How to Choose Between ACRP and SOCRA Certification

Clinical research professionals will recognize both non-profit organizations actively recruiting members: ACRP and SOCRA. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Inc. (ACRP) is nonprofit corporation that was founded in 1976 and has grown tremendously in size of the last 30 years to now over 20,000 members worldwide. The Society of Clinical Research Associates, Inc. (SOCRA) is a nonprofit corporation that now has over 6,000 members worldwide. Both ACRP and SOCRA have similar missions, to ensure quality clinical research, promote global protection of research participants, and to offer clinical research professionals educational opportunities and resources. So how do you distinguish between these organizations? How do you choose which membership best fits your needs as a clinical research professional?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Certification – If you are looking to become certified consider what you are trained to do professionally. ACRP has examinations that offer certification for Clinical Research Associates (CRA), Clinical Research Associates (CRC), and Physician Investigators (CPI). Certification enhances your skill set and can be used as a measure of your general skills and knowledge of clinical research. SOCRA has examinations that offer certification for the Clinical Research Professional (CRP). Please see the website links below to access eligibility information for each certification.

2. Educational Programs – In order to maintain your membership in either organization, you need to earn continuing education credits. Educational opportunities are offered through both groups.

3. Online Community – ACRP now offers online forums where members can discuss questions and concerns regarding clinical research. You need to be a member of ACRP to access the online community information. The cost of membership for ACRP is currently higher than membership into SOCRA. The purpose of the online community is to offer networking opportunities with other professionals. You can choose to become members of both organizations.

4. Annual Conference – Both ACRP and SOCRA have global annual conferences to offer educational opportunities, contact hours, and networking opportunities. Keep in mind that even with a membership into these organizations there is still cost to attend educational programs.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit www.acrpnet.org for the official website of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Inc.
• Visit http://www.socra.org/ for the official website of the Society of Clinical Research Professionals, Inc.
• ACRP = Associate of Clinical Research Professionals, Inc.
• SOCRA = Society of Clinical Research Associates, Inc.
• CCRP = Certified Clinical Research Professional
• CCRC = Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
• CCRA = Certified Clinical Research Associate
• CPI = Certified Physician Investigator

Resources

• FreeDigitalPhotos.net