To understand the differences between accreditation and certification for clinical research professionals take a look at this blog: Clinical Research Accreditation or Certification - What's Right for Me?

Some of the key benefits of IAOCR accreditation to you, the industry, and patients are: 

1. Safeguards research and patients

Clinical research brings the latest and greatest treatments to patients. As part of the community of independently accredited clinical research professionals working to global standards, you play an important role in improving the outcomes of clinical trials, ensuring data integrity - and most importantly, safeguarding trial participants.

2. Boosts your credibility

IAOCR Internationally Qualified Professional Status demonstrates that your skills are independently validated to global standards. This enhances the confidence of employers, regulators, and sponsors. Upon achieving accreditation (otherwise known as international qualification) you will receive your:

  • Certificate of Accreditation
  • Internationally transferable Learning Credits - CPE (Continuing Professional Education Points)
  • Designatory letters (F-IAOCR, Q-IAOCR, or QM-IAOCR)
  • Electronic professional mark, displaying your unique identification letters

IAOCR accredited clinical research professionals display their designatory letters and electronic professional marks on their CV/resume, social media profiles, business cards, on the bottom of their emails, etc.

3. Proves your commitment and ethical approach

By holding a IAOCR accreditation, it shows you are dedicated to high quality and competence standards. Participation in IAOCR accreditation is voluntary, which in itself evidences that you take your role seriously and want to ensure you are working diligently, ethically and to robust global standards.

4. Accelerates career growth and sets you apart in the job market

Opens doors to career advancement – job enhancement, higher-paying roles, promotions, and international opportunities. Our accreditations are awarded at Foundation (F-IAOCR), Qualified Professional level (Q-IAOCR), and Qualified Manager level (QM-IAOCR), providing evidence of your enhanced professional status as you advance your career journey. Our ICH-GCP accreditations and Foundation level accreditation is suitable to anyone working in clinical research, in any role. We also provide a broad range of Qualified Professional accreditations – from clinical research associate (CRA) accreditation through to a broad range of accreditations for clinical trial professionals working at sites, and in wider support roles.

5. Improves decision-making and enhances personal confidence

Improves decision-making and performance in complex research environments; helping to ensure that you are competent and feel confident that you are compliant with ICH-GCP and core standards set by the industry.

6. Globally recognized

Adopted in over 55 countries, IAOCR accreditations are trusted across borders and by the world’s leading clinical research organizations. Internationally recognized Learning Credits are accepted by a wide range of employers and educational institutes around the world.

To explore IAOCR Internationally Qualified Clinical Research Professional Accreditation visit our accreditations page.

Please note that this information has been compiled to provide support to individual clinical research professionals. If you are an employer, please contact our Employer
Partnerships Team to learn more about our tailored services and company-specific cohorts.