Top 10 Research Scientist Certifications

Certifications are important for research scientists in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide employers with evidence of expertise in a particular field. Certifications can also help differentiate applicants from other candidates, as certifications confirm that a candidate has acquired specific knowledge, skills, and abilities related to their field. Additionally, certifications can make research scientists more attractive to potential employers by demonstrating that they have taken the initiative to acquire additional credentials that demonstrate their qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Research Scientists and explain how they can help enhance a research scientist's career.

What are Research Scientist Certifications?

Research scientist certification is a form of certification that recognizes the expertise and dedication of research scientists in their respective fields. This certification is usually awarded by professional organizations or universities, and it shows employers that the research scientist has met certain standards and qualifications. It can also be used as a way to distinguish between different levels of experience and knowledge within the field.

Research scientist certification can help to show employers that a research scientist is dedicated to their work and has the necessary skills to perform their job effectively. It can also provide assurance to employers that they are hiring someone who is committed to quality research and production. Additionally, this type of certification can help research scientists secure better job opportunities, as it may give them an edge over other applicants who don't have it. Finally, having this type of certification may open up new opportunities for advancement in the field, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and dedication than those without it.

Pro tip: Before pursuing a research scientist certification, be sure to research the various organizations that offer certifications and compare their requirements, fees and benefits. Also, make sure that the certification is relevant to your field of study and will be recognized by potential employers.

Related: What does a Research Scientist do?

Top 10 Research Scientist Certifications

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

1. Certified Research Scientist (CRS)

Certified Research Scientist (CRS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in research, data analysis, and other related fields. The certification is offered by the American Statistical Association (ASA).

In order to become certified as a CRS, applicants must meet certain qualifications and pass an exam. Qualifications include having a master’s or higher degree in statistics or a related field, at least three years of professional experience in research and data analysis, and passing the ASA's Certified Research Scientist Exam.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as research design, data collection methods, statistical analysis techniques, ethical considerations for research, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 USD.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CRS certification from the ASA. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct clinical research. The CCRP credential is administered by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), a professional organization for clinical research professionals.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for CCRP certification, depending on an individual’s prior experience and education. To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time clinical research experience, or its equivalent in part-time experience. Applicants must also have completed at least 15 hours of continuing education in clinical research topics within the last three years.

In addition to meeting these requirements, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of clinical research principles and practices. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory affairs, ethics, data management, study design, biostatistics, and more.

The cost to take the CCRP exam is $450 for SOCRA members and $550 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with completing required continuing education courses or obtaining other documents needed to apply for certification.

3. Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a professional certification offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). This certification is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of research administration practices. It is intended for individuals who are employed in research administration or related fields.

The CRA exam consists of three parts: Part I covers general knowledge, Part II covers specific topics in research administration, and Part III covers management skills. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in research administration or a related field, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass the CRA exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost of taking the CRA exam varies depending on where you take it, but it typically ranges from $400 to $500. Additionally, there may be additional fees for application processing and other administrative costs associated with obtaining certification.

4. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in quality assurance. The CQAP certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence and provides employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals.

The CQAP certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, auditing, and statistics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

To obtain the CQAP certification, applicants must first become members of ASQ. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen. After becoming a member, applicants can register for the CQAP exam and pay the associated fee of $449 USD. Once registered, applicants must schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center within six months from the date of registration.

The cost of obtaining the CQAP certification includes membership fees, registration fees for the exam, and any additional costs associated with taking the exam at a Prometric testing center.

5. Certified Data Analyst (CDA)

Certified Data Analyst (CDA) is a professional certification that validates an individual’s expertise in data analysis and related technologies. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of data analysis, including data mining, machine learning, statistical modeling, and big data analytics.

The CDA certification program is offered by the International Institute for Analytics (IIA), a leading provider of analytics education and training. The program consists of three levels: Certified Data Analyst (CDA), Advanced Certified Data Analyst (ACDA), and Master Certified Data Analyst (MCDA). Each level requires the completion of a series of courses and exams.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels depending on the individual's experience level. The cost for each level varies depending on the number of courses taken, but typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD per level.

To become certified as a CDA, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it to IIA for review. Once approved, applicants must then complete a series of courses and exams to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in data analysis. Upon successful completion of all coursework and exams, applicants will receive their CDA certification from IIA.

6. Certified Biostatistician (CBST)

A Certified Biostatistician (CBST) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of biostatistics. The CBST certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of biostatistical research, data analysis, and interpretation.

It typically takes around two years to complete the requirements for the CBST certification. Candidates must first complete an approved degree program in biostatistics or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing their degree, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Statistical Association (ASA). The exam covers topics such as probability theory, statistical methods, data analysis techniques, and computing applications.

To get certified, applicants must also submit proof of at least three years of professional experience working in biostatistics or a related field. This experience can include working as a research assistant or analyst at an academic institution or healthcare organization, consulting on biostatistical projects, or teaching courses in biostatistics. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be granted their CBST certification.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to take the required exam and submit all necessary paperwork for review by ASA officials.

