-Difference between validation plan and validation protocol

A validation plan (VMP) outlines the scope of the work to be done, responsibilities, the approach to be taken etc. It may relate to a new product or a new system or the qualification of your computer network.

The validation protocols are the documents with tests and instructions that are executed for a process, equipment validation or analytical method validation etc. These are cited by the VMP as being required.

A VMP is not always required and is dependant upon the size of the project, whereas you will nearly always have validation protocols in some way shape or form.