Considering a career as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)? Wondering if getting certified is really necessary or worth the time and money? As clinical research continues to grow, CRC roles are becoming increasingly common in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. While certification is not absolutely required, it can help give you a competitive edge when applying for CRC jobs. Here’s what you need to know about CRC certification and whether it’s worth pursuing.
What is a Clinical Research Coordinator?
A Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) is the person responsible for coordinating clinical trials for drugs, medical devices, and treatments. Their main duties include:
- Assisting with study design and protocols
- Recruiting, screening, and enrolling study participants
- Collecting and managing data
- Coordinating study visits and procedures
- Ensuring regulatory documents are complete and accurate
- Serving as the main contact for study participants and research staff
CRCs can work in various settings like pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, hospitals, and physician offices. It’s an important role that requires attention to detail, organization, communication skills, and knowledge of clinical research processes.
Why get CRC certification?
While certification is voluntary, it can provide several key benefits:
- Validates your knowledge and skills – Achieving certification shows employers you have the clinical research competencies needed for the job.
- Prepares you for the role – CRC exams test your understanding of research coordination, good clinical practices (GCP), and regulations.
- Improves hiring potential – Many employers view certification as a plus when considering CRC candidates.
- Increases earnings – Certified CRCs typically command higher salaries than those without certification.
- Keeps you up-to-date – Maintaining certification requires ongoing education on current regulations, methods, etc.
- Enhances career advancement – Certification can lead to additional opportunities for leadership or senior CRC roles.
Overall, certification demonstrates commitment to the profession and excellence in protecting human research participants.
What are the CRC certification options?
There are a few different organizations that offer CRC certification globally. The main ones are:
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) – Offers the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) credential.
- Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) – Offers the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) credential.
- National Society of Certified Research Associates (NSCRA) – Offers the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) credential.
The CCRC and CCRP are specifically tailored for CRC roles, while the CCRA covers broader clinical research duties. Let’s look at the CRC certification process and requirements for the CCRC and CCRP credentials:
CCRC Certification (ACRP)
- Eligibility – At least 2 years of CRC work experience is recommended.
- Exam – 100 multiple choice questions, 3 hours to complete.
- Cost – $375 for ACRP members, $470 for non-members to take the exam.
- Renewal – Renew certification every 3 years by completing 36 hours continuing education.
CCRP Certification (SOCRA)
- Eligibility – A minimum of 2 years related work experience is required.
- Exam – 110 multiple choice questions, 3.5 hours to complete.
- Cost – $345 for SOCRA members, $445 for non-members.
- Renewal – Renew certification every 3 years by completing 36 hours continuing education.
While the ACRP CCRC and SOCRA CCRP have slightly different focuses, both are valued CRC credentials.
What’s tested on the CRC certification exams?
The CRC certification exams evaluate your grasp of clinical research coordination duties. Here are some of the major domains covered:
CCRC Exam Sections | CCRP Exam Sections |
---|---|
Ethical and Participant Safety Guidelines | Investigational Products and Biologics |
Scientific Concepts and Research Design | Clinical Trial Operations |
Participant Recruitment and Retention | Regulations and Guidelines |
Study and Site Management | Ethical Guidelines |
Data Collection and Documentation | Study and Site Management |
Leadership | Human Subject Protection |
Both tests will assess your knowledge of GCP principles, regulations, CRC operations, and protection of human research participants. Studying clinical research methodologies and ethical considerations is key.
How should I prepare for the CRC exam?
Proper preparation is important when getting ready to sit for the CRC certification exam. Here are some tips:
- Review the exam content outline – Know which domains you need to focus on studying.
- Enroll in a prep course – Structured courses can help you learn and retain info.
- Study with practice tests – Repeated test practice helps assess your weaknesses.
- Form a study group – Studying with others helps improve understanding.
- Read textbooks and articles – Literature summarizing research concepts is useful.
- Learn acronyms and definitions – Know key terms like IRB, GCP, AE, SAE, etc.
- Review regulations – Understand guidelines like ICH-GCP, HIPAA, and informed consent.
- Use memory techniques – Make flashcards or mnemonic devices to remember material.
- Get enough sleep – Being well rested improves focus and recall.
Aim to start preparing at least 2-3 months in advance. This gives adequate time to review material, take practice tests, identify weak areas, and focus your remaining study time appropriately.
What’s the exam day like?
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect on exam day:
- Arrive early – Ensure you have plenty of time and aren’t rushed.
- Proper ID – Bring acceptable identification to provide at check-in.
- Reference check – No textbooks, notes, or study materials are allowed.
- Testing regulations – Follow all rules and security protocols.
- Multiple choice – Questions will all be in a multiple choice format.
- Time limit – Pace yourself carefully to complete all questions before time runs out.
Stay focused, breathe, and tackle one question at a time. Flag any items you’re unsure of to review again before submitting your test.
What score do I need to pass the CRC exam?
A score of at least 70% is required to pass both the CCRC and CCRP certification exams. This equates to answering around 70 questions correctly out of 100 questions on the CCRC exam or around 77 questions correctly on the 110 question CCRP test.
Any score below the 70% threshold is a failing score. If you fail, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retaking the test. Exam fees apply each time you test.
How much does CRC certification cost?
The costs involved with earning your CRC certification include:
- Exam fees – $375-$470 depending on membership status
- Study materials – $0-$500+ for prep courses, textbooks, practice tests, etc.
- Registration fees – Around $100-200 to register with the certifying body
- Travel expenses – If you must travel to an authorized testing center
Overall, plan to budget $1000-$2000 to cover all expenses. Compare costs for test prep options to find effective materials within your budget.
Is financial assistance available?
Some options may help reduce costs:
- Employer reimbursement – Many companies pay for certification if it’s job related.
- Payment plans – Pay exam fees in installments over 3-6 months.
- Scholarships – Certifying bodies occasionally offer exam scholarships.
- Promo discounts – Watch for special offers around renewal time.
- Group rates – Form a study group to access member pricing.
Inquire with your employer and the certifying organization about opportunities to lower overall costs through financial assistance, discounts, scholarships, or grants.
How long does CRC certification last?
CRC credentials are valid for set time periods and must be renewed to remain active:
- CCRC: Renew every 3 years
- CCRP: Renew every 3 years
To renew, you must complete continuing education hours and pay a renewal fee. Renewing demonstrates ongoing expertise and commitment to the CRC field.
Requirements to renew CRC certification
Renewal Requirements | CCRC | CCRP |
---|---|---|
Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
Continuing education hours | 36 hours | 36 hours |
Renewal fee | $225 members $340 non-members |
$250 members $350 non-members |
Renewing ensures your knowledge is current and that you uphold ethical CRC practices. Set reminders to complete renewal steps on time.
Conclusion
Should you get certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator? While voluntary, certification like the CCRC or CCRP undeniably gives you an edge. The credentials validate your proficiency to employers. Investing the time and money also improves expertise to perform CRC duties safely and effectively.
Just make sure to choose a reputable certifying body like ACRP or SOCRA. Then adequately prepare using practice tests and study resources. Passing the exam demonstrates you have the skills and ethical understanding to coordinate clinical trials successfully.
Overall, CRC certification is recommended for anyone pursuing or advancing in this career. The initial effort leads to greater opportunities, earning potential, and confidence in your abilities as a CRC professional.