Mandatory Training for Conducting Research on Human Subjects

CDC/ATSDR investigators, supervisors, Associate Directors for Science (ADS), and Human Subjects Contacts (HSC) are required to maintain competency in research ethics and human research regulations by completing specific trainings on a regular basis. Historically, Scientific Ethics Verification (SEV) numbers have served as documentation of training completion by the Office of Scientific Integrity’s Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) in the Office of Science.

Effective January 1, 2019, SEV numbers no longer serve as documentation of completion of mandatory CDC human subject research training. Completion of select scientific training via the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) website is now required. CDC investigators, study staff, supervisors, ADSs, and HSCs involved in the conduct of federally conducted or supported human subjects research, must complete one or both of the following courses based on the type of research on which study staff are involved (Instructions to access CITI are located below). Equivalent refresher courses are required every 3 years:

  • Biomedical Research and RCR Combined OR
  • Social & Behavioral Research and RCR Combined

In addition, staff engaged in clinical investigation (as defined in the CDC Human Research Protections Policy) must also complete the following course:

  • CITI Good Clinical Practice

Key Considerations

  1. For partners working under an existing FWA, CDC will continue to verify the active FWA
  2. Individual investigators not working under separate FWA (i.e. collaborating with CDC under an Individual Investigator Agreement) will be asked to submit proof of having completed human subject research training within the past 3 years

CITI training is preferred, but FHI360external icon is also acceptable for those without institutional access to CITI. Other training may be accepted after approval by HRPO.

How to Access CITI Training

Anyone with a CDC user ID or PIV card should access the CITI website hereexternal icon, select Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and login through the Access Management System (AMS Login). CDC staff should not register directly with CITI as an independent learner.

If you have questions on the CDC human subjects research training requirement or CITI access, please contact huma@cdc.gov or via fax to 404-639-3249.

Note: There are separate training requirements for investigators performing procedures on live animals.

Page last reviewed: October 11, 2017
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