Ongoing education is required to ensure that IRB members, investigators, and co-investigators are aware of (a) the historical foundations that underscore the importance of protections for human subjects who participate in research; (b) the relevant codes and regulations that apply to government-supported human subjects research activities; and (c) the application of the guiding principles of respect, beneficence, and justice in human subjects research.

Proof of completion of education requirements is required prior to the approval of any human subjects research project.

Education requirements are described at the following tabs:

All investigators and co-investigators (i.e., those individuals who are collecting data or using data that has personally identifiable information as part of research studies) are required to complete an online course titled “Protecting Human Research Participants” before they begin working with human subjects.

The course contains seven modules, and is available at no cost via the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Extramural Research. The required modules take up to 3 hours to complete and include the following topics:

  • Introduction
  • History
  • Codes and regulations
  • Respect for persons
  • Beneficence
  • Justice

When you successfully complete the seven module course, you will have the opportunity to print an education certificate. Deliver a paper or electronic copy of this certificate to IRB secretary Jennifer Kozak, Building 6, Suite 750.

This training must be completed by investigators every two years. The IRB secretary maintains a database of investigators who have satisfied the education components noted above.

The IRB will not approve any research project where the principal investigator or a listed co-investigator does not have a current education certificate on file.

In addition to the requirements for investigators/co-investigators, all IRB members must complete the three Human Subjects Assurance Training modules available via the OHRP. These modules include the following topics:

  • HHS regulations and institutional responsibilities
  • Investigator responsibilities and informed consent
  • Human research protections program

Deliver a paper or electronic copy of your certificate to IRB secretary Jennifer Kozak, Building 6, Suite 750.

IRB members are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following resources as needed: