Program Overview

The SOCRA Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) program is your gateway to excellence in clinical research. Elevate your career with our internationally recognized certification, tailored for professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the field. Join a community committed to ethical practices, continuous learning, and advancing global health. 

Purpose

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.

Path to Certification

CCRP certification is awarded upon meeting two criteria: a successful written application and a passing CCRP examination score. The benefits of obtaining certification are numerous. It not only validates knowledge, skills, and abilities but also enhances credibility and peer recognition. Career advancement and increased earning potential become tangible outcomes, reflecting a commitment to standards, compliance, and integrity.

Scope and Standards of Practice 

The standards upon which this certification program is based have been set forth by SOCRA to promote recognition and continuing excellence in the ethical conduct of clinical trials.  It is the goal of SOCRA to encourage members, and assure the competency of certified members, in their knowledge, understanding, and application of the conduct of clinical investigations involving humans in accordance with the ICH Guidelines, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and the ethical principles that guide clinical research. Members are expected to adhere to national, state, local and provincial regulations and to international guidelines published by the International Conference for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) and all applicable federal, state and local laws and policies.  

Standards of Practice include an understanding of and application of basic concepts of Good Clinical (Research) Practice, including:

• The Nuremberg Code
• The Belmont Report
• The Declaration of Helsinki
• 21 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations – Parts 11, 50, 56, 312, 812
• 45 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations - Part 46
• ICH Harmonised Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R2), and
• ICH Clinical Safety Data Management: Definitions and Standards for Expedited Reporting (E2A)
• 42 CFR Part 11 (ClinicalTrials.gov) 

*Content of the Certification Examination related to the update of ICH Harmonised Guideline, Guideline for Good Clinical Practice, E6(R3)

The final version of The ICH Harmonised Guideline, Guideline for Good Clinical Practice, E6(R3) was adopted on January 6, 2025. On January 27, 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced an effective date of July 23, 2025 for E6 (R3).

The Current SOCRA Certification Examination content is based on the ICH Harmonised Guideline, Guideline for Good Clinical Practice, E6(R2).  Beginning January 1, 2026 the exam content will reflect the ICH Harmonised Guideline, Guideline for Good Clinical Practice, E6(R3).

Certification Exam

The SOCRA Certification Examination offers flexible options with computer-based testing. Candidates can schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center or utilize the Home Proctoring option.

SOCRA Sponsored Sites: Paper and Pencil:

As of June 1st, 2025 SOCRA will no longer offer the Certification Exam in Paper and Pencil format. We continue to provide two Computer Based Testing (CBT) methods for the Certification Exam: Home Proctoring and Prometric Testing Centers. These methods allow flexible scheduling and even testing in the comfort of home. No more waiting for test results with CBT, it will be given at the testing center upon completion of the exam.

Computer Based Testing: Testing Centers and Remote Proctoring 

• Offered at Prometric testing centers throughout the world or through Home Proctoring 
• Click here for a list of test centers.
• Allow 2-4 weeks for application processing. 
• Once application is approved, schedule exam at a testing center.  Exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance.  
• Score reports received immediately upon completion of exam. 

Candidate Handbook

For more information, please view the Candidate Handbook.