Human Research Protections (IRB)

Education

Mandatory Investigator Education for Human Research Protection

The USF HRPP requires all individuals who engage in human subjects research to obtain USF IRB-approved human subjects protection education prior to receiving IRB approval for new and continuing research. Recertification must take place every three years from the date of initial certification through the CITI Refresher Course or another USF IRB-approved program listed on the IRB website. In lieu of a CITI course, USF undergraduate and graduate students can choose to participate in the USF IRB's annual Student Researcher Workshop offered in the fall spring semester. This live workshop provides training and information regarding human subjects research, and fulfills the education requirement for three years.

It is the responsibility of investigators and their staff to maintain current certification in human research protection education while engaged in human subjects research. Education in human research protection is required for all faculty, staff and students directly involved in the conduct of research. This includes:

  • Individuals who collect or enter data
  • Individuals who conduct study procedures (including informed consent) or interventions with human subjects
  • Individuals who use or have access to private information that can be linked to research subjects

This policy applies to all research involving human participants regardless of funding or sponsorship.

Failure to Comply
The IRB has the authority to suspend or withhold approval from any project that involves study personnel who fail to meet these education requirements.

For More Information
Please contact RSCH-IRB@usf.edu or call (813) 974-5638.

IRB Educational Requirements

To meet the USF IRB educational requirement, please complete the required readings and the appropriate CITI course. The Principal Investigator (PI) must keep his/her original Certificates of Completion on file, as well as the certificates for everyone directly involved in the conduct of the study.

Required Readings (read and review all):

Code of Federal Regulations:

CITI Course in the Protection of Human Research Subjects:

This course presents a comprehensive overview of human subject protections. It has separate tracks for Biomedical or Social/Behavioral researchers. In many instances, the CITI Program courses are transferrable between institutions.

Choose the appropriate CITI course, which typically takes approximately 2-3 hours for completion. You can re-enter the site as often as you like. After you complete the course, you can look up and print your certificate in the Certificates section below. If you register through the VA or an institution other than USF, you must send a copy of your certificate to the IRB office.

Please call 813-974-5638 if you would like additional information.

Veterans Administration (VA) Course #RSRCH-EES-J425
For VA employees and non-VA employees working on a VA project.

Web-Based Course - 2 hours. From a non-VA computer. Complete the course on the site on which you began. Please forward a copy of your certificate of completion to the IRB office.

Certificates
Find & Print Your Certificates - Certificates are posted within two business days after completion.

Additional Resources

HIPAA Education

For USF Health
HIPAA education is mandatory for USF Health faculty, staff, students, residents, and fellows who are in the USF Covered Health Care Component.

If you are required to complete HIPAA education for USF Health, you must visit the USF Health HIPAA Education website to complete it. If you have any questions or problems with the USF Health HIPAA training, please contact their help desk at (813) 974-6288.

Note: The USF Health HIPAA course does not meet the USF IRB requirement for education in human subject protections.