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21 CFR Part 11 Quiz: Check Your Compliance Knowledge

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This 21 CFR Part 11 quiz helps you check your understanding of electronic records, electronic signatures, audit trails, and validation in regulated environments. Get quick questions with instant feedback to spot gaps before an inspection. If you work across clinical or health data, tune up with our gcp quiz and reinforce privacy basics with the hipaa compliance quiz.

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1Which government agency enforces the regulations outlined in 21 CFR Part 11?
2What is the primary focus of 21 CFR Part 11?
3Which of the following is a requirement for electronic signatures under 21 CFR Part 11?
4What term describes a secure, computer-generated, time-stamped record that captures the date and time of operator entries and actions?
5Who is responsible for validating electronic systems to ensure compliance with Part 11 requirements?
6Does 21 CFR Part 11 specify how long electronic records must be retained?
7Which term describes the formal process of testing, documenting, and proving that a computerized system performs as intended?
8What is a 'predicate rule' in the context of 21 CFR Part 11?
9How does Part 11 differentiate between closed and open systems?
10Which additional control is explicitly required for open systems under Part 11?
11What is the purpose of the 'signature manifestation' requirement in Part 11?
12Which of these is a valid type of electronic signature recognized in Part 11?
13What key elements must a compliant audit trail capture under Part 11?
14What are the three qualification stages often used during computerized system validation?
15When producing a copy of an electronic record for FDA inspection, what must that copy be?
16Which access control measure is most aligned with Part 11 compliance?
17How does Part 11 treat biometric identifiers for electronic signatures?
18Which of the following is NOT a requirement for audit trail fun<wbr>ctionality under Part 11?
19What is the relationship between Part 11 system documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs)?
20How does Part 11 influence the retention period defined by predicate rules?
21How should legacy systems (pre-Part 11 implementation) be handled for compliance?
22What is a key consideration for audit trail timestamp synchronization in multinational operations?
23Which statement best describes a closed system under Part 11?
24What method is recommended by Part 11 to ensure data integrity during electronic record transfer between systems?
25In a hybrid recordkeeping environment mixing paper and electronic records, how does Part 11 apply?
26For cloud-based electronic record systems under Part 11, which control requires special attention compared to on-premises implementations?
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Fundamental Provisions of 21 CFR Part 11 -

    Gain clarity on the electronic records and digital signature requirements outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations, ensuring you know each core component.

  2. Analyze Digital Signature Compliance -

    Evaluate how various electronic signature controls align with Title 21 CFR Part 11 quiz scenarios to determine proper implementation.

  3. Apply 21 CFR Part 11 Standards to Practical Scenarios -

    Use real-world examples from the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 test to reinforce how to meet compliance requirements during audits or internal reviews.

  4. Identify Common Pitfalls and Risks -

    Recognize frequent noncompliance issues presented in CFR Part 11 compliance questions, helping you avoid audit findings.

  5. Evaluate Record Integrity and Security Measures -

    Assess methods for safeguarding electronic records and ensuring data integrity under 21 CFR Part 11 standards.

  6. Reinforce Knowledge Through Scored Practice -

    Track your progress with 21 CFR Part 11 practice questions and pinpoint areas for improvement before real-world audits.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Electronic Signatures (§ 11.50 - 11.70) -

    Electronic signatures under 21 CFR Part 11 must be uniquely assigned to an individual and linked to all electronic records to prevent repudiation (FDA, 1997). Use dual-factor authentication (e.g., password + hardware token) and the "TAP" mnemonic - Type, Authenticate, Protect - to remember these essentials. Mastering these steps will boost your audit readiness and confidence.

  2. Audit Trail Requirements (§ 11.10(e)) -

    Audit trails must be time-stamped, non-editable, and capture who, what, when, and why for every record change, as outlined in the FDA Final Rule (1997). A simple example - "UserID:JANE, Action:Edit, Timestamp:2024-06-01 10:15:30" - illustrates essential data points. Reviewing sample logs regularly can help reinforce your understanding.

  3. System Validation (GAMP 5 & 21 CFR Part 11) -

    Systems handling electronic records must undergo Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) to verify functionality and compliance (ISPE GPG, 2010). Draft a traceability matrix linking user requirements to test scripts for clear documentation. Following a clear IQ-OQ-PQ roadmap ensures smoother inspections and stronger quality assurance.

  4. Data Integrity & ALCOA+ -

    Ensure records are Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate (ALCOA), plus Complete, Consistent, Enduring, and Available (+) as per FDA guidelines (FDA, 2018). A memory trick - "ALCOA's CORE" (Complete, Original, Reliable, Enduring) - can help retain all nine principles. Recalling "ALCOA's CORE" fosters consistent data stewardship and audit success.

  5. Access Controls & Security (§ 11.10(a - d)) -

    Robust access controls, including unique user IDs, passwords, and role-based permissions, are mandatory to limit system access to authorized individuals (NIST SP 800-53). Implement periodic password rotation (e.g., every 90 days) and log failed login attempts to maintain compliance. Routine security reviews help you stay ahead of compliance issues and demonstrate proactive governance.

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Michael HodgeEdTech Product Lead & Assessment Design SpecialistQuiz Maker
Updated Feb 20, 2026