It is possible to copy validation rules from one category to another. This means that once you define the desired validation parameters for a given category, it can be used for other categories with the same data type.
In the Properties step of the Category Wizard click Copy Validation. The Categories dialog box opens so that you can select a category in which the desired format parameters are already defined. This is the Source Category.
The validation parameters associated with the Source Category (Max/Min Values, Mask type) will be copied to the active category.
Copying the validation parameters is a one-time operation- there is no residual connection to the source category. This means that changing the validation of the source category has no effect on categories that copied its validation parameters.