Program Overview

The SOCRA Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) program is your gateway to excellence in clinical research. Elevate your career with our internationally recognized certification, tailored for professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the field. Join a community committed to ethical practices, continuous learning, and advancing global health.

Purpose

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) established the Certification Program for Clinical Research Professionals in order to create an internationally accepted standard of knowledge, education, and experience by which clinical research professionals will be recognized by the clinical research community. Those individuals so recognized may use the "Certified Clinical Research Professional" or "CCRP ® " designation.

Path to Certification

CCRP certification is awarded upon meeting two criteria: a successful written application and a passing CCRP examination score. The benefits of obtaining certification are numerous. It not only validates knowledge, skills, and abilities but also enhances credibility and peer recognition. Career advancement and increased earning potential become tangible outcomes, reflecting a commitment to standards, compliance, and integrity.

Scope and Standards of Practice

• The Nuremberg Code
• The Belmont Report
• The Declaration of Helsinki
• 21 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations – Parts 11, 50, 56, 312, 812
• 45 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations - Part 46
• ICH Harmonised Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R2), and
• ICH Clinical Safety Data Management: Definitions and Standards for Expedited Reporting (E2A)
• 42 CFR Part 11 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Certification Exam

The SOCRA Certification Examination is offered in two formats: paper and pencil (at SOCRA sponsored sites), and computer based (at Prometric testing centers or through Home Proctoring).

• Hosted exams offered in various location throughout the US and Canada.
• Visit the paper and pencil exam schedule for dates and locations.
• A complete application must be received by the deadline date as stated on the examination schedule.
• Score reports mailed to you in 4-6 weeks after exam.

• Offered at Prometric testing centers throughout the world or through Home Proctoring
• Click here for a list of test centers.
• Allow 2-4 weeks for application processing.
• Once application is approved, schedule exam at a testing center. Exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance.
• Score reports received immediately upon completion of exam.

Candidate Handbook

For more information, please view the Candidate Handbook.

Certification

• Program Overview
• CCRP Certification Quick Facts
• Definition of a Clinical Research Professional
• Certification Program Policies
• Removal of CCRP® Credential
• Verify Certification

• Exam Overview
• Candidate Eligibility
• Application and Fee
• Computer Based Testing Exams
• Paper and Pencil Exams
• Refunds, Rescheduling and Retesting
• SOCRA Sponsored Exam Schedule
• Preparing for the Exam
• Preparation Resources
• Examination Results
• Host an Exam at Your Site
• Apply Online

• Requirements for Maintaining Certification
• Continuing Education Requirements
• Descriptions of Acceptable CE
• CE Recordkeeping Requirements
• Request for SOCRA CE for Courses / Workshops
• Installment Plan Payment

• Renewal of Certification
• Application and Fee
• Apply Online
• Installment Plan Payment
• Recertification Audit
• Recertification Learning Module

Summary of Certification
Activities

11,145 CCRPs (as of 12/31/2022)

Year 2022

• 1,391 candidates took CCRP exam
• 73% passed CCRP exam
• 2,649 CCRPs recertified

Year 2020

• 946 candidates took CCRP exam
• 65% passed CCRP exam
• 2,783 CCRPs recertified

Year 2019

• 2,060 candidates took CCRP exam
• 70% passed CCRP exam
• 3,801 CCRPs recertified

Year 2018

• 1,980 candidates took CCRP exam
• 71% passed CCRP exam
• 3,188 CCRPs recertified

Year 2017

• 104 exam sites hosted
• 2,175 candidates took CCRP exam
• 70% passed CCRP exam
• 2,491 CCRPs recertified

Year 2016

• 91 exam sites hosted
• 2,141 candidates took CCRP exam
• 71% passed CCRP exam
• 2,421CCRPs recertified