Top 11 Research Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a research specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge in the field. Certified research specialists can command higher salaries, have better job opportunities, and be more competitive when applying for positions. Certifications also show employers that the individual has taken the time to gain additional qualifications and is committed to staying up-to-date on their skills. Furthermore, certifications may provide access to exclusive resources or professional networks, which can further boost career prospects.

This article reviews top certifications for Research Specialists and explains how they can enhance a research specialist's career by helping them increase their knowledge, skills, and marketability in the field.

What are Research Specialist Certifications?

Research specialist certification is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have completed specialized training and demonstrated a high level of expertise in research methods and techniques. This certification is designed to recognize those who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively conduct research projects in their chosen field. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their ability to design and implement research studies, interpret data, and communicate findings.

Having a research specialist certification can be beneficial for many reasons. It can provide an individual with the credibility needed to gain access to higher-level positions within organizations that value research-based decision making. Additionally, it can help give potential employers confidence that the individual is knowledgeable about the latest research methods and techniques necessary for successful project completion. Furthermore, having this type of certification may also lead to increased salary prospects as well as opportunities for career advancement.

Pro tip: Make sure to research the certifying organization and confirm that it is accredited by a reputable source before investing in any research specialist certification.

Related: What does a Research Specialist do?

Top 11 Research Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

A Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of research administration. CRA certification is awarded by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in research administration. The CRA credential is highly sought after by employers as it indicates a strong commitment to the profession and an understanding of the regulations, policies, and procedures governing research activities.

The process for obtaining the CRA credential involves completing an application, passing a comprehensive exam, and meeting certain educational requirements. The application consists of basic personal information such as name and contact information, education background, work experience, and references. After submitting the application, applicants must pass a two-part exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and essay questions related to research administration topics. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements such as having at least three years of relevant work experience or having completed a graduate degree program in research administration or a related field.

The cost for obtaining the CRA credential varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience and education. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 to apply for the credential and take the exam. The cost may be higher if additional training courses are required before taking the exam.

In total, it typically takes between six months to one year to obtain the CRA credential depending on how quickly an applicant can complete all of the necessary steps.

2. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct clinical research. The CCRP credential is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

The CCRP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in clinical research through an examination process. Applicants must have at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in clinical research, including one year of direct patient care experience. In addition, applicants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of ACRP approved training courses.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CCRP exam and obtain the required training. Once you have met all the requirements, you can apply for the exam online and pay a fee of $550 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your CCRP certificate within four weeks.

The CCRP credential is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee of $150 USD.

3. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (RAC)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (RAC) is a certification program offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). This certification is designed to recognize regulatory professionals who demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field of regulatory affairs. The RAC credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required for success in the regulatory affairs profession.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the RAC certification. The process includes completing an online application, passing a written exam, and submitting documentation that demonstrates relevant professional experience. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable fee of $450 USD.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as regulations, compliance, and quality management systems. It is administered by Prometric at various testing centers throughout the United States and Canada.

In order to maintain their RAC certification, certified professionals must complete 20 hours of continuing education activities every two years and pay an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD.

4. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQAP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage quality assurance systems in their organizations.

The CQAP program consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral presentation. The written exam covers topics such as quality management, process improvement, measurement and analysis, customer satisfaction, problem solving, and project management. The oral presentation focuses on how the candidate has applied their knowledge in practice.

In order to obtain the CQAP certification, candidates must pass both the written and oral exams with a score of at least 80%. Candidates must also have at least three years of professional experience in quality assurance or related fields.

The cost of obtaining the CQAP certification varies depending on the country you are located in. In the United States, it costs approximately $400 for members of ASQ and $500 for non-members. It typically takes around six weeks to complete all requirements for the certification after registering with ASQ.

5. Certified Project Manager in Clinical Trials (PMCT)

Certified Project Manager in Clinical Trials (PMCT) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of project managers in the clinical trial industry. It is offered by the Clinical Research Professionals Certification Board (CRPCB). The PMCT certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a level of professional competence in managing clinical trials, as well as providing an assurance of quality to employers, sponsors, and other stakeholders.

The PMCT certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in clinical research, including at least one year of experience managing clinical trials. Applicants must also pass an exam, which consists of questions related to project management principles, processes and techniques specific to clinical trials.

It typically takes about six months for an applicant to complete the PMCT certification process. This includes taking the exam, submitting all required documentation, and receiving confirmation from CRPCB that they have been certified.

The cost for obtaining the PMCT certification varies depending on the country you are located in. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD for all application fees and exam fees combined.

6. Certified Clinical Data Manager (CDM)

Certified Clinical Data Manager (CDM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Clinical Data Management (ACDM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in clinical data management. The CDM program includes training, testing and certification for those who wish to become certified clinical data managers.

The CDM program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online training course and an examination. The online training course covers topics such as clinical trial design, data collection and management, database design, regulatory requirements and reporting. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

The CDM program typically takes six months to complete. During this time, candidates must complete the online training course and pass the examination with a score of 80% or higher. Once they have completed both components successfully, they are eligible to receive their CDM certification.

The cost of the CDM program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD for the entire program including tuition fees, materials and exam fees.

In order to become certified as a Clinical Data Manager (CDM), individuals must be members of ACDM in good standing and meet specific eligibility requirements set by ACDM including educational background and experience in data management or related fields.

7. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) is a professional who has met the standards of knowledge, experience and ethics set forth by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). CCRCs are responsible for managing clinical research studies and ensuring that they are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines. They may also be involved in the design, implementation, monitoring, analysis and reporting of clinical trials.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a CCRC. The process includes completing an ACRP-approved training program, passing an exam administered by the ACRP, and obtaining at least two years of experience in clinical research.

To get certified as a CCRC, you must first complete an ACRP-approved training program. These programs can be found online or through local universities or colleges. Once you have completed your training program, you must pass the CCRC exam administered by the ACRP. After passing the exam, you must obtain at least two years of experience in clinical research before becoming eligible for certification.

The cost for becoming a CCRC varies depending on where you take your training program and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to become certified as a CCRC.

8. Association of Clinical Research Professionals Certification Program (ACRP-CP)

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals Certification Program (ACRP-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of clinical research professionals. The program is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), which is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of clinical research.

The ACRP-CP certification program consists of two components: a written exam and a practical experience component. The written exam covers topics such as ethics and regulations, clinical trial design, data management, and other related topics. The practical experience component requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge through hands-on activities in a clinical setting.

In order to be eligible for the ACRP-CP certification program, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a clinical research setting or equivalent education/training in the field. Applicants must also have completed an approved training course or have documented experience in at least four core competency areas.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the ACRP-CP certification process, depending on how quickly you can complete your application materials and take the written exam. Once you have passed both components, you will receive your certificate from ACRP.

The cost for the ACRP-CP certification program varies depending on whether you are an ACRP member or nonmember. For members, it costs $450 for the application fee plus $200 for each component (written exam and practical experience). For nonmembers, it costs $550 for the application fee plus $250 for each component (written exam and practical experience).

9. Society of Clinical Research Associates Certification Program (SOCRA-CP)

The Society of Clinical Research Associates Certification Program (SOCRA-CP) is a voluntary certification program for clinical research professionals. It is designed to recognize and promote the knowledge, skills, and experience of those who work in clinical research. The SOCRA-CP certification provides employers with assurance that their employees have achieved a certain level of competence in the field.

The SOCRA-CP certification requires applicants to successfully complete an online examination, which covers topics such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory affairs, ethics, and data management. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also submit a professional portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field.

In order to apply for the SOCRA-CP certification, applicants must be members of SOCRA or become members prior to submitting their applications. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen but typically range from $50-$100 USD annually. The cost of the examination is $450 USD for nonmembers and $350 USD for members.

It typically takes 4–6 weeks from application submission until results are available; however, there may be delays due to increased demand or other factors. Upon successful completion of the exam and portfolio review process, applicants will receive a certificate verifying their SOCRA-CP certification status valid for three years from the date it was awarded.

