SQA Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the SQA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 SQA Exam Format at a Glance

165
Questions
210 min
Time Limit
70.00%
Passing Score

📚 SQA Topics to Study (36)

✍️ Sample SQA Questions & Answers

1. What is a 'remote audit' or 'desk audit' in pharmaceutical quality assurance?
An audit conducted by reviewing documents, records, and evidence submitted electronically without physically visiting the site

A remote audit reviews quality records, procedures, and data submitted electronically, enabling some level of quality oversight without requiring an on-site visit.

2. In GLP auditing, what is the purpose of a retrospective data audit?
To review completed raw data and records to verify accuracy, completeness, and GLP compliance after the fact

Retrospective data audits review completed study records to assess data integrity and GLP compliance of the documented study conduct.

3. What is the purpose of 'worst-case' testing in equipment or process validation?
To demonstrate that the process or equipment performs acceptably even under the most challenging but still realistic conditions

Worst-case testing challenges the process or equipment at boundary conditions most likely to result in failure, providing confidence that routine operations will always succeed.

4. What is a 'process audit' in the context of GLP quality assurance?
An audit that evaluates a specific work process against defined criteria such as SOPs or regulations

A process audit examines how a specific work process (e.g., sample processing, data recording) is performed compared to written procedures.

5. What is a 'periodic review' of SOPs in a GMP quality system?
A scheduled review to ensure SOPs remain accurate, current, and reflective of actual practice

Periodic review ensures SOPs are reviewed at regular intervals (typically every 2-3 years) to verify they still reflect current practices, regulations, and equipment.

6. Which GLP principle directly underpins the SQA's emphasis on quality assurance as a profession rather than merely a compliance function?
The belief that independent, expert oversight of study conduct protects data integrity and ultimately public health

SQA's professional philosophy is grounded in the principle that expert, independent QA oversight is essential to scientific integrity and protection of public health.

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Your SQA Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation