The Certified IRB Professional (CIRBP) certification program is a specialized training designed to equip individuals with advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and human research ethics. IRBs play a crucial role in ensuring that research involving human subjects adheres to ethical standards and regulatory requirements. The CIRBP program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering the key aspects of IRB functions and human research ethics, enabling graduates to effectively contribute to ethical research oversight.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified IRB Professional (CIRBP) program, participants will be able to:

• Understand IRB Fundamentals: Develop a deep understanding of the fundamental principles, functions, and responsibilities of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).
• Ethical Considerations: Gain expertise in ethical considerations and principles related to human research, including informed consent, risk assessment, and confidentiality.
• Regulatory Compliance: Comprehend and apply federal regulations and guidelines governing human subject research, including the Common Rule and FDA regulations.
• IRB Operations: Learn the practical aspects of IRB operations, including protocol review, participant recruitment, and ongoing monitoring.
• Communication and Collaboration: Enhance communication and collaboration skills with researchers, institutions, and regulatory bodies involved in human research.

Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree

And/or

• 2 – 5 years of relevant work experience

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CIRBP, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIBM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
• Module 2: Ethical Principles and Regulatory Framework for Human Subjects Research
• Module 3: IRB Policies and Procedures
• Module 4: Protocol Review and Approval Processes
• Module 5: Monitoring and Oversight of Research Activities
• Module 6: Compliance and Reporting Requirements

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified IRB Professional (CIRBP) certification is highly beneficial for professionals involved in the oversight of human subject research, including:

• IRB Members and Staff: Individuals serving on or working with Institutional Review Boards.
• Research Coordinators: Professionals responsible for coordinating human research studies.
• Clinical Researchers: Researchers conducting clinical trials and studies involving human subjects.
• Ethics and Compliance Officers: Those responsible for ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance in research.
• Healthcare and Academic Institutions: Professionals working in healthcare, academic, or research institutions involved in human research.
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists: Those responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance in research.
• Quality Assurance Professionals: Individuals focused on quality assurance in research processes.
• Legal and Ethical Consultants: Professionals providing legal or ethical consulting services in research.

Earning the CIRBP certification demonstrates your commitment to upholding ethical standards in human research and your expertise in IRB functions. Whether you are already working in the field of human research ethics or aspire to do so, this certification equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in roles that demand proficiency in research oversight and ethical considerations.