Qualification is a process, which involves verification of equipment being properly installed and functional. There are three different forms of qualification: installation (IQ), operational (OQ), and performance (PQ). The IQ includes a visual inspection of all equipment used in a process.
Additionally, the process involves collecting all paperwork related to the installation of equipment not limited to material and surface finish certifications, any equipment certifications, and verification of equipment creation in asset management records. An OQ involves testing equipment and instrumentation within a process to verify that the equipment is functioning within its specified range of operations. A PQ simulates normal operations to verify that the equipment can run at full capacity and maintain the expected result.