Top Certifications Dutch Employers Value in 2026

Hiring in Life Sciences across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland has shifted noticeably over the last few years. Strong degrees still matter, but certifications have become a clear signal of job-readiness, especially in regulated functions like QA, manufacturing, clinical operations, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory affairs. The right certification helps hiring teams see that you understand compliance expectations and can contribute quickly. It can also strengthen your position in salary and progression conversations once you have some experience.

Before choosing a certification, it helps to understand why they carry so much weight in these markets.

1. Employers must follow strict EU/EMA (and Swissmedic) regulations

The Netherlands and Belgium operate fully under EU and EMA frameworks; Switzerland aligns closely but is overseen by Swissmedic. Whether a company develops biologics, ATMPs (cell & gene therapies), medical devices/diagnostics, or runs clinical trials, they must follow Good Practice standards (GMP, GCP, GDP, GLP, and GVP). Workflows must be consistent, documented, and audit-ready every day. Certifications show you understand how regulated environments operate.

2. Certifications prove you can work in controlled, compliant settings

Hiring managers don’t expect freshers to have years of experience. But they do expect you to understand compliance basics, documentation, data integrity, safety, and ethics. Even short foundation courses demonstrate that you’ve started learning the language and discipline of the industry.

3. Certifications help you stand out during CV screening

Many employers use certification keywords to shortlist candidates quickly. Terms like “GMP,” “GCP,” “GDP,” “GVP,” “CSV,” “PV course,” or “MDR/IVDR” can immediately push your CV forward when recruiters or hiring managers scan large applicant pools.

4. Certifications support progression and salary conversations

As you gain experience, advanced certifications often support faster progression into specialist, senior, or cross-functional roles. For example:

• RAC can support growth into Regulatory Specialist/Manager roles

• Advanced PV / EU2P strengthens profiles for Safety Scientist or Senior PV roles

• Lean Six Sigma / PRINCE2 / PMP is valued for process, validation, tech transfer, and programme leadership
  
  

Certifications don’t replace experience, but they can accelerate it when chosen strategically.

If you’re early in your career, you don’t need complex or expensive certifications. The options below are accessible, affordable, and directly relevant to entry-level roles in NL/BE/CH.

GMP / GxP Foundations (GMP, GDP, GLP basics)

Best for:

• QA Assistant / Junior QA Associate
• QC Analyst (junior)
• Manufacturing / Upstream / Downstream Operator
• Documentation / Quality Support
• Supply Chain / Wholesale or Distribution Support (GDP-aligned roles)

Why employers value it:
GMP/GxP foundation training is one of the strongest signals of job-readiness in Europe and Switzerland. It shows you understand why documentation, consistency, and data integrity matter in Life Sciences.

Typical topics include:

• Batch records and controlled documentation
• Deviations, CAPAs, and investigations
• Change control basics
• Data integrity (ALCOA+)
• Audit and inspection readiness
• Intro to GDP for distribution environments
  
  

ICH-GCP and Clinical Research Basics

Best for:

• Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA)
• Study Support / Trial Support Associate
• Junior CRA (after some exposure)
• Clinical Operations support roles

Why it matters:
GCP is a baseline requirement for most entry-level clinical roles across CROs and sponsors in NL/BE/CH. A valid ICH-GCP course shows you understand patient safety, ethical conduct, and trial documentation.

GCP training covers:

• Ethical foundations of clinical research
• Trial oversight and monitoring principles
• Essential trial documentation
• Roles within a clinical research team

Local note:
Look for ICH-GCP with local context when possible. For example, WMO-GCP familiarity in the Netherlands and the Swiss clinical trial ordinance/Swissmedic context in Switzerland. If you want a long-term clinical path, GCP is an essential early step.

Introductory Pharmacovigilance (PV) and Regulatory Affairs (RA) Courses

Best for:

• PV Assistant / Drug Safety Associate
• Regulatory Affairs Assistant
• Compliance / Documentation-heavy support roles

These short courses are ideal for exploring two highly structured functions: safety and regulatory. They’re widely recognised in NL/BE/CH because both areas rely on process discipline and careful documentation.

