Certified IRB Professional

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The Certified IRB Professional (CIP) program is a certification initiative in the United States for individuals participating in and overseeing the daily activities of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). The 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. At present, there are nearly one thousand individuals who have attained their certification and are authorized to use the CIP designation.

[edit] Background

Created in 1999, the CIP program is run by the Council for Certification of IRB Professionals (CCIP). Comprised of professionals representing diverse IRBs (social science, behavioral, biomedical, institutional, independent, etc.), the CCIP is responsible for managing the program.

[edit] Eligibility for certification

The CIP program is designed specifically for individuals participating in 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.

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
Four 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.

[edit] 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) 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.