Stanford provides access to
required training through an interactive online tutorial, the CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) Course in The
Protection of Human Research Subjects.
Completion of human subject training should be done by all staff working on a research project (all investigators and other study personnel, including all persons who are responsible for designing and/or conducting research, performing data analysis or reporting activities). It is suggested you take the CITI training before submitting your IRB protocol for approval.
Third party (subcontract) research personnel or consultants must comply with this education requirement as well. They may satisfy this requirement at their home institutions, provided that the IRB is assured of completion of the necessary training. A letter, certificate, or email notification by a representative from the home institution will satisfy this requirement.
You can view and print a copy of your completion certificate by logging into the CITI home page. At the "Learner's Menu" screen:
If under the Status heading it says "Passed", then click on the PRINT link under Completion Reports. This will display a table. Click “Print Completion Report” to print the certificate.
If under the Status heading it says "Not Started - Enter" or "Incomplete - Re-enter", click on Previous Coursework Completed link, then click on See Coursework Completed. When the table is displayed, click on the “Print Completion Report” link.
Selecting a Learner Group
There are seven Learner Groups to choose from, with each group reflecting a different research area of focus. Group descriptions are provided when you register for CITI. Choose a Learner Group that best reflects your area of research and responsibilities.
Most investigators and staff fall into Group 7 or Group 2, depending on whether medical or nonmedical research is involved:
- Group 7 - for Medical Research Investigators and Staff, (IRB BioMed/GCP) covers those conducting research at Stanford Hospital and Clinics or LPCH and Good Clinical Practice training (GCP)
- Group 2 - for Non-medical Research Investigators and Staff (research conducted in the areas of Education, Psychology, Engineering, Law, Business, Sociology, etc).
GCP Training for Non-Medical Researchers covers those conducting research that meets the definition of a clinical trial in the areas of Education, Psychology, Engineering, Law, Business, Sociology, etc.
- Group 10 - For Non-Medical Research Investigators and Staff, (GCP - Social and Behavioral Research Best Practices for Clinical Research)
Other groups are for IRB members (medical/non-medical), Institutional Officials and Research Compliance Office staff.
Can I complete this training in several sessions?
Yes, you can leave and come back to the site using your CITI username and password as often as necessary. All completed work is stored.
If you are an investigator and an IRB member:
Choose an IRB member group (not an investigator/staff group):
• Group 3 - if you are a member of a medical IRB.
• Group 4 - if you are a member of a non-medical IRB.
How often do I have to take this course to keep my training current?
Training is required every three years. You will need to access the CITI tutorial again to take the Refresher course, so make sure you record your username and password for future use. After the first training, you will be prompted 3 months before it expires to do the Refresher Course for that group.
What if I take my Refresher course 'early'?
When you take the Refresher course, your expiration date is three years from date of completion.
Example: Your current expiration date is in June; CITI sends you an automated reminder three months before, in March.
If you take your Refresher course immediately (in March) your next expiration date will be three years from March (not from June).
What if I have forgotten my username or password?
Your SUNet ID and password are your CITI username and password.
What if I have more than one CITI Username?
If you have more than one CITI Username associated with your email addresses, you have more than one account. To merge your accounts, visit the CITI Support Center.
Other questions regarding CITI training?
Email IRB Education.