Certara Professional Courses and Certifications

January - February 2027 Cost - $575 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Certification Course Overview Gain certification in non-compartmental analysis (NCA) using Phoenix WinNonlin. This course covers theory, application, and hands-on practice, culminating in a certification exam. Upon successful completion, participants receive an e-badge valid for 3 years. Course Structure Total Duration: 18 hours of live sessions + 5 self-paced exercises Live Components: - 6 × 2-hour lecture/demo sessions - 6 × 1-hour hands-on group exercises Access: Recordings available for 3 months post-course Prerequisites Knowledge of PK concepts. Suggested prep course:  103-OD Fundamentals of Pharmacokinetics Live Sessions - Lecture/Demo: Tuesdays, 10AM–12PM (Jan 19 - Feb 23) - Hands-on Exercises: Fridays, 11AM–12PM (Jan 22 - Feb 26) Who Should Attend - Professionals working in pharmacokinetics - Researchers and analysts using Phoenix WinNonlin - Individuals with basic PK knowledge Certification Exam Software: No installation required; interactive simulation based on Phoenix WinNonlin 8.4/8.5 Structure: Two parts - Part 1: 1 hr 45 min - Part 2: 75 min Content: 80–90 questions covering theory and practical application Passing Score: 75% on both parts Attempts: Two included Topics: Basic PK and NCA theory, Phoenix interface, exploratory data analysis (data tools and plots), performing NCA in Phoenix, processing NCA results, nonparametric superpositioning, study designs. Time Commitment Estimated 5 hours/week for live sessions and assignments, plus up to 6 hours for the certification exam Software Requirements Phoenix WinNonlinTM license required Training License: Available for purchase (Request Info: info@certarauniversity.com) Pricing $575 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Users requesting an Academic membership will only be accepted with proof of academic status by using an active academic email address. Users from Africa/India will need to provide Certara University with a copy of their government issued proof of residency.  If an email address fails to meet that standard, the individual will be notified and will not be given access to the requested membership type. Session Topics Week 1 main session: course overview, intro to NCA, phoenix overview, exploratory data analysis. Week 1 hands-on session: exploratory data analysis, plots. Week 2 main session: concentrations, observed NCA parameters, study design effects, data tools. Week 2 hands-on session:  use data tools, create tables. Week 3 main session: half-life, AUC, best fit algorithm, handling BQL data. Week 3 hands-on session: make BQL substitutions, run NCA, customize slope selections, evaluate NCA results. Week 4 main session: Cmax/AUC decisions, bioavailability, study designs, dose proportionality, average bioequivalence. Week 4 hands-on session: run bioequivalence for a 2x2 study, evaluate dose proportionality. Bonus video: food effects, drug-drug interactions, RSABE. Week 5 main session: NCA with steady state, sparse, and urine data, object templates, experimental design, nonparametric superpositioning. Week 5 hands-on session: run NCA on sparse data, run NCA on steady-state data. Week 6 main session:  data presentation, exporting, tables, reporting, workflow templates. Week 6 hands-on session: workflow templates. Read more

March-April 2027 Cost - $575 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Certification Course Overview This certification course focuses on compartmental PK/PD modeling using Phoenix WinNonlin. Participants will learn to build and customize Maximum Likelihood models, evaluate model adequacy, and use simulations to inform dosing decisions. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with Phoenix’s Graphical Model Editor and includes both theoretical and practical components. Course Structure Total Duration: 18 hours of live sessions + 5 self-paced exercises Live Components: - 6 × 2-hour lecture/demo sessions - 6 × 1-hour hands-on group exercises Access: Recordings available for 3 months post-course Prerequisites Familiarity with Phoenix and basic PK concepts is recommended. Suggested prep courses: (122-LIVE-CERT) Phoenix WinNonlin (Part 1) NCA Certification Course (103-OD) Fundamentals of Pharmacokinetics 2026 Live Sessions - Lecture/Demo: Tuesdays, March 2 – April 6 (10AM–12PM ET) - Hands-on Exercises: Fridays, March 5 – April 9 (11AM–12PM ET) Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: - Scientists and analysts working in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, or pharmacometrics - Clinical pharmacologists seeking to learn PK/PD modeling skills - Professionals using Phoenix WinNonlin for drug development or regulatory submissions - Academic researchers and graduate students who work with drug development - Anyone who has completed the NCA certification course and wants to develop skills in modeling and simulation Certification Exam Software: No installation required; interactive simulation based on Phoenix WinNonlin 8.4/8.5 Structure: Two parts - Part 1: 1 hr 45 min - Part 2: 75 min Content: 80–90 questions covering theory and practical application Passing Score: 75% on both parts Attempts: Two included Topics: PK/PD theory, model building, simulations, error models, graphical/textual model editing Time Commitment Estimated 5 hours/week for live sessions and assignments, plus up to 6 hours for the certification exam Software Requirements Phoenix WinNonlinTM license required Participants are expected to have a current license to Phoenix WinNonlin.  