, regulatory requirements, validation planning, execution, and reporting. It also covers risk management and change control processes.

The CVM certification requires passing a written exam that consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

To become certified as a CVM, applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with at least two years in a validation role or related field. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of validation principles and practices through successful completion of the written exam.

The cost for taking the CVM exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. Generally, it costs around $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

3. Certified Quality Validation Specialist (CQVS)

Certified Quality Validation Specialist (CQVS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in quality validation. The CQVS certification is administered by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).

The CQVS certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as quality management, process improvement, risk management, validation principles, and regulatory requirements. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is offered online or in person at ISQua’s testing centers.

To be eligible for the CQVS certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in quality validation and must demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practices of quality assurance/quality control. Applicants also need to complete a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education credits related to quality assurance/quality control within the past three years.

The cost for the CQVS certification exam varies depending on where you take it. The fee for taking the exam online is $250, while the fee for taking it at an ISQua test center is $350.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ISQua and will be listed on their website as a certified CQVS professional. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education credits in quality assurance/quality control or by retaking the exam.

4. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a certification given by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of quality engineering principles and practices.

It typically takes between four to six months of preparation to take the CQE exam. Preparation can include studying from textbooks, taking classes, or attending seminars.

To get the CQE certification, you must first pass a written examination that covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, and inspection techniques. After passing the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CQE certificate.

The cost of obtaining a CQE certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. The cost of textbooks or online courses can range from $100-$500. If you decide to attend classes or seminars, the cost will vary depending on location and duration. Additionally, there is an application fee of $250 and an exam fee of $400 when registering for the exam with ASQ.

5. Certified Software Quality Assurance Professional (CSQAP)

Certified Software Quality Assurance Professional (CSQAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of software quality assurance principles, practices and techniques.

The CSQAP certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as software development life cycle, software testing strategies, test design techniques, defect management and reporting, and risk management. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CSQAP certification, candidates must have at least three years of experience in software quality assurance or related fields. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of the ISTQB Syllabus and pass the corresponding Foundation Level Exam before they are allowed to take the CSQAP exam.

The cost of taking the CSQAP exam varies depending on your location. In most countries it costs around $200 USD.

Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded with a certificate that is valid for three years. After this period has elapsed you can renew your certification by taking an online refresher course or re-taking the exam again.

6. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)

Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in software quality assurance and testing. The CSQA certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in software quality assurance and testing.

The CSQA certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as software development lifecycle, software testing principles, test planning and design, test automation, defect tracking and management, quality metrics, process improvement techniques, and more. The exam also requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of the latest industry best practices.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CSQA exam. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in software quality assurance or related fields before they can take the exam. Those who pass the exam will receive their certification within four weeks after passing the exam.

The cost of taking the CSQA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$400 USD to take the exam.

7. Certified Process Improvement Specialist (CPIS)

Certified Process Improvement Specialist (CPIS) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in process improvement techniques and tools. The CPIS credential is intended for professionals who are involved in the design, implementation, and management of process improvement initiatives.

The CPIS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as process improvement principles, project management, change management, quality assurance, and statistical analysis. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

In order to qualify for the CPIS certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in process improvement or related fields and must demonstrate knowledge of the ASQ Body of Knowledge. Applicants may also need to complete additional training courses prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CPIS certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the cost is $299; for non-members it is $399. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with any required training courses or study materials.

8. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of risk management. The CRMP certification is offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in risk management.

The CRMP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of risk management principles and practices through a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk identification, assessment, control, and mitigation; financial analysis; insurance; legal issues; and organizational strategies for managing risks. Candidates must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field of risk management.

The application process typically takes between two and four months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level and how quickly they can complete the required paperwork. The cost for the CRMP certification varies depending on whether or not an applicant has prior experience in the field of risk management. For those with prior experience, the cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD. For those without prior experience, the cost ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 USD.