They usually cover:

• Adverse event reporting basics
• GVP and safety reporting pathways
• Risk management overview
• EMA/EU evidence and lifecycle frameworks
• Basics of submissions and variation management

Even an introductory PV or RA course can help you secure your first entry-level role in these teams.

Bonus Track for Freshers: Medical Devices / Diagnostics Basics (MDR / IVDR)

Best for:

• QA/RA Assistants in med-tech or IVD companies
• Clinical/medical device operations roles
• Candidates in NL/CH hubs where devices and diagnostics are strong

If your target employers work on medical devices or diagnostics, EU MDR/IVDR foundation courses and ISO 13485 awareness can be as valuable as GMP.

Once you have 1–2 years of industry experience, advanced certifications can help you move into specialist, senior, or project-focused roles. These programmes require practical experience and offer a strong ROI when aligned to your path.

Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC)

RAC is one of the most respected global RA certifications and is well recognised by EU and Swiss teams. It signals a deep understanding of regulatory strategy and submission frameworks.

Why it matters:

• Builds expertise in EU and international RA pathways
• Supports progression to senior specialist or RA manager roles
• Signals strong compliance and strategic capability

RAC is a powerful longer-term goal if you want to specialise in regulatory.

Advanced Pharmacovigilance Programmes (including EU2P)

Best for PV Associates or Professionals aiming for PV Scientist or Senior Safety roles. Advanced PV programmes (including GVP-aligned training and EU2P) cover the scientific and analytical side of safety.

Typical topics include:

• Signal detection and benefit-risk evaluation
• Pharmacoepidemiology
• Safety data analysis and interpretation
• Risk Management Plan (RMP) development
• Global safety reporting strategy

These certifications are especially valued in large safety hubs like Amsterdam/Utrecht, Brussels/Leuven, and Basel/Zurich.

Project Management & Operational Excellence

(PMP / PRINCE2 / Lean Six Sigma)

Best for:

• Validation and qualification
• Tech transfer and MSAT
• QA operations
• Manufacturing excellence / CI roles
• Cross-functional or leadership-track positions

These programmes strengthen your ability to deliver complex work in regulated environments.

They help you build skills in:

• Structured project planning
• Stakeholder management
• Risk-based decision making
• Process improvement and root-cause tool
• Operational efficiency in GMP settings

PRINCE2 is particularly prevalent in Benelux environments, while Lean Six Sigma is widely adopted across manufacturing and continuous improvement teams in all three markets.

Specialised Advanced Tracks (Optional but High-Value)

1. ISO 13485 / ISO 14971 for Med-Tech & IVD
Best for: QA/RA professionals in devices/diagnostics. Strong differentiators in NL/CH med-tech hubs and growing BE clusters.

• ISO 13485 quality systems
• ISO 14971 risk management
• MDR/IVDR deeper training

2. Computer System Validation (CSV) / Data Integrity Advanced
Best for: QA digitalisation, manufacturing IT, and lab automation. Highly relevant as sites digitise and inspection focus increases.

• CSV / CSA principles
• Electronic records & data integrity
• Audit readiness for computerised systems
  
  

3. Aseptic / ATMP / Biologics Manufacturing
Best for: candidates in biologics, vaccines, cell & gene therapy
Short specialist programmes support roles in sterile processing and ATMP manufacturing, as areas expanding quickly in the region.

Choosing the right certification path can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the European market or exploring multiple functions.

Panda partners daily with leading pharma, biotech, med-tech, and CRO employers across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. That gives us a clear view of what hiring managers ask for in interviews, which certifications show up most often in job ads, and when a certification genuinely improves your chances of being shortlisted or offered a stronger package.

Certifications won’t replace experience or motivation, but they can significantly strengthen your profile and help employers in NL/BE/CH see your potential faster. By choosing the right certifications at the right stage of your career, you can stand out, access better opportunities, and grow into higher-level roles over time.