10. International Organization for Standardization/Clinical Trials Auditor Certification Program (ISO/CTA-CP)

The International Organization for Standardization/Clinical Trials Auditor Certification Program (ISO/CTA-CP) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive and rigorous training and assessment process to ensure the highest level of quality assurance when conducting clinical trials. It is designed to provide auditors with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively assess clinical trial protocols, data collection procedures, and other aspects of clinical trial operations.

The ISO/CTA-CP certification program takes approximately one year to complete. The program consists of two parts: a self-study component and an onsite assessment. During the self-study component, candidates must complete a series of courses in topics such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Clinical Trial Design, Data Management, Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance, Clinical Trial Monitoring and Reporting. Upon successful completion of the self-study component, candidates must pass an onsite assessment which includes practical exercises and written examinations.

To get certified through the ISO/CTA-CP program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least five years of experience in clinical research or related fields such as drug development or medical device regulation. Applicants must also have a degree in life sciences or medicine from an accredited university or college. In addition to these requirements, applicants must submit a detailed application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of reference.

The cost of the ISO/CTA-CP certification program varies depending on the country in which it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $5,000 USD for both parts of the program combined (self study + onsite assessment).

11. American Board of Bioanalysis Certification Program (ABB-CP).

The American Board of Bioanalysis Certification Program (ABB-CP) is a professional certification program for bioanalysts. It is designed to recognize and promote the highest level of expertise and knowledge in the field of bioanalysis. The ABB-CP provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s bioanalytical knowledge and skills, as well as their commitment to continuing education and professional development.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete a three-part process:

1) Submit an application form that includes information about their educational background, work experience, and other relevant qualifications.

2) Pass a written examination that covers topics such as laboratory safety, sample preparation, data analysis, statistics, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance.

3) Complete an onsite practical evaluation that assesses their ability to perform various tasks related to bioanalysis.

The entire certification process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year from start to finish. The cost of the ABB-CP certification program varies depending on the type of exam taken (written or practical). Generally speaking, the written exam costs $500 USD and the practical exam costs $1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Research Specialist Certificate?

The decision to pursue a Research Specialist Certificate is an important one that should be made after careful consideration of your educational and career goals. A Research Specialist Certificate can provide you with the necessary skills to become a successful researcher, but it is not always necessary for success.

If you are looking to enter the field of research, a Research Specialist Certificate could provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct research in an organized and effective manner. The certificate program will give you a comprehensive overview of research methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations when conducting research. It can also help you develop your critical thinking skills, giving you the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from collected data. Additionally, having a Research Specialist Certificate may set you apart from other applicants when applying for certain jobs or grants.

However, there are certain circumstances where obtaining a Research Specialist Certificate may not be necessary. If you already have experience in conducting research or if your current job requires some knowledge of research methods, then it may not be worth investing time and money into obtaining the certificate. Additionally, depending on what type of research position you are interested in pursuing (academic vs industry), employers may prefer applicants who have more specialized training related to their area of expertise instead of a general certificate in research methods. Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a Research Specialist Certificate is beneficial for you depends on your individual career goals and background.

Related: Research Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Research Specialist Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a research specialist?

Answer: The exact requirements vary depending on the organization, but generally speaking, research specialists need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as psychology or sociology), strong analytical skills, and experience working in research settings. Some certifications may also be required.

2. What types of certifications are available for research specialists?

Answer: There are several different certifications available for research specialists, including Certified Research Specialist (CRS) and Professional Research Specialist (PRS). Other certifications may also be offered depending on the organization or field of study.

3. How long does it take to earn a certification in research?

Answer: The length of time it takes to earn a certification in research depends on the type of certification you choose and the amount of time you have available to dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one month to one year or more to complete a certification program.

4. Is there an exam I need to take in order to become certified as a research specialist?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require an exam that must be passed before certification is granted. Exams vary depending on the type of certification being sought and may include both written and practical components.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a research specialist certification exam?

Answer: Most organizations require applicants to have some prior experience in the field before taking the exam, such as having worked as a research assistant or completed relevant coursework related to their chosen area of specialty.