Top 11 Clinical Research Nurse Certifications

Clinical research nurse certifications are important in the job market as they demonstrate that an individual has met certain standards of excellence and expertise in their field. These certifications signify to potential employers that the individual is a qualified and competent clinical research nurse, and can be trusted to perform their duties competently. Certification also acts as a way for employers to differentiate between applicants, as those with certification may have a competitive edge over those without it. Additionally, some employers may require nurses to have certain certifications before they can be hired, making certification essential for nurses looking to pursue a career in clinical research nursing.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Clinical Research Nurses and explains how they can contribute to a clinical research nurse's career by providing credentialing, knowledge and skills to help them succeed in their chosen field.

What are Clinical Research Nurse Certifications?

Clinical research nurse certification is a professional credential that recognizes nurses who have specialized knowledge and experience in the field of clinical research. The certification is awarded by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and requires nurses to pass an examination that covers topics such as ethics, safety, regulation, and data management.

Having a clinical research nurse certification can be beneficial to both the individual nurse and the organization they work for. It demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and provides evidence of their expertise in this field. Organizations benefit from having certified nurses on staff because they are better equipped to manage complex clinical studies and help ensure regulatory compliance. Additionally, having certified nurses on staff can provide organizations with a competitive edge when it comes to recruiting top talent and obtaining funding for research projects. Finally, having a certified nurse on staff can help organizations meet accreditation requirements for conducting clinical research activities.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a clinical research nurse, it is important to pursue certification. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the field and can increase your chances of getting hired for research opportunities. Additionally, many employers require or prefer nurses with certification. Research the different certifications available and make sure that you meet the qualifications before beginning the process.

Related: What does a Clinical Research Nurse do?

Top 11 Clinical Research Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Research Nurses today.

1. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

A Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skill and experience in the clinical research field. The CCRP certification is administered by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA).

To become certified as a CCRP, an individual must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by SoCRA’s Code of Ethics. To qualify for the CCRP exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time research experience in the clinical research field or hold a degree in a health science related field.

The CCRP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as Good Clinical Practices (GCP), regulatory affairs, ethics, data management and monitoring. Candidates are given four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CCRP exam is $595 USD for SoCRA members and $795 USD for non-members. The cost includes access to SoCRA’s online study materials, which can help prepare candidates for the exam.

Once an individual has successfully passed the CCRP exam, they will be awarded their certification from SoCRA and will be eligible to use the designation “CCRP” after their name. The certification must be renewed every three years through continuing education credits or retaking of the CCRP examination.

2. Clinical Research Coordinator Certified (CRC-C)

Clinical Research Coordinator Certified (CRC-C) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of clinical research coordinators who have demonstrated proficiency in conducting clinical research.

The CRC-C exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of clinical research principles, regulations, and processes. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a clinical research coordinator or equivalent position. Additionally, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their experience and pay the $300 nonrefundable application fee.

Once an applicant has been approved for certification, they will be required to take and pass the CRC-C exam. The cost of the exam is $400 for ACRP members or $500 for nonmembers. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from ACRP recognizing them as a Clinical Research Coordinator Certified (CRC-C).

3. Certified Clinical Trials Professional (CCTP)

The Certified Clinical Trials Professional (CCTP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in clinical trials operations. The CCTP credential is intended to recognize those with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully manage and conduct clinical trials.

To obtain the CCTP credential, applicants must have at least two years of experience in clinical research operations or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the Society for Clinical Trials (SCT).

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as regulatory compliance, data management, project management, ethics and safety considerations, and quality assurance. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CCTP certification.

The CCTP credential is valid for five years from the date of issuance and can be renewed by taking an additional exam or completing continuing education credits.

4. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

A Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical research. The CCRA certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in clinical research.

It typically takes between six months and two years to become certified as a CCRA, depending on the individual’s experience level. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience working in clinical research or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ACRP.

The cost of obtaining the CCRA certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level and location, but generally ranges from $400 to $1,000 USD. This cost includes registration fees, exam fees, and any additional materials required for study purposes.

5. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) is a certification offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of professionals in regulatory affairs. The CRAP certification is highly sought after by employers in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries as it demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and continuing education.

The CRAP certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a professional experience review. The online exam covers topics such as regulatory compliance, product development, risk management, and quality assurance. The professional experience review requires applicants to submit detailed documentation of their work experience in regulatory affairs over the past five years.

The entire process takes about four months from start to finish. Applicants must pass both the online exam and the professional experience review before they can be certified as a CRAP.

The cost for the CRAP certification varies depending on your membership status with RAPS. For non-members, the fee is $1,000; for members, it’s $750.

6. Certified Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices Manager (CGMP-M)

Certified Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices Manager (CGMP-M) is a certification program designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. The CGMP-M certification is issued by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science of pharmaceutical engineering.

The CGMP-M certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality assurance, regulatory compliance, risk management, process validation and optimization, production systems and equipment design, and personnel training and development. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to take the CGMP-M exam, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with a nonrefundable fee of $400 USD. Once approved, applicants will receive an email containing their login information for the ISPE website where they can register for the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CGMP-M certification which is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices Manager (CGMP-M) certification is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam.

7. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in auditing practices and principles. The CQA certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

It typically takes four to six months of preparation to become certified as a CQA. To get certified, you must pass the CQA exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as auditing fundamentals, process auditing, management systems, quality tools and techniques, and statistics.

The cost for the CQA certification varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD for the exam fee plus any additional materials needed for preparation.

Once certified, you will need to renew your certification every three years by completing continuing education requirements or retaking the exam.