7. Certified Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

A Certified Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a professional who has achieved a specialized certification in the field of laboratory science. The CLS credential is awarded to individuals who have met the requirements set forth by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). To become certified, an individual must pass a rigorous examination that covers topics such as medical laboratory technology, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, and molecular diagnostics.

It typically takes two to three years of full-time study and/or experience in a clinical laboratory setting to be eligible for the examination. Candidates must also complete an approved educational program in medical laboratory science or equivalent coursework.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on if you are an ASCP member or non-member. For members, it costs $250 while non-members pay $350. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional fees associated with obtaining your certification such as application fees and renewal fees.

Once you have passed the exam and obtained your certification, you will need to renew it every three years by completing continuing education credits and paying any applicable renewal fees.

8. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) is a professional certification offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). The CRAP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in regulatory affairs. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in regulatory affairs, compliance, and quality assurance.

The CRAP certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers the core principles of regulatory affairs. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in regulatory affairs or related fields. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application to RAPS and pay an application fee. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam portal. Once they complete the exam, they will receive their results within two weeks of completing it.

The cost of the CRAP certification varies depending on whether you are a RAPS member or non-member. For members, it costs $650 USD; for non-members, it costs $850 USD. This fee includes access to the online exam portal and your official certificate upon passing the exam.

9. Certified Quality Improvement Professional (CQIP)

Certified Quality Improvement Professional (CQIP) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of quality improvement principles, tools, and techniques.

The CQIP certification requires that applicants pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, and customer satisfaction. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in quality management or quality improvement.

To get the CQIP certification, applicants must first apply to take the exam through ASQ's website. After submitting their application, they will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the fee. The fee for taking the exam is $399 USD.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will be awarded their CQIP certificate from ASQ. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking a recertification exam every five years.

10. Certified Project Manager in Research and Development (PMRD)

Certified Project Manager in Research and Development (PMRD) is a professional certification program designed to help project managers acquire the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to successfully manage research and development projects. This certification is offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The PMRD certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application. The written exam covers topics such as project management fundamentals, research and development processes, risk management, budgeting, scheduling, communication, quality assurance, and more. To pass the written exam, candidates must demonstrate their understanding of these topics.

The practical application portion of the PMRD requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts they have learned in the written exam by completing a real-world project management case study. Candidates must also complete an online course on project management principles before taking the practical application portion of the PMRD.

It typically takes about six months to complete all requirements for obtaining PMRD certification. Candidates should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for the written exam and 20 hours preparing for the practical application portion of the certification process.

To get certified as a PMRD professional, you will need to register with PMI and pay an initial fee of $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with your country or region. After registering with PMI, you will be able to access all materials related to the PMRD program including study guides, practice exams, and other resources that can help prepare you for both portions of the certification process.

The total cost for obtaining PMRD certification varies depending on where you live and how much time it takes you to complete all requirements but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Research Scientist Certificate?

The answer to this question is largely dependent on the individual. A research scientist certificate is not necessarily required for a successful career in the field of research science. However, depending on the type of research being conducted and the organization or company one works for, it may be beneficial to have such a certification.

For instance, those who are employed by universities or large research institutions may find that having a research scientist certificate can open up new opportunities for advancement and allow them to take on more responsibility in their respective departments. Additionally, a certificate can demonstrate an individual’s knowledge in their field and provide employers with assurance that they are knowledgeable about the specific area of research they are working in.

In addition to potential career benefits, a research scientist certificate may also offer personal development opportunities as well. This type of certification provides individuals with the opportunity to learn more about their chosen field through specialized courses and seminars while gaining valuable experience that can help them further their professional goals.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a research scientist certificate largely depends on their unique circumstances and goals. Those who wish to pursue careers in research science should consider if such a certification would be beneficial for them before making any decisions.

Related: Research Scientist Resume Examples

FAQs About Research Scientist Certifications

Q1. What is a Research Scientist Certification?

A1. A Research Scientist Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in research and data analysis. It demonstrates the holder’s knowledge of research methodology, data analysis techniques, and other skills necessary for success in the field.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Research Scientist?

A2. To become certified as a Research Scientist, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying organization such as the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (AALA).

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Research Scientist?

A3. By becoming certified as a Research Scientist, you can demonstrate your expertise in research and data analysis to employers and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted in the field. Additionally, it may also qualify you for higher pay or more job opportunities within your current organization or with another company.

Q4. What topics are covered on the Research Scientist Certification Exam?

A4: The topics covered on the exam vary depending on which certifying organization you use but typically include research design and methodology, data collection methods, statistical analysis techniques, report writing skills, ethical considerations in research, and communication strategies related to research findings.

Q5. How long does it take to receive my Research Scientist Certification?

A5: The length of time it takes to receive your certification depends on which certifying organization you use but generally ranges from 6-12 weeks after passing the exam.