Training Requirements

Any individual named on a GVSU IRB submission must complete both Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Human Subjects Research (HSR) training, per the requirements below. This training must be kept current (completed within the past 3 years) for anyone actively working on a protocol. 

1. Individuals who have not previously been named on an approved GVSU human subjects protocol are required to complete:

• CITI RCR - Concise (or equivalent--see list below) (approximate completion time 30-45 minutes); AND
• CITI HSR - Biomedical Researchers (Basic Course) OR CITI HSR - Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers (Basic Course) (or equivalent--see list below) (approximate completion time 2 1/2 hours)

2. Individuals who have previously been named on an approved GVSU human subjects protocol are require to complete: 

• CITI RCR - Concise (or equivalent--see list below) (approximate completion time 30-45 minutes); AND
• CITI HSR - Biomedical Researchers (Refresher Course) OR CITI HSR - Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers (Refresher Course) (or equivalent--see list below) (approximate completion time 30-45 minutes)

The minimum passing score is 80%. Training certificates are valid for three years, after which point the training will need to be repeated if the individual is still listed on an active research protocol. 

Equivalent Courses

Any of the following can be used to fulfill the RCR-Concise course requirement:

• GVSU's CITI RCR - Concise Course
• GVSU's CITI RCR - Basic Course 
• Certain CITI RCR courses from an outside institution (contact ORCI to check if your certificate would be valid)
• Certain GVSU CITI graduate program RCR courses (contact ORCI to check if your program's course fulfills the requirement)

Any of the following can be used to fulfill the HSR Basic Course requirement (for individuals not previously named on an approved GVSU IRB protocol):

• GVSU's CITI HSR - Biomedical Researchers (Basic Course)
• GVSU's CITI HSR - Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers (Basic Course)
• Certain CITI HSR courses from an outside institution (contact ORCI to check if your certificate would be valid

Any of the following can be used to fulfill the HSR Refresher course requirement (for individuals previously named on an approved GVSU IRB protocol):

• GVSU's CITI HSR - Biomedical Researchers (Refresher Course)
• GVSU's CITI HSR - Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers (Refresher Course)
• GVSU's CITI HSR - Biomedical Researchers (Basic Course)
• GVSU's CITI HSR - Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers (Basic Course)
• Certain CITI HSR courses from an outside institution (contact ORCI to check if your certificate would be valid)

For the CITI courses, you must complete all required modules and associated quizzes, and score at least 80% overall on the quizzes.

If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Office of Research Compliance and Integrity ([email protected]).