Certified IRB Professional

The Certified IRB Professional (CIP) program is a certification initiative in the United States for individuals administering and overseeing the daily activities of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Institutional Review Boards are committees that are created and charged with determining if a research project conforms to ethical principles and federal regulations that protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects.^[1][2] The CIP program was developed by Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) to promote standards for professional knowledge and to support adherence to regulatory requirements, best practices, and ethical standards in the conduct of research.^[3] At present, there are over a thousand individuals who have attained their certification and are authorized to use the CIP designation.^[4][5]

Background

Created in 1999, the CIP program is a result of many years of discussions and planning by organizational members and leaders. It is endorsed by federal regulatory officials, professional associations, many national advisory bodies and IRB professionals who are committeed to improving the quality of human research protection programs.

The CIP program is overseen by the Council for Certification of IRB Professionals (CCIP), which is composed of professionals representing diverse IRBs (social science, behavioral, biomedical, institutional, independent, etc.) across the United States.

Eligibility for certification

The CIP program is designed specifically for individuals administering or overseeing the daily operations of IRBs. Professionals from varied IRBs—institutional, independent, industry, as well as other organizations involved with biomedical, social science, behavioral, and educational research—may be eligible for the CIP credential.^[6]

In addition to submitting an application for the certification exam and paying the required fee, CIP applicants must meet either of the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree plus two years of relevant IRB experience within the previous seven years; or
• Three years of relevant IRB experience within the previous ten years.

The CIP Handbook states that relevant IRB experience must be “substantial and ongoing” and must reflect the applicant’s commitment to applied research ethics in human subject protections.^[7]

Certification process and the CIP Examination

Eligible candidates earn their CIP credential by successfully passing the CIP examination. The exam was developed by the CCIP with substantial input from IRB/HRPP professionals, and is administered under contract by the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC)^[8] twice a year at computerized testing centers across North America and at specially arranged test locations that have included international locations.

The CIP exam takes four hours and covers:

• Foundations and Concepts of IRB practice;
• Organizational and Personnel Knowledge;
• IRB Functions and Operations; and
• Records and reports.

Individuals who earn passing grades on their exams become qualified CIPs. Certification is valid for three years, and can be renewed via re-examination or can be renewed with continuing education credits once in a six-year period.

References

1. ^ Amdur, MD, Robert J, and Elizabeth Bankert, MA. Institutional Review Board: Management and Function, 2nd Edition. Jones & Bartlett, 2006.
2. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions about Institutional Review Boards." APA Online. 2008. 7 Aug. 2008.
3. ^ "ARENA Launches IRB Certificate Program." Applied Clinical Trials (December 2000).
4. ^ "CIP Certification is Taking Off Among IRB Staff." IRB Advisor (July 2006): 82-83.
5. ^ "Human Research Certification - Is It for You?" Research Protections Update: News and Comment on the Protection of Human Subjects and Animals in Navy Research (2007): 2.
6. ^ "CIP Eligibility." Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research. 2008.
7. ^ http://www.primr.org/uploadedFiles/PRIMR_Site_Home/Certification/CIP/CCIP2008.pdf
8. ^ http://www.ptcny.com/clients/CCIP/index.html