9. Certified Compliance Officer (CCO)

A Certified Compliance Officer (CCO) is a professional who has been certified by an independent organization to have the knowledge and experience necessary to manage a company's compliance program. The CCO is responsible for ensuring that a company complies with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and ethical guidelines.

The process of becoming a CCO typically involves completing a certification program offered by an accredited institution or organization. These programs typically require applicants to have at least three years of relevant experience in compliance management or related fields. Depending on the institution or organization offering the certification, applicants may also need to pass an exam and/or complete additional coursework.

In terms of cost, it can vary depending on the institution or organization offering the certification. Generally speaking, however, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD.

Overall, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified as a CCO depending on the individual's prior experience and the requirements of the certification program they choose.

10. American Society for Quality – Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles, tools, and techniques of Six Sigma. This certification is designed to recognize those with a mastery of the core concepts of Six Sigma and an ability to apply them in their work.

The ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires that applicants successfully complete an examination that covers topics such as process improvement, statistical analysis, project management, and problem-solving. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in a field related to quality or process improvement. Additionally, they must have completed at least one approved Six Sigma training course or have equivalent knowledge from other sources.

The cost of the ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Certification exam varies depending on where you take it and how many attempts you make at passing it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $300-$500 USD per attempt.

Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the ASQ Registry of Certified Professionals and you will receive a certificate indicating your successful completion of the program. You will also be eligible for discounts on other products and services offered by ASQ.

11. International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering – Validation Master Plan Certification

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Validation Master Plan Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide validation professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to develop and implement effective validation programs. The certification program is based on the ISPE Baseline® Guide: Validation Master Plan.

The certification process involves two steps:

1. Passing an online exam that covers the topics outlined in the ISPE Baseline® Guide: Validation Master Plan; and

2. Attending a one-day workshop that provides hands-on training in developing and implementing a validation master plan.

The online exam can be taken at any time, but must be completed within six months of registering for the course. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as risk assessment, validation planning, design control, process control and verification, change control, and documentation requirements. Upon passing the exam, participants will receive their official certificate from ISPE.

The one-day workshop is held at various locations throughout the year and generally costs around $500-$700 depending on location. During this workshop participants will learn about developing a validation master plan including risk assessment techniques, design controls, process controls, change management systems, documentation requirements and more. At the end of the workshop participants will receive their official certificate from ISPE upon successful completion of all activities.

Overall it takes approximately three months to complete both steps of the certification process (online exam + one-day workshop).

Do You Really Need a Validation Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not you need a validation specialist certificate depends on your career aspirations. If you are looking to work in the pharmaceutical industry, then having a certification can be a great asset. It is often required by employers and can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job. The certificate can also help you stand out from other candidates when applying for positions.

If you are already working in the industry, it may be beneficial to pursue a certification as well. Having additional knowledge and credentials can increase your marketability and make you more attractive to potential employers. In addition, if your current employer doesn't require certification, then taking the extra step to get one can show initiative and dedication to your profession.

Ultimately, whether or not a validation specialist certificate is necessary depends on what type of job you are looking for and what qualifications employers require. If it is something that is essential for your desired position, then obtaining it could be beneficial for your career goals.

Related: Validation Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Validation Specialist Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Validation Specialist?

Answer: To become a Validation Specialist, you must typically have a bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, or another related field. You may also need to have experience in quality assurance and validation processes.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Validation Specialist?

Answer: The length of time for certification varies depending on the program you choose. Generally, certification programs can range from six months to two years in duration.

3. What is the difference between validation and verification?

Answer: Verification is the process of confirming that a product or system meets certain specifications and standards, while validation is the process of determining whether or not a product or system will meet customer needs and expectations.

4. What types of jobs can I do with a Validation Specialist certification?

Answer: With a Validation Specialist certification, you may be able to work in roles such as Quality Assurance Manager, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Process Improvement Engineer, Compliance Officer, or other related positions within the pharmaceutical industry.

5. Is there an exam required for certification as a Validation Specialist?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require an exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of validation processes and principles.