Verifying the Post-Quantum Migration
The PQCV certification validates that you can design and execute verification programs for PQC implementations. A PQCA-certified architect designs the migration and a PQCM-certified manager runs the program. A PQCV-certified validator confirms the work is correct, secure, and complete.
What PQCV Certifies
A PQCV credential holder has demonstrated the ability to:
- Design test strategies for PQC implementations covering functional correctness, security, interoperability, and performance
- Test hybrid implementations under normal and adversarial conditions, including downgrade attacks and algorithm stripping
- Conduct negative testing: verify that legacy algorithms are refused where policy requires refusal
- Validate PQC certificate chains across vendors and platforms
- Benchmark implementation performance against service-level thresholds
- Produce verification evidence dossiers that satisfy audit, regulatory, and insurance requirements
- Define and execute migration acceptance criteria and sign-off processes
- Evaluate vendor PQC claims through structured technical testing
Who Earns the PQCV
Security testers, penetration testers, QA engineers, compliance auditors, internal audit teams, and external assessors. It also suits procurement professionals evaluating vendor PQC readiness, insurance underwriters assessing cyber posture, GRC professionals mapping verification evidence to compliance frameworks, and security architects defining validation criteria.
Path to PQCV
- Hold an active PQCS certification
- Complete the PQCV Training course (on-demand, live online, or in person)
- Pass the PQCV certification exam
Exam Format
- Proctored exam. Supervision, location and recording vary by sitting and are confirmed when you book. See the Candidate Guide
- 120 questions in total: 110 scored plus 10 unscored pilot items
- 180 minutes, closed book
- Recommended preparation: the training course plus 30–50 hours of independent study
- Scenario-based questions emphasizing applied competence and professional judgment
- Passing score: 700 on a 100–900 scale, set to a criterion-referenced standard
- Pilot items appear alongside scored items without being identified, and they do not count toward your result
- Results delivered promptly after completion
- Retakes: available 14 days after a first attempt and 30 days between later attempts, up to four attempts in any twelve months. First retake US$299, later retakes at the standard US$699 exam fee
Certification Details
- Digital badge issued upon certification, verifiable at pqcv.pro
- Post-nominal designation: PQCV
- Valid for three years from the date of certification
- Annual maintenance fee: US$149 (covers all active Quantum Academy credentials)
- Renewal: 60 CPE credits per three-year cycle, with a minimum of 15 in each year. The annual maintenance fee covers CPE-based renewal. The Candidate Guide sets out what counts, and our CPE credits page shows what each course earns
- Or renew by re-examination on the current version of the exam (US$399)
What Comes Next
Earn PQCM + PQCA and PQCV, and you are automatically awarded PQCX – Post-Quantum Certified Expert.
Pricing
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| PQCV exam only | US$699 |
| On-demand training + exam bundle | US$2,999 |
| Live online training + exam bundle | US$3,499 |
| In-person training + exam bundle | US$3,999 |
Verify a Credential Holder
Send the candidate’s full name to validation@quantumacademy.com.
The PQCV is a private professional credential issued by Quantum Academy, a trade name of Post-Quantum Institute. It is not a government-issued license, an accredited degree, or academic credit. Earning it does not guarantee employment, promotion, regulatory approval, or any other specific outcome. Quantum Academy programs are educational and informational only, and are not legal, compliance, or engineering advice.