One of a company's most important assets is its people. Training is essential for the maintenance of high standards of quality assurance and GMP. This undeniable fact is forcefully stated by all the regulatory agencies. In the Dietary Supplement GMPs (21 CFR Part 111):

21 CFR Part 111.14(a) "You must have qualified employees who manufacture, package, label, or hold dietary supplements." 111.14(c) "Each person engaged in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding, or in performing any quality control operations, must have the education, training, or experience to perform the person's assigned functions."

NSF-DBA, a division of NSF International, brings more than 30 years of experience in providing consulting, training and auditing services to the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industry. We offer a comprehensive training approach that goes far beyond just content delivery. The extensive industry experience of NSF-DBA instructors helps provide delegates with tangible, real-world case studies of workplace situations and one-on-one interaction. Each module is thoughtfully designed and consists of a mix of lectures and group exercises which maximizes the learning process for the participants.

For NSF-DBA, the key objective of the Dietary Supplement Quality Professional training is to provide companies with technically competent, quality professionals who can make the right business decisions, no matter how tough the circumstances.

This modular training program, presented by NSF-DBA, provides participants with the technical, scientific and regulatory knowledge, as well as the skills and confidence, to add significant value to your organization. This program has been developed based on the requirements set forth in 21 CFR 111 by a variety of industry experts who specialize in the topics presented.

The DSQP training consists of a series of 12 modules offered during a one-year period.

Together, they are designed to provide the comprehensive knowledge and skills required of today's dietary supplement quality and technical professionals. Each module is also designed to stand alone as a self-contained course which may be attended by professionals who desire to gain knowledge in specific areas. Delegates can enter at any point and progress through all 12 modules if they wish to gain DSQP Certification by NSF-DBA through the University of Mississippi.

The module series follows:

• 21 CFR 111 – GMP Overview
• SOP and Recordkeeping for Compliance to 21 CFR 111
• FDA Inspection Readiness
• CAPA (Corrective Action) Management
• Testing Method Selection, Specification Setting & Equipment Qualification
• Stability Program Development
• Vendor Qualification & Audit Training
• Cleaning & Control of Cross-contamination
• Process Definition & Control; Facility/Utilities Design and Monitoring
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management
• Staff Recruitment & Internal Training Development
• International Regulatory Requirements for Dietary Supplements

The DSQP program is for aspiring quality leaders and technical professionals from a variety of disciplines, including quality, manufacturing, engineering, regulatory affairs and research and development.

It is expected that individuals who attend will be either seeking to fill a gap in their background or looking to attend the full series to complement their education and prepare them for key leadership roles in their companies.

Partnerships

NSF-DBA's partnerships with the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi and the United Natural Products Alliance involves review of the course materials and the provision of an official DSQP Certification by the University of Mississippi to the individuals who complete the program.

External Program

NSF-DBA is pleased to announce the availability of this program beginning in February 2011, with training offered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Oxford, Miss.

In-House Program

NSF-DBA encourages companies to consider instruction organized in-house, as this approach allows for customization and team building within your company.

While some content may be delivered over the Internet, NSF-DBA firmly believes in the face-to-face approach of instruction. The classroom environment enables students to exchange views and experiences, learning from each other as well as the instructors.

NSF-DBA hosts a number of open courses around the U.S. on topics of current interest to the dietary supplement industry, ranging from one to three days. These courses utilize carefully selected industry speakers with expertise and experience to offer a practical focus on the regulations and the latest regulatory issues. Our courses attract people from all over the world and provide an opportunity for attendees to make new contacts and to learn from each other as well as from the instructors. Click here to book.

NSF-DBA can also provide in-house training based upon the open course series. Since we strongly believe that training is most effective when it is directly relevant to the attendees' daily work, we can partner with you to design in-house training courses specifically designed to meet your needs.

We also regularly work closely with clients to develop comprehensive training programs that include a series of training courses. This comprehensive training could offer general Good Manufacturing Practices training to specific, modular, task-oriented training for individual departments.