Clinical Research Coordinator Certification Exam Scholarship
What is certification?
There are two certifications recognized for clinical research professionals. CCRC® (Certified Clinical Research Coordinator) is a credential formally recognizing clinical research professionals with experience coordinating and facilitating clinical trial activities in adherence to GCP, under the direction of a principal investigator. This certification is administered through The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). CCRP® (Certified Clinical Research Professionals) certification is an internationally accepted standard of knowledge, education, and experience by which clinical research professionals will be recognized by the clinical research community.
Certification is the formal recognition of clinical research professionals who have met the professional eligibility requirements and demonstrated a basic level of job-related knowledge and skills. Certification is granted in recognition of documented and verified work experience and after successful performance on a multiple-choice exam.
Are you qualified?
A CRC, regardless of job title, works at a clinical research site under the immediate direction of a principal investigator, whose research activities are conducted under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines.
CRCs must document cumulative performance of each of the following essential duties:
- Document adverse events;
- Prepare or review documents submitted to the IRB;
- Protocol review or study procedures planning;
- Participate in conducting study visits;
- Maintain source documents;
- Prepare for and participate in study visits with monitor, sponsor, auditors, etc.;
- Participate in consent process.
The CRC Certification Exam is a measure of the candidate’s knowledge of the information needed for CRCs to perform effectively. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and pass the exam will be certified as having met the ACRP standards for becoming a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC®).
Qualifications (CCRC®):
To be eligible for the CRC Certification Exam, a candidate must fulfill one of the following combinations of education and working experience as a CRC.
| Education | Working Experience as a CRC* | |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Associate's/bachelor's degree or RN | At least 3,000 hours performing the essential duties of a CRC |
| Option 2 | Other (i.e., LPN, LVN, Medical Assistant, Lab Technician, high school diploma) | At least 4,500 hours performing the essential duties of a CRC |
Clinical Research Professional (CRP) Definition
A clinical research professional’s (CRP) practice is guided by one or more aspects of the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
CRPs may have backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, business administration, health record management, statistics, science, education, or other areas.
| A CRP may function as a: | The duties of a CRP may include: |
|---|---|
| • Clinical Investigator • Sub-Investigator • Clinical Researcher • Research Nurse • Pharmacist • Administrator • Coordinator • Data Manager • Quality Assurance Manager • Regulatory Affairs Manager • Educator in Clinical Trial Management | • Data collection • Analysis or monitoring • Case management of protocol participants • Recruitment and enrollment • Participant protections • Informed consent development • Maintenance of drug accountability records |
The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) established the Certification Program for Clinical Research Professionals in order to create an internationally accepted standard of knowledge, education, and experience by which clinical research professionals will be recognized by the clinical research community. Those individuals so recognized may use the “Certified Clinical Research Professional” or “CCRP® ” designation.
Qualifications (CCRP®)
To be eligible for the CCRP Certification Exam, a candidate must fulfill one of the following combinations of education and working experience as a CCRP.
| Working experience and education: | |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | • Have two years of experience as a full-time Clinical Research Professional (or have 3,500 hours part-time) during the last five years |
| Option 2 | • Hold a degree in "Clinical Research conducted with humans according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice GCP" from an Associate, Undergraduate, or Graduate Degree Program AND • Have completed a minimum of one year of full-time experience (or 1,750 hours part-time) during the past two years as a Clinical Research Professional |
| Option 3 | • Hold an Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate in “Clinical Research conducted with humans according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice GCP" with a curriculum of no less than 12 semester (credit) hours or totaling a minimum of 144 credit hours from an academic institution of higher learning (community college, college or university) AND • Hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a science, health science, pharmacy or related field AND • Have completed a minimum of one year of full-time experience (or 1750 hours part-time) during the past two years as a Clinical Research Professional. |
How do you apply for the scholarship?
Employees of NU, NMHC, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago are eligible to apply for the scholarship provided they meet the ACRP or SOCRA Certification Exam requirements.
Provide the following information by June 7, 2024:
- Complete the ACCR Scholarship Application Form
- Submit a copy of your current resume with your current job title
- Submit a one page personal statement
- Explain why you want to take the exam
- Describe how being certified can help you in your current position
- Outline your current/future career goals
Please note – The selected applicant must also apply to ACRP for the CRC Certification Exam or to SOCRA for the CRP Certification at:
https://acrpnet.org/certification/crc-certification/
https://www.socra.org/certification/ccrp-certification-exam/application-and-fee/
For further information, please contact accr@northwestern.edu.