The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) is the leading worldwide member organization devoted to the health product regulatory profession. With more than 12,000 individual members from industry, government, research, clinical and academic organizations in more than 50 countries, RAPS develops professional standards for knowledge, competency and ethics and is the leading source of information on the scope of practice of regulatory professionals and their critical roles in the health sector.
Founded in 1976, RAPS advances learning and fosters knowledge exchange in regulatory, scientific, business, legal and other areas essential to effective product development and regulation. (See more on RAPS history.) RAPS administers the only recognized credential for the profession—the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).
RAPS makes it a goal to expand the relevant global knowledge and skills of our members. Our programs and knowledge services help connect RA professionals in industry, government and academia worldwide and cultivates the evolution of the health product regulatory profession in developing nations.
Here are examples of two recent RAPS global initiatives:
Russian BioIndustry Initiative Project
RAPS Japan Affiliate (pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes RAPS a "global" organization?
RAPS designs its conferences and member programs to benefit RA professionals around the world. As a result, individuals across 50 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific Rim are proud to identify themselves as RAPS members.
Q: What are the benefits of RAPS membership?
RAPS offers its members a variety of valuable tools to enhance their careers, including industry-leading international conferences, insightful regulatory books and manuals, Regulatory Affairs Focus magazine—the official publication of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society, Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) and a host of other resources and services.
Q: What are the main strategic functions of RAPS?
RAPS enhances the recognition and visibility of the value and contributions of RA professionals worldwide; serves as the worldwide leader in creating, expanding, refining, and disseminating the body of knowledge of regulatory affairs; provides global facilitation of discussion on regulatory policy and decision making; and remains an inclusive and accessible organization serving RA professionals in all product areas and geographic regions.
Q: Why did RAPS develop a Code of Ethics for the RA profession?
RAPS created and maintains the RA Code of Ethics in an effort to provide RA professionals with the support and guidance they need to carry out their jobs in a professional, ethical manner. RAPS believes that formally outlining RA standards of conduct, principles and core values provides a critical step in the process of defining and promoting the field of regulatory affairs.