Clinical Research Associate Certification

Sponsors of clinical trials (i.e. pharmaceutical company or granting agency), prefer certified professionals working on their clinical trials. Specifically, the focus is on Certified Clinical Research Associates (CRA) because so much of the clinical trial’s success is based on the CRA’s monitoring ability. A poor monitoring job can cost a sponsor significant financial lost as well as big delays in getting the investigational drug product to market.

Getting certified as a Clinical Research Associate makes you stand out from others. It is especially helpful if you do not have many years of hands-on experience to offer and allows for you to negotiate for a good role and a good salary with a clinical trial sponsor.

Monitoring is more than making sure the protocol is followed. Monitoring is about making sure Good Clinical Practices are followed, regardless if it is to federal, state, local or international standards. To ensure the regulations are followed, a good Clinical Research Associate is familiar with applicable laws and guidelines. It is worth considering taking an initial, or a refresher course, in Good Clinical Practice that awards you with a certificate.

Several organisations provide excellent seminars that can prepare you for the certification. Many of them, like the Association of Clinical Research Professional (ACRP) and the Institute if Clinical Research (ICR) have training programmes around the subject of Good Clinical Practice. These courses are often very time consuming with the information delivered in a classroom style. Whilst ACRP offers the CRA certification exam, many training courses award certification purely for attendance.

Organisations require a certain number of years’ experience and training before allowing you to take the certification exam. Additionally, you might be asked to provide letters of recommendation from your supervisor or peers. All organisations request proof of your experience and training as a Clinical Research Associate or in the clinical research field. The process takes a little time as they review the documents submitted to ensure you are qualified to sit for the exam, therefore, it is important that you register far enough in advance to allow you to take the test at the location of choice.

Clinical Research Training offers a new way for you to get the certification that you require, without the hassles and the cost involved in getting the necessary training. The cost is minimal and well-worth the investment! The course contains all the relevant information that you will need to understand Good Clinical Practice and its application and gives you a recognized certificate on completion. Once you have taken the course, you will have a better understanding about what you know and what you don’t know. On attaining a certain standard, you will be awarded a certificate that is compliant with the MHRA / FDA requirements and awards CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points.

This certification will help you to progress your career as a Clinical Research Associate giving you the confidence you need, knowing that you meet the required standards and are knowledge in Good Clinical Practice.