If a 60-day software license is needed one can be provided for an additional fee.  Contact us if you want to order a license. Pricing Cost - $575 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Users requesting an Academic membership will only be accepted with proof of academic status by using an active academic email address. Users from Africa/India will need to provide Certara University with a copy of their government issued proof of residency.  If an email address fails to meet that standard, the individual will be notified and will not be given access to the requested membership type. Session Topics Week 1 main session:  Course overview, motivation for modeling and simulation, introduction to PK modeling, exploratory data analysis, introduction to the Maximum Likelihood Model object. Week 1 hands-on exercise session:  Examine results of IV-bolus model (previously executed), examine results of PO model (previously executed). Week 2 main session: Review of PK modeling, structural models (administration, time lag, number of compartments, etc.), secondary parameters, data structure for compartmental modeling Week 2 hands-on exercise session:  Create 1-compartment IV-bolus model, create 2-compartment IV-bolus model, decide which model better fits the data. Week 3 main session:  How to obtain initial estimates, residual error models, interpretation of model results. Week 3 hands-on exercise session: Create 1- and 2-compartment models for the PO data, compare models and decide which better fits the data, determine the best residual error model for the data. Week 4 main session: simple simulations, comparing models, how to report individual modeling results. Week 4 hands-on exercise session:  Create a basic simulation, create a simulation using ADDL, develop a safe and efficacious dosing regimen. Week 5 main session: Simulations (NPS, ADDL and SS), graphical model editor (including a simple TMDD). Week 5 hands-on exercise session:  Use graphical editor to create IV/PO model, determine bioavailability. Week 6 main session:  Advanced topics (modeling metabolites, selection of time points, troubleshooting, text mode), demo of PD, discuss population modeling, quick demo of naive pooled population model, closing remarks. Week 6 hands-on exercise session:  Use graphical model editor, use textual model editor. Read more

April-May 2027 Cost - $575 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Certification Course Overview This course trains Phoenix WinNonlin users to perform population PK modeling using Phoenix NLME. Population PK/PD modeling is increasingly used in regulatory submissions due to its ability to handle sparse or pooled data and quantify variability in PK parameters across individuals. Through hands-on exercises, learners will build population PK models, incorporate covariates to explain variability, and validate models using bootstrap and VPC. The course also covers essential theory to support effective model development and interpretation. Course Structure Total Duration: 18 hours of live sessions + 5 self-paced exercises Live Components: - 6 × 2-hour lecture/demo sessions - 6 × 1-hour hands-on group exercises Access: Recordings available for 3 months post-course Prerequisites Fundamental knowledge of PK/PD concepts including basic compartmental models.  Familiarity with the functionality of Phoenix WinNonlin software.  Recommended background courses include: (103-OD) Fundamentals of Pharmacokinetics either (122-LIVE-CERT) or (122-OD-CERT) Phoenix WinNonlin (Part 1) NCA Certification Course either (123-LIVE-CERT) or (123-OD-CERT) Phoenix WinNonlin (Part 2) PK/PD Modeling Certification Course Live Sessions - Lecture/Demo: Tuesdays, April 20 – May 25 (10AM–12PM ET) - Hands-on Exercises: Fridays, April 23 – May 28 (11AM–12PM ET) Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: - Scientists and analysts working in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, or pharmacometrics - Clinical pharmacologists seeking to learn population PK/PD modeling skills - Professionals using Phoenix WinNonlin for drug development or regulatory submissions - Academic researchers and graduate students who work with drug development - Anyone who has completed the PK/PD modeling certification course and wants to develop skills in population modeling and simulation Certification Exam Software: No installation required; interactive simulation based on Phoenix WinNonlin 8.4/8.5 Structure: Two parts - Part 1: 1 hr 45 min - Part 2: 75 min Content: 80–90 questions covering theory and practical application Passing Score: 75% on both parts Attempts: Two included Topics: population PK theory, data preparation, exploratory data analysis, model development, covariate models, covariance models, model comparisons, model validation (VPC and bootstrap), reporting population model results. Time Commitment Estimated 5 hours/week for live sessions and assignments, plus up to 6 hours for the certification exam Software Requirements Phoenix WinNonlinTM and Phoenix NLME licenses are both required Participants are expected to have a current license to Phoenix WinNonlin and NLME.  If a 60-day software license is needed one can be provided for an additional fee.  