8. American Board of Nursing Specialties - Clinical Research Nurse Certification (ABNS-CRNC)

The American Board of Nursing Specialties Clinical Research Nurse Certification (ABNS-CRNC) is a certification program designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills that clinical research nurses possess. It is a voluntary credentialing program that requires successful completion of an exam and other requirements to become certified.

To obtain the ABNS-CRNC, applicants must meet certain educational and experience criteria. Applicants must have a current RN license in good standing, have at least two years of full-time clinical research nursing experience within the last five years, and complete 20 hours of continuing education in clinical research within the past two years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics, regulations, data management, study design, protocol development, patient safety, and quality assurance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the ABNS-CRNC exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, it costs $450 for members of the American Board of Nursing Specialties or $550 for non-members.

9. Society of Clinical Research Associates - Clinical Research Nurse Certification (SCRA-CRNC)

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SCRA) Clinical Research Nurse Certification (CRNC) is a professional certification for nurses who specialize in clinical research. It is designed to recognize the unique knowledge and skills that clinical research nurses possess, as well as their commitment to the highest standards of patient care. The CRNC certification is awarded by the SCRA after successful completion of an online examination and application process.

To get certified, applicants must have a current RN license, have at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research nursing, and complete a 40-hour course on clinical research nursing principles. Once these requirements are fulfilled, applicants can register for the online exam which tests their knowledge and understanding of the principles of clinical research nursing. Upon passing this exam, they will be eligible to apply for the CRNC certification.

The cost of getting certified depends on whether or not you are an SCRA member. For members, the cost is $300 plus applicable taxes; for non-members it is $400 plus applicable taxes. The entire process from start to finish typically takes about three months to complete.

10. Association of Clinical Research Professionals - Clinical Research Nurse Certification (ACRP-CRNC)

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals – Clinical Research Nurse Certification (ACRP-CRNC) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of clinical research nurses. It is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s competency in the field of clinical research nursing. The ACRP-CRNC certification is awarded by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), an international organization dedicated to advancing the quality and integrity of clinical research.

It typically takes about 4 months to complete the entire process for earning your ACRP-CRNC certification. To get started, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse in clinical research or related fields. You will also need to submit an application with documentation verifying your experience and training as well as passing an exam. Once all requirements are met, you will be awarded your ACRP-CRNC certification.

The cost for obtaining your ACRP-CRNC certification varies depending on where you live and if you are a member of ACRP or not. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for nonmembers and $400-$800 USD for members.

11. International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering - Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional in Clinical Trials Management (ISPE-CPIPCTM).

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional in Clinical Trials Management (ISPE-CPIPCTM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to manage clinical trials. The program is designed for professionals working in the pharmaceutical industry, including clinical research associates, project managers, quality assurance personnel, and regulatory affairs personnel.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), study design, protocol development, data management, monitoring and reporting of results, and risk management. The exam tests knowledge of these topics as well as general knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.

It typically takes about three months to complete the program. To get started, applicants must register for the course by submitting an application form and paying a fee of $1,500 USD. After registering for the course, applicants have six months to complete it before taking the exam.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. A passing score on the exam is 70%. Applicants who pass the exam are awarded ISPE-CPIPCTM certification valid for three years from the date of completion.

In addition to the registration fee and exam fee ($200 USD), there is also a recertification fee ($150 USD) due every three years in order to maintain active certification status.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Research Nurse Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need a clinical research nurse certificate to become a clinical research nurse. While having a certificate may open up more opportunities and can be beneficial for your career, it is not an absolute requirement. In most cases, nurses who have experience in clinical research as well as other nursing skills are considered qualified for these positions.

Having a certificate can demonstrate that you have specialized knowledge and training in the field of clinical research. It can also make you more attractive to employers and give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, if you are looking to advance in your career or move into management roles, having a certificate may give you an advantage over those who do not have one.

However, there are many different paths you can take to become a successful clinical research nurse without obtaining a certificate. You can gain experience through volunteer work or internships, or by working in related fields such as data analysis or medical writing. You can also take courses at universities or online programs that will provide knowledge on the subject matter and help prepare you for the job.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your own individual needs when deciding whether or not to pursue a clinical research nurse certificate. If this type of certification is something that interests you and would benefit your career goals, then it may be worth considering obtaining one. However, if it does not fit into your current plans, then there are still plenty of other ways to build experience and qualifications for this role without getting certified.

Related: Clinical Research Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Research Nurse Certifications

Q1. What is a Clinical Research Nurse Certification?

A1. A Clinical Research Nurse Certification (CRNC) is a professional certification that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of registered nurses who are involved in clinical research. It demonstrates an individual's commitment to providing quality patient care in the clinical research setting.

Q2. How do I become a Certified Clinical Research Nurse?

A2. To become a Certified Clinical Research Nurse, you must meet eligibility requirements that include having an active RN license, two years of full-time experience as a research nurse, and completion of at least 20 continuing education credits specifically related to clinical research within the past three years. You must also pass an exam administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Clinical Research Nurse?

A3. Becoming certified as a Clinical Research Nurse provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, access to higher paying positions, and recognition among peers as an expert in the field of clinical research nursing. Additionally, it may make you eligible for additional certifications or specializations in other areas such as drug development or regulatory affairs.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4: The process usually takes 4-6 months from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete all necessary requirements and pass the exam administered by AACN. Once your application is approved, you will receive your CRNC certificate within two weeks after passing the exam.

Q5. Is there any recertification requirement for maintaining my certification status?

A5: Yes, recertification is required every three years to maintain your certification status with AACN; however, it can be renewed early if you have completed 30 hours of continuing education credits related to clinical research nursing during that time period.