Comprehensive Guide to SQA Certification and Exam Scheduling

Introduction

The Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) is a prominent nonprofit, international professional membership organization dedicated to quality assurance across various sectors. With over 2,300 members in more than 30 countries, SQA serves professionals in pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial, chemical, and contract testing and research fields, as well as regulatory agencies and academic institutions.

About SQA Certification

SQA plays a pivotal role in upholding high professional standards by offering certification examinations in critical disciplines, notably Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). These certifications are designed to validate and enhance the expertise and proficiency of quality assurance professionals.

Exam Scheduling and Preparation

To schedule and take an SQA certification exam, follow these detailed steps:

1. Receive Authorization to TestBefore you can schedule your exam, you must first receive an Authorization to Test email from SQA. This email contains crucial information, including your candidate ID number, which is necessary for scheduling your exam. Ensure you review all details provided in this email carefully.
2. Online Proctoring for ConvenienceFor added convenience, SQA offers the option to take your exam through OnVUE online proctoring. This allows you to complete your certification test from the comfort of your home or office. A live proctor will monitor your exam session via webcam to ensure a secure and compliant testing environment.
   • Video Demonstration: Watch this short video to learn more about the online proctoring process and how it simplifies testing from home.
   • Technical Requirements: Run a system test and review technical requirements and policies under the “Additional information” section on the OnVUE proctoring page to ensure your setup meets all necessary criteria.
3. Creating Your Pearson VUE Account
   • First-Time Test Takers: Create a Pearson VUE web account to begin the scheduling process. Account activation may take up to 24 hours, so plan accordingly.
   • Scheduling Your Exam: Use your SQA candidate ID from the Authorization to Test email to schedule your exam. Appointments can be booked up to one business day in advance.
4. Confirmation and DetailsAfter scheduling your exam, Pearson VUE will send a confirmation letter. This will include:
   • Test Date and Time: The specifics of when you are scheduled to take your exam.
   • Test Center Location: Address and contact information if you are taking the exam at a physical location.
   • Directions: Detailed directions to ensure you arrive on time.
5. Preparing for Computer-Based Testing
   • Tutorial: Familiarize yourself with computer-based testing through the Pearson VUE computer-based testing tutorial. This resource provides general information on how to navigate the exam interface and answer questions effectively.
   • Practice Exam: Use the practice exam feature to get accustomed to the exam format and question types.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or further information regarding the SQA certification process:

• Website: Visit the SQA website for comprehensive details.
• Phone: Contact SQA at (434) 297-4772.
• Email: Reach out to SQA via email at rqap@sqa.org.

Additional Resources

• FAQ Section: Explore our FAQ section for answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips.
• Interactive Tools: Utilize interactive tools and sample exams available on the Pearson VUE website to enhance your preparation.

Conclusion

Achieving SQA certification is a significant milestone in the field of quality assurance, validating your expertise and commitment to high professional standards. By following the outlined steps and utilizing available resources, you can effectively navigate the certification process and advance your professional career.