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.
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.
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.
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:
*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).
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:
Computer Based Testing: Testing Centers and Remote Proctoring
For more information, please view the Candidate Handbook.