To help Case Western Reserve University’s researchers stay informed and up to date on training, the Office of Research and Technology Management facilitates the Continuing Research Education Credit (CREC) program.
Through CREC, you can take free documented training on protecting human subjects of research. CREC is a collaborative program between CWRU, The MetroHealth System and University Hospitals (UH), and all training complies with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) education requirements.
Looking for CREC-Approved Training?
View the CREC-Approved Training, Including Seminars, Videos and Quizzes.
CREC Program Requirements
Before beginning research activities, each study team member conducting research with human subjects must complete the initial core training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program, a subscription service offering research education content.
Initial Core Training for CREC Certification
The initial core training for the CREC certificate is one of the CITI courses below. Within the portal, select the course that is most relevant to your research or discipline. Only one of the courses will be eligible for credit.
- Group 1: Biomedical Research Faculty, Staff & Students
- Group 2: Social and Behavioral Research Faculty, Staff & Students
Enroll in Initial Core Training
Maintaining CREC Certification
Program members must acquire 12 credits every three years to maintain their CREC certification. Failure to attain credits will result in removal from the program. Once a member is removed from the program, they must complete the initial core training above.
Learn More the CREC Requirements
Transferring CITI Training and Affiliating
Researchers can transfer current* CITI training by affiliating with the CWRU CREC program. Once affiliated, email crec@case.edu. Additional training may be required based on local criteria and funding sources. Please note that not all CITI certificates are accepted; completion reports are required.
*Current means training completed within the last two years.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Requirements
NIH Good Clinical Practice Training Policy
NIH-funded investigators and staff involved in the conduct, oversight, or management of clinical trials must receive training every three years in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), consistent with the principles of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E6. Review the free GCP training offered through CITI or the additional options listed above.
View the NIH Good Clinical Practice Training Policy
National Science Foundation (NSF) Requirements
NSF Responsible Conduct of Research Training Policy
All NSF faculty, senior personnel and trainees must complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training every three years.
Select one of four CITI RCR courses in biomedical research, humanities, physical science, or social and behavioral research. Download the instructions for adding the course for new CITI users or current CITI users. This training is not eligible for CREC.
View the NSF Responsible Conduct of Research Training Policy
Research Seminar Series
To support CREC offerings through ORTM, we offer a regular live webinar series on topics such as conflicts of interest, post-award services, research integrity/misconduct, technology transfer and more.
CITI Program Resources
- CREC/CITI Quick Guide
- New CITI User Instructions
- First-time users: Register and Add a Course for First-time Users
- Current users: Add a Course Current CITI Users
CREC/Research Resources
Get in Touch
Contact our team to learn more about CREC at Case Western Reserve.
Yovonda Rease
Research Integrity Education ManagerEmail: yovonda.rease@case.edu
Phone: 216.368.5963
