Process Validation & Equipment Validation

Practical validation training delivered by expert tutors using real industry examples.

Organisations must meet European, US and global validation standards, but many teams struggle to implement compliant and consistent validation systems. This highly practical three-day training course delivered by expert tutors covers every phase of process and equipment validation, equipping learners with the capabilities needed to meet EU, FDA and international compliance requirements with confidence.   Using a hands-on approach, the training focuses on the practical application of concepts such as equipment qualification, process validation, software integration, statistical sampling and ongoing compliance. Through interactive group exercises using practical examples, learners experience the full validation cycle from planning through to maintaining the validated state with proven methodologies to help achieve compliance and assure product quality and consistency.  We can tailor the training to meet your specific training needs and incorporate examples from your processes and procedures into the training programme as required.   For abbreviations used in this document, see end of document. 

Delivery Mode

  • Public
    Programmes

    Dates
    26 - 28 May 2026
    01 - 03 Dec 2026
  • Virtual
    Training
    Programmes

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  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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SnapshotSnapshot

Course Code
LS034

What's covered?

Through interactive case studies and group exercises, this course explores each phase of the validation process, from initial planning through to ongoing compliance. Using the V Model, the modules are designed to ensure learners build step-by-step proficiency in applying validation principles in line with global regulatory requirements. 

Day 1: 

  • Benefits of process validation 
  • EU and FDA validation regulations and guidance 
  • Validation planning and MVP design 
  • Validation vs. Verification (GHTF approach) 
  • Requirements Specifications (URS case study) 

Day 2: 

  • Risk analysis application 
  • Equipment Design Qualification 
  • Requirement Tracing and RTM 
  • Equipment Qualification (IQ/OQ) 
  • Process control and capability 
  • Statistical rationale for sample sizes 

Day 3: 

  • Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) 
  • Test method validation (including Gauge R&R) 
  • Continued Process Verification 
  • Maintaining the validated state 

The training involves practical exercises covering all relevant topics, with learners encouraged to work on examples from their own workplace as part of these practical exercises.  If required, content may be tailored to reflect your organisation’s specific processes, risk profile, and regulatory setting. 

Who should participate?

This course is intended for anyone involved in the planning, execution, review or approval of process validations required to meet US or EU regulations, or anyone involved in the specification of process or test equipment for use in the life sciences industry. 

The training is particularly beneficial for those involved in: 

  • Validation, Process and Equipment Engineering 
  • Production, Operations and Technical Services 
  • Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance 
  • Senior Management responsible for oversight, sign-off, or resource planning 
  • Members of Engineers Ireland seeking to claim CPD hours 

This programme is Engineers Ireland CPD Approved
Engineers Ireland CPD

A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme. 

What will I learn?

On successful completion of the training, learners will be able to: 

  • Identify EU, FDA and international regulatory requirements for process validation 
  • Explain the key benefits and objectives of process validation activities 
  • Develop a validation master plan 
  • Write clear and structured User Requirements Specifications (URS) 
  • Conduct equipment and process risk assessments using standard tools 
  • Apply statistical approaches to sample size determination and process capability 
  • Prepare and execute IQ, OQ and PPQ protocols aligned to regulatory expectations 
  • Trace requirements through the validation lifecycle using tools like the RTM 
  • Validate physical test methods, including Gauge R&R and suitable alternatives 
  • Sustain the validated state through robust continued process verification  

These outcomes ensure that learners return with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to validate reliable processes and meet regulatory requirements. 

Who are the tutors?

This course is delivered by highly experienced tutors with regulatory and operational expertise in validation. Each tutor brings real industry experience, sector-specific insights and a passion for practical training. Their focus is on building learner confidence through engagement, hands-on exercises and personalised support. 

Learners benefit from expert-led training and comprehensive feedback throughout the course. 

Gerry Burke

Gerry is a self-motivated medical industry professional with knowledge and experience of remediation in the highly regulated medical device, pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets, in particular sterile products. Skilled in developing and implementing strategic remediation plans, for example those aimed at DHF completion and CAPA compliance, including completion of verification, validation and effectiveness actions. Gerry has an excellent track record in Quality Systems, Validation and Risk Management projects in Medical Industry projects. Recent projects have included; Design History File remediation, Risk Management according to ISO 14971, preparation and updating of pFMEA, dFMEA, Risk management Plans, Risk management reports, and change control optimisation for deviations. Gerry implements a hands on approach to problem solving, project development and remediation activities.


John Lafferty

John Lafferty is a Quality professional with over 25 years experience in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. John joined SQT as a tutor in 2007. Prior to that, John spent many years working in the Medical Devices/ Pharmaceutical sectors – the final six years of which were as a Senior Manager of a multinational Medical Devices plant where he managed the Quality and Regulatory Systems. John completed his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training through SQT in 2009 and derives great benefit from applying the techniques that he learned to Risk Management and Validation in a Life Sciences setting. “It is great to be able to bring this knowledge, and the experience gained from ongoing involvement with Life Sciences companies, into the classroom,” he says.

