Introduction
With some of the leading international names in the pharmaceutical, microelectronic and medical devices sectors servicing their overseas markets. Ireland is recognised as one of the most vibrant and energetic countries on the global cleanroom stage.
The Irish Cleanroom Society runs a series of training courses which have all been accredited by the ICCCS Education Committee (IEC).
History
The Society was set up in 1998 and one fundamental part of its activities is to "advance the education of the public in matters relating to the practice and science of cleanroom technology and contamination control".
Since 2003, the Society has worked closely with the CTCB-I (Cleanroom Testing and Certification Board International) and have run a series of training courses developed by the CTCB-I. Currently, the CTCB-I courses held in Ireland have been accredited by the ICCCS Accredited Education.
In 2007, the International Confederation of Contamination Control Societies (ICCCS), an international body comprising national cleanroom societies world-wide, felt that it was desirable to have an international standard for training courses, especially as the industry is such a global one.
The goal of the IEC (integrated part of the ICCCS) is to harmonize and share cleanroom courses. It promotes the preparation and accreditation of internationally-recognized educational courses for people who design, test, monitor, operate and work as operators in cleanrooms.
The IEC accredits Cleanroom and Contamination courses that treat subjects according to the relevant ISO standards. Courses are accredited within an 'Accreditation Guidelines' set down by the IEC. People attending courses will be certified by examination and each successful candidate is awarded a certificate with the ICCCS Education logo and has their name placed on the website.
All courses follow a 'Basic Guidelines' quality assurance system and include:
- suitable course content
- relevant and up-to-date notes or text books
- expert lecturers
- the setting of clear and unambiguous exam questions
- suitable exam marking practices
- an examination and advisory board to audit the course and exams
- public traceability of a person's certificate
Cleanroom training with the ICS
ICS provides a directory of certified people on its website as well as on the CTCB-I website (Registers).
The Cleanroom Testing (Professional) qualification is valid for five years from the date of passing the practical examination. After this time the candidate must attend the course again and be reaccredited for a further five years. The Cleanroom Testing (Associate) qualification is valid 10 years.
The Cleanroom Technology qualification does not have any time limit.
Places are limited so early registration is recommended. For further information, please email us at info@cleanrooms-ireland.ie.