The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) is making it easier for clinical research professionals to become certified in the field. In June 2016, WVCTSI will serve as host site for the Clinical Research Professional certification exam, offered by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA).
The exam will be offered at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center in Morgantown on June 9, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WVCTSI invites members at partner sites across West Virginia to consider this opportunity. Applicants must be present at the testing site in Morgantown on June 9.
Each applicant must also be a member of the SOCRA, working with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines under IRB/IEX/REB-approved (or specifically exempted) protocol. Additionally, applicants must meet one of three criteria categories outlined on the SOCRA website. Most candidates will be eligible under Category 1, wherein two years of full time experience (or 3,500 part time hours) as a Clinical Research Professional during the last five years are required. Those considering the exam should carefully review the criteria detailed on the website before registering.
About the Exam:
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 approved may use the title “Certified Clinical Research Professional” or CCRP®(SOCRA).
A common framework of regulations, guidelines and ethical principles guides all clinical research professionals, from a variety of backgrounds. Therefore, this exam will assess each applicant’s ability to apply the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, ICH Guidelines, and ethical principles that guide the conduct of clinical research under the scope of GCP, highlighted in the standards of practice.
To achieve a passing score on the exam, applicants must correctly answer 102 out of 130 scored items. An information session will be held on April 13, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the CTRU Large Conference Room on the 2nd floor of BRNI. All who are interested in taking the exam are welcome. Please RSVP by April 6th to shneal@hsc.wvu.edu. Additional details on exam preparation opportunities will be available in the coming weeks.
The exam fee is $395 for current members (includes three years complimentary SOCRA membership upon successful completion of the exam) and should be submitted along with the application.
The application deadline is May 16, 2016.
Preparation courses will be offered May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, and June 6
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Samantha Neal, WVCTSI educational coordinator at 304-581-1822 or shneal@hsc.wvu.edu.