John passionately believes that the key to success in Life Sciences Manufacturing is the relentless application of Risk Management, Variation Reduction and Good Validation Practices. As the SQT tutor for Technical Writing Skills, John believes that good written communication skills are vital for any Life Sciences professional.

John holds the following qualifications: a Bachelor of Technology in Manufacturing Technology, a Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certificate in Training & Continuing Education and a Certificate in Quality Management. John is a member of the following committees relating to Risk Management of Medical Devices; ISO TC 210 – Medical Devices Technical Committee and CEN/ISO JWG1 – Joint Working Group on Risk Management.

One of John’s greatest achievements, in recent years, has been the development of the MDSAP and MDSAP Internal Auditor courses in response to demand from SQT’s loyal client base.


Kevina O’Donoghue

Kevina takes great pride in the training she delivers. She understands that supporting you effectively means meeting challenges and deadlines, understanding your specific needs, communicating effectively with you and providing accurate and honest advice, with integrity and confidentiality.

Kevina is a PhD graduate from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Since graduating she has worked in the life science industry for 20 years, both nationally and internationally. Beginning in the diagnostics sector, working for Cambridge Diagnostics she then moved to the medical device sector working for Abbott Vascular, Galway. Here she worked as a Microbiologist and was closely involved in the setting up, validation and monitoring of cleanroom environments and evolved into the Quality and Regulatory areas of the Life Science Industry.

Kevina delivers training programmes on many different topics related to Auditing, CE Marking, Quality Standards, Cleanroom Controls and Behaviours, GMP, as well as developing bespoke training programmes to meet specific client’s needs. Kevina’s outstanding attribute is her ability to motivate learners and enable their learning through sharing her knowledge and work-based experiences, in a simple and easy to understand way thus allowing the learners to achieve their learning goals successfully.

In addition to providing expert training, Kevina routinely works as a consultant and auditor. Kevina has the expertise to deal effectively with both Cleanroom, Quality and Regulatory related issues. Kevina is knowledgeable in many different quality and regulatory standards within the medical device, pharmaceutical, laboratory, & healthcare industries, is a strong and experienced auditor consistently challenging systems for compliance in a fair and consistent manner. With the wealth of experience Kevina has accumulated to date working with many different companies, she can appreciate and identify many similar situations thus allowing her to link examples and communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Kevina provides key support to both start up and multinational companies. She is an accomplished trainer with a Certificate in Training and Continuing Education from NUI, Maynooth and has also successfully completed QMS Auditor / Lead Auditor training.


Majella McEnroe

Majella has over 20 years experience in the biopharmaceutical industry with expertise across process validation, cleaning validation, pharmaceutical quality systems and pharmaceutical risk management, product lifecycle management.  Majella completed numerous validation programs for new product introduction for vaccines and drug substance manufacture.  More recently she has had responsibility for ensuring alignment, influencing strategy and continuous improvement of technology transfers and validation programs across multiple manufacturing units.

Majella has always been interested in colleague development and empowerment and has trained and coached multiple teams in topics such as regulatory requirements, inspection readiness and process validation and cleaning validation.

When not training life sciences learners at SQT Training, Majella can be found walking, gardening or choral singing.  She has been walking parts of the Camino in Spain over the past few years and hopes to try the Portuguese Way in the future.


How will I be assessed?

To consolidate learning and reinforce key concepts, learners complete a post-course assessment. The assessment; 

  • Checks understanding of the course content and practical scenarios 
  • Assesses real-world understanding and application 
  • Is completed within one week of course completion 

Successful learners receive: 

A Certificate of Achievement, in addition to their Certificate of Attendance 

How do we train and support you?

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs 

  • Pre-training consultation for in-company courses to tailor content to organisational needs 
  • Emphasis on industry specific application through practical exercises, case studies and group activities that reinforce key concepts and encourage active participation. 
  • Access to comprehensive course material that is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest industry standards and guidance. 
  • Live training is available virtually or delivered onsite to suit the needs of the team 
  • Real-time support from expert tutors 

Class sizes are generally limited to 12-15 participants to support personalized learning and individual support. 

How can you progress?

Learners who complete this course often continue to deepen their skills in: 

  • Software Validation 
  • Risk Management for Medical Devices (ISO 14971) 
  • Mastering CAPA in the Medical Device / Pharmaceutical Industry 
  • Technical Writing Skills 

Abbreviations

  • CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action 
  • CPD: Continuous Professional Development 
  • GHTF: Global Harmonisation Task Force 
  • IQ: Installation Qualification 
  • MVP: Master Validation Plan 
  • OQ: Operational Qualification 
  • PPQ: Process Performance Qualification 
  • R&R: Repeatability and Reproducibility 
  • URS: User Requirements Specification 

Majella McEnroe

Duration: 3 days **
Hide
  • 26 - 28 May 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date
  • 01 - 03 Dec 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date

Majella McEnroe

Duration: 3 days
Virtual Training: €1,055
Hide
  • 26 - 28 May 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date
  • 01 - 03 Dec 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date

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