Skip to main content

Interview Questions

Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) Interview Questions and Answers

QC interviews move quickly from instrument theory to laboratory judgement: what you do when a system suitability fails mid-sequence, how a Phase 1a OOS investigation is documented, and which ICH Q2 parameter proves a method is fit for purpose.

Each answer below is written the way a laboratory head expects to hear it — the decision first, then the justification.

10 questions with model answers · Updated for current GMP and ICH expectations

What this round covers

  • HPLC and GC troubleshooting
  • OOS and OOT investigations
  • ICH Q2 method validation
  • Calibration and system suitability
  • Stability testing

10 Quality Control interview questions with answers

  1. Q1DissolutionBeginner

    Which USP chapter covers dissolution testing?

    Model answer: USP <711> describes dissolution apparatus, media and acceptance stages S1-S3.

    • Apparatus I/II
    • S1-S3 stages
    • Media and sink conditions
  2. Q2UniformityIntermediate

    USP <905> deals with:

    Model answer: <905> covers content uniformity and weight variation with AV calculation.

    • Acceptance value
    • L1/L2 stages
    • 10 then 30 units
  3. Q3DissolutionIntermediate

    Which apparatus is used for capsules that float?

    Model answer: Paddle apparatus with a sinker prevents floating capsules from skewing results.

    • Sinker justified
    • Documented in method
    • Consistent placement
  4. Q4Wet ChemistryBeginner

    Karl Fischer titration determines:

    Model answer: KF measures water by stoichiometric reaction of iodine with water.

    • Volumetric vs coulometric
    • Reagent factor
    • Moisture-free handling
  5. Q5HPLCAdvanced

    Which detector is most suitable for compounds lacking a chromophore?

    Model answer: Universal detectors such as RI, CAD or ELSD detect non-UV-absorbing analytes.

    • Detector selection rationale
    • Gradient compatibility
    • Sensitivity limits
  6. Q6HPLCBeginner

    System suitability in HPLC is performed to:

    Model answer: System suitability confirms resolution, tailing, theoretical plates and precision before reporting data.

    • Predefined criteria
    • Run before and bracket
    • Failure means no reportable data
  7. Q7HPLCIntermediate

    Typical acceptance for %RSD of five replicate injections of a standard is:

    Model answer: For assay methods, replicate injection precision is usually NMT 2.0% RSD.

    • Method specific
    • Defined in SOP
    • Related substances may allow more
  8. Q8HPLCIntermediate

    Tailing factor above the limit indicates:

    Model answer: Excess tailing suggests column degradation, silanol interaction or unsuitable pH.

    • Buffer pH adjustment
    • Column replacement
    • Investigate before use
  9. Q9HPLCBeginner

    Resolution between two adjacent peaks should generally be:

    Model answer: Baseline resolution is achieved at Rs of at least 1.5 for accurate quantitation.

    • Rs formula
    • Critical pair
    • Method robustness
  10. Q10ValidationBeginner

    ICH Q2(R2) covers:

    Model answer: ICH Q2 defines validation characteristics: specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, LOQ, range, robustness.

    • Parameter set by test type
    • Q14 development link
    • Documented protocol

Rehearse these answers out loud

The remaining 88 Quality Control questions run inside the AI Interview Simulator, which adapts difficulty to your answers and scores your response against the same key points shown above. Creating a free account takes a minute — no card required.

Other pharma interview departments