The Human Research Protection (HRP) certification program at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) provides free, federally required training to safeguard human research subjects. The program reflects the Belmont Report and the revised Common Rule (45 CFR 46 Subpart A) as part of the Human Research Protection Program, which is accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP).
The HRP certification program is offered in collaboration with The MetroHealth System (MHS) and University Hospitals (UH). The CWRU Office of Research Administration supports the program and, together with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Advisory Committee (IAC), reviews regulatory updates. The IAC approves the program's content and administration to ensure ongoing compliance.
Training and Certification Requirements
Before starting research, all study team members, including faculty, staff, and students who conduct, manage, or oversee research involving human subjects, must complete the initial core training in SpartaLearn.
Initial Core Training for HRP Certification
The initial core training establishes a foundation in protecting human subjects. Once complete, certification is renewed every three years through training in the four HRP competency areas.
Complete one of the following courses in SpartaLearn, based on your research.
When completing the profile update for the first time in SpartaLearn, select "Yes" for the Human Research Protection Certification.
| Courses | Research |
|---|---|
| Group 1: Biomedical Research Faculty, Staff, and Students | Research involving human specimens, drugs, devices, interventions, or biological data. |
| Group 2: Social and Behavioral Research Faculty, Staff, and Students | Research involving surveys, interviews, focus groups, observational work, or interactions that study behavior, attitudes, or decision-making. |
Maintaining Certification
To maintain active certification, researchers must complete training in all four HRP competencies within the three-year certification cycle. If your certification expires and you are removed from the HRP program, you must repeat the initial core training before resuming research.
| HRP Competency Areas | Focus |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Overview | Covers the ethical and regulatory framework for compliant research under federal and institutional policies. |
| Vulnerable Populations | Addresses protections for participants who require additional safeguards. |
| Non-Compliance/Quality Assurance | Focuses on oversight, prevention, and continuous improvement across the research lifecycle. |
| Trending In Research | Highlights emerging developments and evolving topics shaping the research environment. |
Renewal deadline:
Submit your renewal on or before your expiration date to keep your certification active.
Check your certification renewal status.
Transferring CITI Training
Researchers can transfer current* CITI training by affiliating with the HRP certification program in SpartaLearn. Additional training may be required based on institutional requirements and the funding source.
Have your existing non-SSO CITI username and password ready before you begin.
Step 1: Access SpartaLearn
Go to the SpartaLearn Login Page and log in with your institution (CWRU, UH, or MHS).
Step 2: Enroll in Courses
Enroll in any CITI Program courses you have taken at your previous institution. In SpartaLearn, integrated CITI courses begin with "CITI". When you are sent from SpartaLearn to the CITI Program's website, it will create an SSO account affiliated with CWRU.
Step 3: Pair Your Current CITI Account
Select "I already have an account" and enter your previous CITI credentials you want to transfer courses from, enter and pair your account. Applicable completed modules (training completed within the past two years) will be transferred automatically.
Step 4: Complete Modules
Finish any remaining modules to complete the transfer.
Get in Touch
Contact our team to learn more about HRP certification.
Yovonda Rease
Research Integrity Education ManagerEmail: yovonda.rease@case.edu
Phone: 216.368.5963
