Courses / Offerings

GCP is the standard by which all research involving humans is required to be undertaken. Australia has a strong international reputation for the quality of its medical and clinical research, however, many staff have not received formal training in GCP. The focus of our programs is to provide initial and continuing education to investigational site staff in GCP and other relevant clinical subjects and then encourage them to undertake and maintain certification by examination to demonstrate global benchmark competence.

Which course should you consider attending?

The courses that are offered through CNS are:

• GCP for Research Professionals
• GCP for Physicians & Investigators
• ACRP Certification Exam for Research Professionals
• CRC/CRA Certification Exam Review Course
• CRC/CRA Certification Exam Review Package

Certification Exam:

This year, rather than a written test, the Certification Exams will be computer-based tests offered through the chosen testing vendor's secure sites. This new form of examination will also allow instant reads of initial scores, eliminating much of the anxiety of waiting for results. There will also be increased flexibility for test-takers by allowing the exam to be taken within a 10-day window in March and September.

All exam applications will be online. Please consult the ACRP website 

Clinical Physician Investigator (CPI)

A Clinical Physician Investigator, regardless of job title, works at a clinical research site as the investigator whose research activities are conducted under Good Clinical Practices (GCP), local and/or FDA regulations and ICH guidelines.

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

A sponsor or CRO employs the Clinical Research Associate (may include professional ranging from monitors to project directors). A CRA is independent of the investigative staff conducting the research at the site or institution and is not generally employed or supervised by the investigative site or institution.

Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)

A Clinical Research Coordinator, Study Site Research Nurse, or Study Site Coordinator, works at the clinical site under the immediate direction of the investigator, whose research activities are conducted under Good Clinical Practice regulations.

There are several benefits to obtaining and maintaining certification as it is increasingly recognized by today's global clinical research industry. Major CROs and pharmaceutical/biotech companies now encourage CCRA or CCRC certification. Certification assists the public, healthcare professionals and the industry itself by identifying standards for professional practice and provides confidence that those testing our future medicines do so as trained and competent professionals.