The Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) is a

501(c)(6) A 501(c) organization is a nonprofit organization in the federal law of the United States according to Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)) and is one of over 29 types of nonprofit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes. S ...

professional association A professional association (also called a professional body, professional organization, or professional society) usually seeks to advocacy, further a particular profession, the interests of individuals and organisations engaged in that professio ...

founded in 1984 that works to organize and promote quality assurance in Good Laboratory Practices regulated non-clinical

laboratory A laboratory (; ; colloquially lab) is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. Laboratory services are provided in a variety of settings: physicia ...

environments. As of 2001, it had over 1200 members in 16 countries.

History

SQA was established in 1984 as a grassroots gathering of Quality Assurance Professionals interested in implementing the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). As the Society grew, membership interest expanded to include both EPA and FDA GLPs, Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Today SQA membership includes over 2,000 professionals working in contract research organizations, academia, industry and consultancies. Membership also includes students who are interested in a career in life or environmental sciences. Members focus on quality issues in both regulated and non-regulated research and manufacturing to support research and manufacturing quality, integrity and continual improvement.

Quality Assurance Professionals

The Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) is a professional membership society dedicated to promoting and advancing the principles and knowledge of quality assurance essential to human, animal and environmental health.

SQA Specialty Sections and Committees

Members participate in specialty sections to address topics of interest. Specialty sections provide a forum to: * Encourage interaction between professionals in the industry; * Provide members with updates on proposed and/or new regulations, emerging issues and regulatory trends; * Develop informative training and educational opportunities on special topics; * Provide an opportunity for members to foster liaisons and interactions with professionals, professional organizations and regulatory agencies with related interests to maximize information exchange. SQA Committees are a combination of volunteer, appointed and elected positions and serve to further the society's mission.

Mentoring Program

There is a professional mentoring program to support individuals who wish to develop in their current or move into another area.

Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP)

SQA offers the professional credential Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP). SQA offers a professional registration system for individuals practicing quality assurance in GCP and GLP environments. Registration requires both job experience in Quality Assurance and demonstrated knowledge. Exams are offered several times a year both nationally and internationally.

SQA Publications

SQA publishes a newsletter, ''Quality Matters'', and technical articles throughout the year.

SQA Learning Foundation

In 2014, SQA created a subsidiary Learning Foundation to create education offerings in support of furthering the education and careers of quality assurance professionals. SQA Headquarters is in Charlottesville, VA.

References

{{reflist International professional associations 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations