Introduction
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) come from a wide variety of backgrounds. CRPs may have backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, business administration, health record maintenance, statistics, biology, teaching, or in other areas. CRPs work in various settings such as cooperative research groups; academic and private institutions; private offices; pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies; Clinical Research Organizations (CROs); Site Management Organizations (SMOs); independent research and development organizations; or organizations involved in the management of clinical trials. These varying backgrounds and settings contribute to the unique knowledge and diverse expertise of CRPs.
The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) has developed an International Certification Program in order to create an internationally-accepted standard of knowledge, education, and experience by which CRPs will be recognized as Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP®s) in the clinical research community. The standards upon which this certification program is based have been set forth by this organization to promote recognition and continuing excellence in the ethical conduct of clinical trials.
SOCRA developed the Certified Clinical Research Professional Certification program to evaluate a CRP’s knowledge, understanding, and application of the conduct of clinical investigations involving humans in accordance with the International Conference for Harmonization Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R2) (ICH/GCP), ICH Clinical Safety Data Management: Definitions and Standards for Expedited Reporting (E2A), the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the ethical principles that guide clinical research consistent with the principles of the Nuremberg Code, the Belmont Report and the Declaration of Helsinki. This Examination does NOT test on state, provincial, Ministry of Health, local, or institutional policy.
The SOCRA Certification Examination is offered in two formats: paper and pencil (at SOCRA sponsored sites), and computer based (at Prometric testing centers or through Home Proctoring).
SOCRA Sponsored Sites: Paper and Pencil
- Hosted exams offered in various location throughout the US and Canada.
- Visit the paper and pencil exam schedule for dates and locations.
- A complete application must be received by the deadline date as stated on the examination schedule.
- Applications received after the deadline will be considered for an alternate examination date designated by the applicant.
- Score reports mailed to you in 4-6 weeks after exam.
Computer Based Testing: Testing Centers and Remote Proctoring
- Offered at Prometric testing centers throughout the world or through Home Proctoring (Candidates may select testing method after the application is approved).
- Click here for a list of test centers.
- Allow 2-4 weeks for application processing. Once application is approved, schedule exam at a Prometric testing center. Exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance. You will have the best opportunity to schedule your preferred date if you contact Prometric 4-6 weeks prior to your preferred date.
- Score reports received immediately upon completion of exam.
CCRP certification is awarded after two criteria are met: 1) a successful written application and 2) a passing CCRP examination score.
The SOCRA "Certified Clinical Research Associate" (CCRA) examination was successfully implemented in August 1995. In January 2000, the certification designation changed from "Certified Clinical Research Associate" (CCRA) to "Certified Clinical Research Professional" (CCRP®). The purpose of this change was to embrace the diversity of the SOCRA membership, recognizing that all may have different job titles, but all are clinical research professionals (CRPs). The certification continues to reflect a common, strong foundation of knowledge and practice in research regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Candidate Handbook
For more information please view the Candidate Handbook.