The EU MDR is unique. An RCC credential helped Kendall Ciriaco conquer it.
Kendall Ciriaco, MBS, RAC, RCC, is the director of regulatory affairs at Integra LifeSciences. She earned her Regulatory Compliance Certification (RCC) in 2024.
Why did you decide to pursue your RCC credential?
I decided to pursue the RCC credential as part of my professional development to help increase my knowledge and expertise as the lead for our EU MDR program for one of Integra’s business divisions. Studying for the RCC exam and then seeing the types of questions on the exam gave me a broader perspective from a regulator's point of view. Ultimately, obtaining my RCC enabled me to grow in my current role, be more decisive, and provide guidance to my teams on industry best practices for technical documentation.
The RCC credential offers third-party validation indicating that a certification holder understands European regulations related to in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) or medical devices. It is offered in two designations: RCC-IVDR and RCC-MDR. Learn more about the RCC here.
How did you prepare for your RCC exam?
The suggestions from the RCC Candidate Guide helped me decide which content to focus on and what articles to review when preparing for the exam. With any exam, however, the onus is on the person taking the exam. So, I had my flashcards and Quizlet put together. Another strategy which was really helpful was to bounce ideas off of other industry regulatory professionals in my network.
Learn more about preparing for your RCC exam.
How has your RCC credential helped you in your job?
Before I took my RCC exam, I managed three MDR submissions. The exam shaped my thinking and encouraged greater collaboration as I began brainstorming ideas inspired by the material I was reading. Earning the RCC credential has significantly enhanced my effectiveness in regulatory affairs. It’s helped solidify my knowledge of global regulatory requirements and frameworks, which has made me more confident when interpreting and applying regulations in real-world scenarios. The credential also adds credibility when collaborating with cross-functional teams or communicating with regulatory agencies, as it shows I have a recognized level of expertise.
The MDR is unique, right? Because there are certain sections that you can read three times and interpret three different ways based off of other information you find in a completely different section. Getting my RCC helped me pay more attention to the details and the nuances of the MDR. Overall, it’s given me both practical tools and professional recognition that support my growth in this field.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing their RCC credential?
Having my RCC has strengthened my role within both regulatory and quality by deepening my expertise and enhancing my ability to contribute effectively. MDR crosses over a lot of different areas. In my opinion, RCC may not only benefit industry regulatory professionals but industry quality professionals as well.
Ready to take the next step toward earning your RCC credential? Learn more about eligibility requirements, exam preparation, scheduling, and more.