The Academy of Clinical Research Professionals today announced changes to its investigator certification program that will allow for broader credentialing of those performing the pivotal role of principal investigator in clinical trials.

The Academy Board of Trustees voted to change the eligibility criteria for its Certified Physician Investigator (CPI) program to allow for individuals with a doctorate-level degree, such as PhD, Pharm.D, DNP, to earn recognition of their clinical research-specific expertise through certification. The CPI program had previously been open only to individuals holding an active medical license.

As part of its expansion of the CPI program's eligibility criteria, the Academy Board also approved a program title change from Certified Physician Investigator to Certified Principal Investigator.

Applicants for the CPI program are still required to demonstrate active participation in the clinical trials process, but are no longer required to hold a current license to practice medicine.

"Because the CPI® program is designed to focus on the clinical research-specific competencies required of a clinical trial investigator, not medical knowledge, this change is more reflective of the scope and diversity of investigators involved in the clinical research process," says Deborah L. Rosenbaum, CCRC, CCRA, Academy Chair. "The changes announced today also provide greater standardization of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be expected from a certified individual performing the role of the investigator in clinical research."

ACRP is the only organization offering role-specific certification programs for clinical research professionals through its Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA), and Certified Principal Investigator (CPI) programs, all of which hold the distinction of being the only clinical research certification programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

TransCelerate BioPharma recognizes ACRP's CCRC, CCRA, and CPI designations as evidence of Good Clinical Practice training, and American Nurses Credentialing Center recognizes ACRP's CCRC and CCRA designations toward assisting a hospital in meeting requirements of its Magnet Recognition Program.

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ACRP announced changes to its investigator certification program