Clinical Research Accreditation or Certification – What’s Right for Me?
Certification (sometimes recognized within National or State systems) often includes a training program and is a great starting point for aspiring clinical research professionals. They are offered by a variety of organizations such as membership bodies, employers, and training providers.
Certification standards vary enormously in quality from one provider to another and have various different connotations so it’s important that before you commit you:
· Do your research
· Think about what you want to achieve from Certification
· Consider if you are at the right point in your career journey to participate in the Certification you are considering
Best practices around Certification can incorporate the inclusion of written answers (which are more robust than multiple choice alone) and the use of expert assessment/examination writing committees that sit independently from the rest of the organization. Well written assessments, robust verification of the assessments themselves, as well as a consistent and quality assured marking system, are all key to ensuring that certification is meaningful. Certification often requires participants to undergo repeat assessments in order to maintain certified status.
IAOCR Accreditation is a clear symbol that you have passed rigorous assessment and evidenced your ability to work to internationally agreed standards. Our accreditations are subject to rigorous independent quality assurance from regulated organizations - ensuring that our assessments and assessment methodology is robust, meaningful, and credible.
IAOCR adheres to international standards for accreditations and qualifications. They carry an international currency of Learning Credits, that can be recognized by any employer or educational institute. Our assessment frameworks are agreed with senior representatives from the international clinical research industry, and we work with the world’s leading clinical research organizations.
There is no requirement for individuals to complete training with IAOCR – we are purely focused on you evidencing that you apply best practice during your day-to-day work. Therefore, it’s important that you carefully review the scope of the accreditation assessment to decide whether you have relevant experience in the areas that we will be assessing before deciding if accreditation is the right choice for you.
IAOCR accreditation is the same as an international qualification. As for any other qualification, once it has been awarded it is “owned” for life. Therefore, accreditation remains valid indefinitely (however it is essential that professionals continue to ensure they remain competent and work to best practice standards).
Conclusion: If you’re stepping into clinical research or looking for your first clinical research role. It’s important that you find a good quality training programme. Providers can include employers, membership organizations, training companies and educational institutions such as universities providing apprenticeship programs.
Following on from training, certification through a recognized provider can be a great next step. You can also consider ICH-GCP accreditation and Foundation level accreditation with IAOCR, leading to F-IAOCR qualified status.
If you are an experienced clinical research professional, IAOCR accreditation is the gold standard internationally because quality of your work must be proven. IAOCR assessment is rigorous, and provides evidence-based validation, a sign of a true professional.