Required IRB Training
Collaborative Institutional Training Program (CITI Program)
Educational training in human subjects ethics is mandated by the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If your research is externally funded, your funding agency may require additional training.
Federal regulations require that all key personnel are trained appropriate to their involvement with human participants. SUNY Cortland defines key personnel as anyone (on or off campus) who has direct contact with participants (in any way, at any time) or individuals who have access to private information from participants that is not yet anonymously coded. These individuals could include, but are not limited to, the investigator, co-investigators, students, research assistants/staff, off-site location staff, and individuals involved in data management who have access to private information that is not coded (e.g., data entry operator who has access to names or could ascertain the identity of an individual from the data).
To meet OHRP training and education requirements, SUNY Cortland utilizes CITI Program, an online training platform. SUNY Cortland requires investigators to complete the Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research course. This course provides an introduction to the history, emergence, and implementation of protections/regulations conducting research with human subjects in the U.S.
SUNY Cortland also requires the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course. Materials for the RCR course can be beneficial to those new to human subjects research, research assistants, staff, or students. These materials can be used in courses as well. Links to these optional documents can be found on the IRB Resources, Templates, and FAQS page.
Accessing CITI Program
Accessing and enrolling in CITI Program is relatively straightforward. First, read and follow these enrollment instructions.
It is likely that you will need multiple online sessions to complete the Basic Social Behavioral Course modules. Quiz grades for completed modules are saved online and you can resume the tutorial when you login during a subsequent session. The average time needed to complete the Basic Course is between 2-4 hours. This basic course provides excellent training regarding the history and application of The Belmont Report and the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) which govern human subjects research.
CITI Program does not provide detailed information on the application process, SUNY policy, or Cortland policies/procedures. After CITI Program training, investigators are to read SUNY Cortland's Policies and Procedures to gain an understanding of what is required and how to apply for IRB approval.
Faculty members with questions concerning certification or eligibility should contact the IRB via email. Students who have questions about certification should contact their instructor or thesis advisor. If you need a copy of your certification for your professor, sign-in to CITI Program and print a copy of your certification.