# Record a Validation
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## When to Use This
After completing a validation, record your findings in RTOSafe. This creates an audit trail and automatically updates your 5-year validation program.
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## Before You Start
* Have your findings ready (what you observed, any issues found)
* Have any supporting documents as PDF files
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## For Scheduled Validations
Most validations are already scheduled in your [Validation Program](/help/validation-program). To record findings:
1
**Open the validation**
Go to [**Validation Program**](https://app.rtosafe.com.au/ValidationProgram) and find the session containing the unit you validated. Click the unit code to open the validation details.
Units show a green tick once completed. Grey units are still pending.
2
**Edit the validation**
Select **Edit Validation**. This button only appears when the session date has passed.
3
**Record your findings**
* Set the status to `Completed` (or `In Progress` if you're not finished)
* Enter your findings — what you observed during the validation
* Add any required actions to address issues found
* Attach supporting documents (PDF files only)
4
**Save**
Select **Save**. The validation now shows as complete in your program.
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## For Unscheduled Validations
If you completed a validation that wasn't in your program, you can add it manually:
1. Go to [**Scope**](https://app.rtosafe.com.au/Scope) and find the unit
2. Select **Record Validation** from the unit's actions
3. Enter the session details and findings
4. Save the validation
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## What Happens Next
* The unit's next validation date is recalculated based on its risk level
* Your 5-year validation program updates automatically
* You can link findings to continuous improvement initiatives from the validation details page
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## Common Issues
Edit Validation button missing
The session date is in the future — you can only record once the date has passed
Can't mark as complete
Findings are required — add what you observed during the validation
Unit not in the program
Use the manual method above, or [set a risk level](/help/validation-strategy-risk-levels) so it appears in future programs