Clinical Trials BC provides financial and resource support to help clinical research professionals at BC academic or health authority-affiliated research sites become certified through leading organizations:

  • Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA)
  • Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
  • Society of Quality Assurance (SQA)

Certification demonstrates that you have validated your competence, meet high industry standards that are internationally recognized, and are committed to quality and professionalism.

Clinical Trials BC offers a partial reimbursement of up to  $500 towards CCRP, CCRC or RQAP-GCP examination fees for successful applicants who work for academic health research organizations where clinical trials are conducted in British Columbia (i.e. health authority, university). Funding is available for up to 16 successful applicants.

Why apply?

Achieving certification demonstrates that you have met or exceeded the quality standards required in the industry and have validated your competence. Certification also demonstrates a level of professionalism and indicates a commitment to quality that is internationally recognized.

Certification can lead to:

  • increased job responsibility
  • greater career advancement opportunities
  • more employment opportunities
  • recognition, including promotions
  • bonuses and salary increases

Research shows that certification results in:

  • higher enrollment rates
  • lower protocol deviations
  • fewer regulatory warning letters
  • improved regulatory compliance
  • better inspection performance

Which certification programs are eligible?

Registered Quality Assurance Professional (RQAP-GCP)

Offered by the Society of Quality Assurance (SQA), the RQAP-GCP credential recognizes professionals in Good Clinical Practices (GCP) who conduct audits, inspections, and compliance evaluations. It’s a global standard for quality assurance expertise. 

Certification Program for Clinical Research Professionals (CCRPs)

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) offers the CCRP credential. It reflects international standards for education, experience, and knowledge in clinical research. Exams are offered in paper or computer-based formats.

ACRP Certified Professional (ACRP-CP®)

Offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), the ACRP-CP® credential is awarded to professionals involved in all aspects of clinical studies/trials who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform ethical and responsible clinical research.

Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC®)

Offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), the CCRC® credential is awarded to clinical research coordinators (CRCs) who have met eligibility requirements and demonstrated proficiency in specific knowledge and job-related skills.

How do I apply for a reimbursement?

1. Register with the certifying association

You must register first with the certifying association. Please review the application and fee sections of each organization for costs:

2. Apply to Clinical Trials BC for reimbursement

Prior to writing your exam, you must apply by submitting a package to Clinical Trials BC that includes:

  • A copy of your application to SoCRA, ACRP, or SQA
  • A copy of the your CV/resume
  • A letter to Clinical Trials BC outlining the following details:
    • Why certification is important to you
    • How it will benefit you in your role as a clinical research professional
    • Your career aspirations

3. Application response from Clinical Trials BC

Prior to their certification exam, Clinical Trials BC will review applications and notify successful candidates of their eligibility for reimbursement.

FAQs

Clinical Trials BC provides resources to help you prepare for your exam, including: 

  • Informal exam prep sessions and practice tests 
  • Access to the Clinical Research Professional Certification Exam Study Prep eCommunity of Practice (eCoP), featuring links, recordings, slides, and study documents 

To join the eCoP, email: info@clinicaltrialsbc.ca.

Clinical Trials BC offers up to $500 in reimbursement for exam fees (CCRP, CCRC, or RQAP-GCP) to eligible applicants working at BC academic or health authority research sites. Funding is limited to 16 successful applicants.

Be sure to review the ‘Application and Fee’ sections of each organization for costs.  Clinical Trials BC offers up to $500 in reimbursement for exam fees (CCRP, CCRC, or RQAP-GCP) to eligible applicants working at BC academic or health authority research sites. Funding is limited to 16 successful applicants. Be sure to review the ‘Application and Fee’ sections of each organization for costs. 

Applications are reviewed by Clinical Trials BC, and eligible candidates will be notified before their exam.  

What participants are saying

“I highly recommend every research professional consider taking the next step to obtain certification through the Clinical Trials BC certification program.

The resources provided definitely made studying much easier and the partial reimbursement was motivating.

Certification was most validating, but also intrinsically rewarding and a boost to my professional self-confidence. There’s no better time to certify than the present.”

Tara Martin

“Thanks to Clinical Trials BC, I was able to take and pass the SOCRA examination in May 2021.

Because of the financial support I received, I had less worry about the cost. The resources and materials available on ECoP helped a lot during my exam preparation. I especially liked the question bank.

Since being certified, it helps boost my confidence in my current role as a clinical research coordinator at Fraser Health.”

Siti Rahmaputri

“Being able to participate in the Clinical Research Professional Development Exam Preparation Sessions which was hosted by Clinical Trials BC was a life changer!

The learnings derived from the extensive clinical research and trials experience, and the best practices that Alison Orth and the entire team at Clinical Trials BC have imparted me have helped tremendously when I finally took and passed my SOCRA CCRP certification.

Everyone at Clinical Trials BC is amazingly wonderful! I have nothing but awe and gratitude for all their kindness, dedication and support all throughout my professional research journey. Thank you all, very very much!” 

Program Participant 
“I am grateful for the support offered by Clinical Trials BC. This program demonstrates their willingness to support research staff in professional development endeavours and facilitates training and certification in the field.”
Vanessa Dizonno

Certified clinical research professionals share what it’s like to take the exams

In this webinar, certified professionals share their personal experiences writing certification exams and discuss hot tips and resources to help you prepare for exams in hybrid or remote settings.