Contact us if you want to order a license. Pricing Cost - $575 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Users requesting an Academic membership will only be accepted with proof of academic status by using an active academic email address. Users from Africa/India will need to provide Certara University with a copy of their government issued proof of residency.  If an email address fails to meet that standard, the individual will be notified and will not be given access to the requested membership type. Session Topics Week 1 main session: course logistics, quick overview of population PK/PD methodology, overview of Phoenix, exploratory data analysis, overview of compartmental models, Phoenix model object, model assessment. Week 1 hands-on session: perform exploratory data analysis, create individual models, compare models. Week 2 main session: overview of 2 stage approach, structural model building, comparing models, residual error models, examine covariate relationships, naïve pool approach, FOCE-ELS. Week 2 hands-on session: create phase 1 pop model with covariates, add covariates, set run options and update model, evaluate model fit, examine covariate relationships, test if removing time lag improves model, compare population models. Week 3 main session: review of lecture 1 and demonstration with phoenix NLME, shrinkage, covariates effects, the Phoenix Model Comparer. Week 3 hands-on session: create phase 3 model with covariates, evaluate phase 3 model and revise model, examine covariate relationships, conduct covariate search, create covariate model. Week 4 main session: demonstration with Phoenix NLME, covariance analysis, model qualification: bootstrap/VPC, external validation, reporting population models. Week 4 hands-on session: explore covariance models, conduct VPC on models, bootstrap (if time permits). Week 5 main session: model simulation, visual predictive check. Week 5 hands-on session: population simulations, determine dosing regimen for sub-groups. Week 6 main session: sequential PK/PD, plots within Phoenix using R-script, Phoenix BQL options, Phoenix model run options, additional population engines. Week 6 hands-on session: TBA Read more

Sept-October 2026 Cost - $300 (Academia $150, Africa/India $75) - 6 Sessions (2-hrs each) Course Description This course is a rare opportunity to learn directly from Professor Stephen Duffull, a globally recognized pharmacometrician with over 30 years of experience. While he is widely known for his deep expertise in NONMEM and population PK/PD modeling, in this course Professor Duffull brings that same rigor, quantitative insight, and modeling discipline to RsNLME — making his instruction especially valuable for learners who are adopting RsNLME and have some prior familiarity with NONMEM. Introduction Phoenix is a comprehensive data analysis platform supporting population PK and PKPD modeling, among many other pharmacometrics approaches. For population analysis, Phoenix uses the NLME engine with the Phoenix Model Language (PML). The NLME engine can be accessed through multiple interfaces, including the Phoenix graphical user interface and R, where it is known as RsNLME. Importantly, PML code written in Phoenix runs seamlessly in R, and vice versa. PML models can be written directly in Phoenix or authored in any text editor — much like working with NONMEM control files, often by adapting an existing library model.   Scope This course covers the full modeling workflow in RsNLME: Writing PML code as text and saving it as a .MDL model file Reading NONMEM-formatted datasets into R Configuring pre-optimization settings (e.g., estimation method) Fitting the model using the NLME engine Generating goodness-of-fit (GOF) and individual plots Creating VPC and pcVPC plots Simulating from the model, bootstrap, and stepwise covariate modelling    Step 1 is performed using a text editor; steps 2–7 are performed in R. Throughout the course, PML model files are compared and contrasted with standard NONMEM control files (.MOD / .CTL). Models will be built both through a Shiny app and by directly editing existing files, using a focused set of examples that illustrate how PML model files are structured.   Learning Objectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to edit and adapt existing PML model files and execute them within R   Prerequisites This is a hands-on, applied course — not a theoretical one. Prior experience with a population modeling approach is required (e.g., Certara University Course 124-OD-CERT, 124-LIVE-CERT, or 207-LIVE). Some experience with NONMEM is helpful given the compare-and-contrast elements of the material, but is not mandatory.   Location Virtual Live on line via Zoom.  This short course will be taught in 3 weeks with two 2hr sessions a week.  Attendees should plan on attending live but sessions will be recorded. Format & Schedule Virtual Live Online — taught over 3 weeks with two 2-hour sessions per week. Participants are encouraged to attend live; all sessions will be recorded. Access: Recordings available for 3 months post-course Week Dates Time (EST) Week 1 Sept 28 & 30 1:00 – 3:00 PM Week 2 Oct 5 & 7 1:00 – 3:00 PM Week 3 Oct 13 & 14 1:00 – 3:00 PM   Requirements Familiarity with basic R usage Prior experience with a population modeling approach Some NONMEM experience preferred RsNLME temporary licenses will be provided.  Academic participants will receive a free RsNLME license to keep.   