(TAMPA, FLORIDA, USA, 4 May 2011) – ISPE, a global not-for-profit association of 22,000 pharmaceutical science and manufacturing professionals, announced today that Kentaro Nakamura has achieved the Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional™ (CPIP™) credential, awarded by the ISPE Professional Certification Commission (PCC), an independent governing board within ISPE.
To be eligible for CPIP certification, an applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), and 5 years of industry experience, or 10 years experience without a STEM degree. Applicants must also demonstrate professional experience and extensive pharmaceutical industry knowledge. After proving eligibility, applicants must pass a rigorous exam covering product development, facilities and equipment, information systems, and other pertinent areas of pharmaceutical industry knowledge.
“I see CPIP certification as a very valuable experience; in preparing for the exam, I gained a wide spectrum of knowledge and perspective beyond my own direct work experience,” said Nakamura. “As the first Japanese CPIP, I would like to make a contribution for the growth and globalization of the Japanese pharmaceutical industry through not only design and engineering work but also voluntary and educational activities.”
Continued Nakamura, “In particular, I would like to highlight the efforts of ISPE’s Japan Affiliate in helping me to reach this goal. The Affiliate, recognizing the particular hurdles faced by a non-native English speaker, created a dedicated local CPIP Committee and made available to us lectures taught by experts from within the Affiliate. We were also led through Webinars from ISPE HQ. These efforts were immensely helpful to me as I completed the CPIP certification process.”
Nakamura has over 14 years’ experience in engineering for the pharmaceutical industry as a mechanical engineer, particularly for sterile manufacturing facilities, and he has participated in more than 15 pharmaceutical facility construction projects. He has been employed by JGC Corporation since 1997, beginning as a Mechanical Engineer before being promoted to the role of Lead Mechanical Engineer in 2003. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Energy Science and Engineering from Kyoto University, Japan.
More information on the CPIP program, including detailed eligibility requirements, exam study guide resources, and an overview of the process, can be found at www.ispe-pcc.org/index.cfm.
About ISPE
ISPE, the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, is a Society of 22,000 pharmaceutical professionals in 90 countries who use expert knowledge to create high-quality, cost-effective GMP solutions. ISPE is “Connecting a World of Pharmaceutical Knowledge” by providing Members with opportunities to develop their technical knowledge, exchange practical experience within their community, enhance their professional skills, and collaborate with global regulatory agencies and industry leaders. Founded in 1980, ISPE offers online learning opportunities for a global audience and has its worldwide headquarters in Tampa, Florida, USA; its European office in Brussels, Belgium; an Asia Pacific office in Singapore; and its newest office in Shanghai, China. Visit www.ISPE.org for additional Society news and information.
