This unit of competency covers the ability to validate test methods following defined protocols to ensure that they are based on sound scientific principles and are fit for the purpose for which they are to be used.This unit of competency is applicable to senior technical officers, laboratory supervisors and technical specialists working in all industry sectors. All operations are performed in accordance with laboratory and/or workplace procedures. Validation includes all those procedures which ascertain a method's technical soundness, performance and suitability for its intended use. Validation is a documented program which provides a high degree of assurance that a specific testing method will consistently produce a reliable result. The nature of the testing method may be physical, chemical, microbiological or a combination of these. The quality of the test method is built in during its design stage, validated in its development stage, and confirmed in its 'use' stage.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.