Certification Exam Structure: Two parts - Part 1 - Multiple Choice (2 attempts) - Part 2:  Submit the results of a Hands-on Exercise (Graded manually)   Time Commitment Estimated 4 hours/week for live sessions which includes Hands-on-exercises.  An additional 6 hours for the certification exam   Instructors Stephen Duffull is a Senior Scientific Advisor at Certara and Professor at the Universities of Otago and Queensland.  He has been working in the area of pharmacometrics and PKPD for more than 30 years during which time he has been active in research, model informed drug development, leadership roles and training. Ana Henry is an Executive Director of Training at Certara, where she leads Certara University and oversees e-learning content development. With over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, she has deep expertise in PK/PD software. She is also a regular guest speaker in the graduate PK/PD course at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.​                                                                         Read more

October - December 2026 Cost - $575 (Academia $275, India $150) Course Description The objective of this intermediate course is to consolidate knowledge of PK/PD concepts and advance to performing more complicated PK/PD modeling using Phoenix WinNonlin and Phoenix NLME.  You will learn how to customize your own models beyond library models, how to interpret and present your results, perform simulations, and how to deal with different types of covariates such as occasion covariates, and much more.  This course will also cover pharmacodynamic concepts and examples. Many case studies will be presented (please see agenda below).  If you are an academic user, please contact us so we can update your account profile to give you access to academic pricing.  Note that you must register with an email address that is associated with an academic institution to get academic pricing. If you are located in India, please contact us so we can provide a coupon that will give 75% off the full price of the course.  You will need to provide proof that you are physically located in India to get the coupon. Course Format, Language and Dates This course format is as a ‘Live on-line classroom’ which means that the course is delivered virtually by an expert Phoenix instructor at pre-specified times.  This format provides the benefit of the classroom setting, with real-time interaction with the instructor but without the travel.  Although live attending is encouraged, recordings of the sessions are available to participants during the length of the course. You will have access to the recordings for 3 months following the last session of the course. This course will be delivered in English. Lecture/Demo Sessions Live Zoom sessions will occur in October to December, 2026.  There will be six two-hour lecture/demo sessions.  Lecture/Demo sessions are on Tuesdays at 10 AM New York (GMT-4), starting 27 October and finishing on 11 December.  We will record sessions and post the recordings for those who are unable to attend live.  You will have access to the recordings for 3 months following the last session of the course. Self-Paced Exercises There are five self-paced exercises in the course that guide you through exploratory data analysis, data preparation, and noncompartmental data analysis.  You do not need to run Phoenix to do the self-paced exercises, because everything is contained in the module.  Each practice exercise contains a quiz that you must pass with at least a 60% score, although you can repeat each quiz as many times as you need to pass it.  Hands-on Exercise Sessions There are also five weekly "Hands-on Exercise" Zoom sessions that give you the opportunity to carry out the same analysis as in that week's "Self-Paced Exercise", working collectively in Phoenix.  You will be divided into small groups, and will work together on the exercise.  At least one in each group will need to have Phoenix running on their computer and have an active WinNonlin license. Hands On Exercise Session Option A is offered at times most convenient for participants in the Americas, Europe, and Africa.  They are on Fridays at 11 AM New York (GMT-4).  Hands On Exercise Session Option B is offered at times most convenient for participants in Asia/Pacific.  They are on Tuesdays at 2 PM Brisbane (GMT+10).  (FYI, 2 PM Tuesday in Brisbane is late Monday evening in New York.) Prerequisites and Time Commitment Good knowledge of PK/PD concepts including compartmental models for both individual and population.  Experience with the functionality of Phoenix WinNonlin and Phoenix NLME software.  Prerequisite background courses or similar experience include:  [(123-LO) PK Modeling and Simulation and (124-LO) Introduction to Population Modeling] or [(100-OD) Introduction to Phoenix WinNonlin and (101-OD) Introduction to Population Modeling] Students are expected to be able to commit 5 hrs a week to attend sessions and complete assignments. Software Phoenix WinNonlin and Phoenix NLME Participants are expected to have a current license to Phoenix WinNonlin and Phoenix NLME.  If a 60-day software license is needed one can be provided for an additional fee.  Contact us if you want to order a license. Read more

