Pharmaceutical Qualified Person (QP) Training

The role of the Qualified Person (QP) is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, required in the UK, EU. But what is a QP? A Qualified Person, often referred to as QP, is a professional responsible for batch certification of finished pharmaceutical products. This means the position has the single-highest impact on patient safety in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.

QP certification is a rigorous process that ensures professionals are equipped to handle the critical responsibilities of maintaining pharmaceutical quality. Qualified person training is extensive and requires a major commitment of time and resources. Not anyone can (or should) become a Qualified Person, as the role demands a deep understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Pharmaceutical Law.

The University of Strathclyde and NSF have partnered to bring you first-class QP training and valuable professional qualifications. But what is a QP? A QP, or Qualified Person, is a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry, responsible for ensuring pharmaceutical quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

We offer those taking pharmaceutical Qualified Person training the opportunity to gain advanced qualifications in pharmaceutical quality and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). These options include:

• Master of Science (MSc) qualification
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

These programs are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in pharmaceutical quality systems, quality assurance, and quality control, essential for QP certification and success in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

NSF invented Qualified Person training. Our subject matter experts (SMEs) helped develop the role, write it into legislation, and establish the gold standard for accredited QP training. Since 1990, NSF has trained and certified thousands of professionals globally in the role of Qualified Person.

Our master’s degree-level program has successfully graduated and placed Qualified Persons in numerous pharmaceutical firms. NSF’s Qualified Person training program is the first, most respected, and most thorough curriculum available.

Key features

NSF provide core QP trainees with 30 hours SME support at no extra cost. The most experience SMEs and course instructors anywhere in the industry, who are themselves acting QPs. Interactive, real-world scenarios make you role-ready. Lifetime continuing education discounts on NSF training programs.

NSF offers a QP training package designed to support your professional development journey

Here’s how it works:

• Book and pay for any six training modules at full price
• Unlock a 20% discount on each additional module when you register and pay for at least three more!

But that’s not all – your company will also receive these valuable benefits within the first 12 months:

• 20 complimentary eLearning courses of your choice
• 1 free seat at NSF’s Annual Conference
• 1 free seat on either our GMP or QRM virtual course.

And as a core QP delegate, you’ll gain access to:

• 1:1 personal tutor support
• Viva preparation sessions
• Revision Interview
• Optional QP skill sessions
• QP Alumni Membership
• CPD subscription service at a reduced rate.

NSF Qualified Person Training: Key features

Our program consists of 12 modules that meet the theoretical training requirements outlined in the latest UK Qualified Person Study Guide. Additionally, each of our QP training modules is Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) approved. You have the option to complete your QP training in 12 months or at your own pace, accommodating your personal and professional commitments.

Real-world focus and support

Our QP training modules provide up-to-date, practical, face-to-face, or virtual instruction to prepare candidates for the challenging and evolving role of a QP in today’s pharmaceutical industry. NSF’s program uniquely focuses on real-world scenarios and practical decision-making exercises necessary to build skills and confidence for the QP role. We provide sufficient time and depth to help candidates excel, preparing them not just for assessments but for the role ahead. Furthermore, NSF works closely with you to maximize your chances of success at viva or international assessments.

Partnership with the University of Strathclyde

NSF offers pharmaceutical Qualified Person training in partnership with the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, one of the premier universities for pharmaceutical education in the UK. This blend of academic excellence and industry-based experience sets our QP training apart from other providers, ensuring an unparalleled success rate.

Comprehensive curriculum and accreditation

The NSF QP training program is recognized for its robust curriculum, flexibility, and university partnership, making it the most respected and recognizable program among global pharmaceutical companies.

Value for non-QPs

Not everyone attends our QP modules with the intention of becoming a Qualified Person (QP). Many participants use the training to develop as technical managers in various areas of pharmaceutical manufacture and control. Others attend as part of their continuing professional development. In fact, we train more individuals globally through courses at their own sites than through our public QP training program.

Essential skills training for technical leaders

Our curriculum is often utilized by firms as “essential skills training” for all technical leaders, managers, and supervisors working in the industry, supporting product realization and release.

Benefits and Advantages for Core QP Delegates

• Free GAP Analysis
• Personal Tutor System
• Viva prep sessions
• QP Optional Skills
• Revision Interview
• Membership of NSF QP Alumni
• Discounts on CPD

The University of Strathclyde and NSF have partnered to offer first-class Qualified Person (QP) training and valuable professional qualifications.

We provide those pursuing pharmaceutical Qualified Person training the opportunity to earn a Master of Science (MSc) qualification, a postgraduate diploma (PGDip), or a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in pharmaceutical quality and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

The postgraduate certificate is ideal for quality professionals seeking further qualifications or recognition in their field. To be eligible for the postgraduate certificate with the University of Strathclyde, you must complete the three QP foundation modules plus three additional modules of your choice and perform satisfactorily in the assessments for each.

To register for the postgraduate diploma, delegates generally must attend all modules (exemptions based on prior learning may be considered). Delegates who perform satisfactorily in all assessments will be awarded the university diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality and Good Manufacturing Practice.

Holders of the postgraduate Diploma who have attained a sufficient standard may proceed to the MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality and Good Manufacturing Practice by undertaking a supervised, industry-relevant project on a topic approved by the course director. Candidates are required to satisfy the board of examiners through a presentation of their project dissertation and an oral examination. Project proposals are typically submitted within six months of completing the diploma course.

Develop and deploy a team of quality, operational, and technical personnel within your business without ever having to leave the office or facility. Our training experts at NSF can customize any of our QP courses and bring it to you, on-site.

Customizing our course content to your products and business processes enables each training to meet your precise needs and requirements.

Examples of other on-site QP courses and training include:

• Pharmaceutical Law and Guidance Overview
• Pharmaceutical Law and the QP Role
• Pharmaceutical Quality System
• Formulation and processing specific to your company’s products
• Shortened QP program – Over five modules

We also have a couple of short videos that were developed:

• Overview of our QP Training