Understanding the Difference Between Validation and Verification

[Lillian Whitehead]

What’s the difference between validation and verification?

 

[Marzena STC & QTC]

The difference between validation and verification is pretty simple. Validation is about confirming that your system or process actually works as intended to meet its objectives. For example, validating a cleaning process means ensuring it effectively removes contaminants. Verification, on the other hand, is checking if your system or process is being followed correctly—like verifying that cleaning records are being properly filled out or checking if the cleaning schedule is being adhered to. So, validation is about proving effectiveness, and verification is about ensuring compliance.

 

[Cathy Gladwin]

Yes @Marzena STC & QTC, quite right. It also helps to put the time perspective in there. Validation is done at the start - looking FORWARD so that we are confident that something new will work. Just like you said, your cleaning process WILL effectively remove contaminants (because all your data confirmed that it's capable).
The verification is confirming here and NOW (verification and monitoring done today), that it IS working. Verification is also looking back at PAST evidence (internal audits for example), that it has been working.
@Oskar STC & QTC @Chisala Ng'andwe

 

[Cathy Gladwin]

Here's a great video by my colleague @Oskar STC & QTC

@Marzena STC & QTC @Chisala Ng'andwe