Professional Research Certification
The Office for Human Subject Protection (OHSP) encourages investigators and study team members to seek certification through one of the following nationally recognized certification programs:
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP): ACRP offers certification programs for Clinical Research Associates, Clinical Research Coordinators, Principal Investigators and Research Professionals.
- Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA): SOCRA offers a certification program for Clinical Research Professionals.
Reimbursement
What will be reimbursed: Application and exam fees
OHSP will reimburse application and examination fees (as applicable, per certifying body) for successful research certification and subsequent re-certification.
request reimbursement
To request reimbursement, submit through UR Financials following confirmation of successful certification/re-certification. Email Kelly Unsworth at kelly_unsworth@urmc.rochester.edu for instructions on how to do so.
Note: Reimbursement requests must include an itemized copy your application/examination fee receipt and documentation of your successful certification/re-certification. Reimbursements submitted without with information will not be approved.
What won’t be reimbursed
OHSP will not provide reimbursement for the following:
- Professional organization membership fees
- Installment payments (e.g., SoCRA’s 3-year installment plan)
- Late fees associated with certification/re-certification applications
- Application/Examination fees for individuals deemed ineligible for certification
- Application/Examination fees for individuals who withdrawal their certification application
- Application/Examination fees for individuals who do not pass the examination
- Travel expenses (e.g., mileage, parking, hotel) related to examinations and/or conference attendance
- Fees related to any certification audit
- Fees related to individual continuing education credits (e.g., seminar/webinar/conference fees)
- Dual or sub-specialty certifications: For individuals holding more than 1 research-related professional certification, OHSP will only reimburse 1 certification (routinely the certification most pertinent to the employee’s current role).
Exceptions to the information provided above may be permitted with proper justification and OHSP approval.
Certification maintenance
Certification maintenance is solely the responsibility of the certified professional. OHSP is not responsible for verifying acceptability of continuing education activities, maintaining documentation of continuing education activities, or providing assistance with the re-certification process.
Individuals are strongly encouraged to review certification maintenance requirements and initiate continuing education activities as soon as they become certified. Certification maintenance is best approached as a continual process. Free continuing education activities are routinely shared via our mailing list.
Reach out
Need additional support?
If you have questions, are looking for certification or recertification resources, or aren’t sure where to start—we’re here to help. Contact Kelly Unsworth at kelly_unsworth@urmc.rochester.edu for assistance.