Pirana AI Certification Course: Mastering Model Management and Workflow Optimization  (August-October 2026) Pricing Cost - $550 (Academia $275, Africa/India $150) Users requesting an Academic membership will only be accepted with proof of academic status by using an active academic email address. Users from Africa/India will need to provide Certara University with a copy of their government issued proof of residency.  If an email address fails to meet that standard, the individual will be notified and will not be given access to the requested membership type. Description This Pirana AI Certified course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to harness the full potential of Pirana, a powerful model management tool widely utilized in pharmacometric modeling and simulation. Participants will dive into core functionalities, advanced features, machine learning-driven model search (Pirana Darwin), and best practices for streamlining workflows, improving model organization, and integrating seamlessly with tools like RsNLME, NONMEM, R, and PsN. The course incorporates hands-on training with Pirana Darwin's machine learning capabilities.  Pirana Darwin integrates machine learning algorithms for automated model selection, equipping participants to significantly enhance model selection and evaluation processes through advanced AI-driven techniques. Through practical, hands-on training, participants will gain expertise in both Pirana and Pirana Darwin, positioning them to earn the Pirana AI Certified designation. This certification validates their ability to leverage these tools for advanced, effective model-based decision-making. Please note: This course is not an introduction to Population PK/PD modeling and does not provide instruction on the use of NONMEM. The focus is exclusively on mastering Pirana and its AI capabilities for model management and workflow optimization. Software Certara will provide temporary licenses and installation support for the following software: Pirana, Pirana Darwin, and RsNLME. Participants must also have R installed on their laptops prior to the course. Session 2 will cover the use of Pirana with NONMEM. Participants are responsible for obtaining and installing their own NONMEM license, as Certara does not provide one. While NONMEM will be demonstrated, all analyses performed using NONMEM will also be taught in Session 3 using RsNLME (PML). Please note that NONMEM use is not required for the test. Note: Pirana and RsNLME software both support Windows and Linux operating systems. However, this course will be conducted using Windows. Course Format, Language, and Access This course format is as a ‘Live on-line classroom’ which means that the course is delivered virtually by an expert Phoenix instructor at pre-specified times.  This format provides the benefit of the classroom setting, with real-time interaction with the instructor but without the travel.  Although live attending is encouraged, recordings of the sessions are available to participants during the length of the course. You will have access to the recordings for 3 months following the last session of the course. This course will be delivered in English. Course Dates (See Agenda Below):    Meeting Day Date (2026) Time Session 1 Monday 31 August 10am-Noon EST S1 - Hands-On Thursday 3 September 10am-Noon EST Session 2 Monday 14 September 10am-Noon EST S2 - Hands-On Thursday 17 September 10am-Noon EST Session 3 Monday 21 September 10am-Noon EST S3 - Hands-On Thursday 24 September 10am-Noon EST Session 4 Monday 28 September 10am-Noon EST S4 - Hands-On Thursday 1 October 10am-Noon EST Session 5 Monday 5 October 10am-Noon EST S5 - Hands-On Thursday 8 October 10am-Noon EST Note: There will be no classes the week of Sept 7th, 2026 Certificates: Participants who attend and pass the certification exam will receive an e-badge as Pirana AI Certified. Instructors:   James Craig, MS:  Staff Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience building scientific applications and leading cross-functional teams. He earned a Master’s in data science and analytics from the Claremont Colleges and is a maintainer of multiple R packages supporting Non-Linear Mixed Effects Modeling and pharmacometric workflows. Skilled in R, Shiny, Python, and diverse data-driven technologies. Passionate about bridging software, data science, and drug development. Ana Henry, MS:  Ana Henry is an Executive Director of Training at Certara, where she leads global training in modeling and simulation for the healthcare industry. She oversees the development of classroom and e-learning programs focused on PK/PD and pharmacometrics, helping scientists apply Certara software in drug development. With over 20 years of experience, Ana has held roles in biostatistics, pharmacokinetics, training, and product management, including leading development of the Phoenix PK/PD platform. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Colorado, lecturing on PK/PD. Mark Sale, MD:  Dr. Sale has extensive experience conducting advanced pharmacometrics analyses across diverse therapeutic areas and developing novel machine learning methods to accelerate drug development. He received his M.D. from The Ohio State University and an M.A. in Biostatistics from Georgetown University. Dr. Sale completed a fellowship in clinical pharmacology at Stanford University and was an assistant professor of medicine and pharmacology at Georgetown University.  Dr. Sale is currently the Vice President of Product Management at Certara as well as a scientific advisor at RxStudio. Contact Us: For additional information, please contact us.  Read more