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Credentials

Stand Out with Industry-Recognized Credentials! RAPS credentials signal credibility and commitment. Explore the pathways available to earn industry-recognized credentials and strengthen your professional standing.

Advance your career with industry-recognized credentials

Demonstrate expertise. Differentiate yourself. Drive impact.

Whether you are new to regulatory affairs or a seasoned professional looking to stand out, RAPS offers three globally recognized credentials designed to validate your knowledge and advance your career.

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Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC)

The Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) is the leading credential for regulatory professionals in the healthcare sector. The two RAC designations are Pharmaceuticals (RAC-Drugs) and Medical Devices (RAC-Devices). The RAC is intended for individuals employed in regulatory agencies, industry, consultancies and other settings involved with the regulation of healthcare products.

APPLY FOR AN EXAM

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Regulatory Compliance Certification (RCC)

The Regulatory Compliance Certifications are credentials designed by regulatory professionals for regulatory professionals. There are two RCC exams: The RCC-IVDR and the RCC-MDR. This designation provides third-party validation, indicating that a certification holder understands European regulations for in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) or medical devices.

APPLY FOR AN EXAM

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Foundation in Regulatory Affairs (FRA)

Show the world that you have the foundational knowledge regulatory affairs professionals need. The new Foundation in Regulatory Affairs (FRA) assessment-based certificate is designed to help you build regulatory affairs knowledge and then test that knowledge through an exam.

APPLY FOR AN EXAM

FRA RCC RAC

Why Earn a RAPS Credential

RAPS credentials are recognized globally across pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and related life sciences sectors. They help you:

  • Demonstrate verified regulatory or compliance competence
  • Strengthen your credibility with employers and peers
  • Position yourself for new roles and promotions
  • Build confidence navigating complex regulatory frameworks
  • Join a global community of recognized regulatory professionals

RAC vs. RCC. vs. FRA: What’s the Difference?

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*The eligibility requirements for the RCC and RAC are more detailed than what this chart shows. Please see our website for full eligibility details

Find your Fit

Foundational Knowledge: Foundation in Regulatory Affairs (FRA)

The FRA is an assessment-based certificate that helps you prove you have the knowledge to start and succeed in regulatory affairs.

Ideal for:

  • Students
  • Entry-level professionals (0-2 years of experience)
  • Individuals transitioning into regulatory affairs from other fields (e.g., quality, clinical, pharmacy, R&D)

Why earn the FRA

  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of regulatory basics to employers
  • Provide a structured path for learning essential concepts
  • Boost confidence and credibility in an entry-level role
Build Your Foundation
 
Earning an FRA credential demonstrates fundamental proficiency that could be helpful in securing a position in the regulatory field.

Michelle Lott, RAC

Principal and Founder, leanRAQA

Specialized Expertise: The Regulatory Compliance Certification (RCC)

The RCC validates your EU MDR and EU IVDR knowledge.

Ideal for:
  • Mid-career professionals who are PRRCs or specialize in EU compliance
  • Professionals in quality assurance or other roles that require deep knowledge of EU regulations
Why earn the RCC
  • Demonstrate to evaluators that you meet the MDR and IVDR PRRC requirements.
  • Validate current, specialized knowledge of a critical and complex regulatory area.
  • Help companies ensure compliance and mitigate risk in the EU market
  • Add a highly marketable and specific certification to your resume to increase your employment options and compensation negotiating power
 
Having a candidate delve deep into a regulation and testing that knowledge would give any employer confidence that the candidate knows what they are talking about.
Nancy Consterdine

Nancy Consterdine

Mastery: The Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC)

The RAC is the premier, globally recognized certification for regulatory professionals in the healthcare products sector.

Ideal for:

  • Mid to senior level professionals, consultants, and directors
  • Those who manage products globally or have a broad scope of regulatory responsibilities

Why earn the RAC:

  • Elevate your professional credibility on a global scale
  • Validate your ability to apply regulatory knowledge across the entire product lifecycle, validate breadth and strategical application
  • Increased earning potential (12% higher for RAC holders according to 2024 RAPS scope of practice survey)
 
It really demonstrates a level of commitment to oneself and one's career, and as a hiring manager, it's definitely something I look for and something I'd encourage.
Paul Swift

Paul Swift

Carl Zeiss Meditec

RAPS Certificates and Certifications: How to Pick the Right One

Learn the key difference between a certificate and a certification and which option is right for you now and in the future.