CCRP Certification: ACRP vs. SOCRA

Last Updated: March 12th, 2026

The Value of Certification & Certifying Organizations

In addition to experience and career accomplishments, CCRP certification can provide added credentials for CRAs to progress further. It is common to see job advertisements that list certification as one of the preferred quality a candidate should possess. CCRP certification shows that a CRA is willing to go the extra step to pursue professional certification.

Below, we talk about the 2 main clinical research organizations (ACRP and SOCRA) that are well recognized among those in the industry and the type of certifications that they offer.

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is one of the two clinical research professional organizations that are well recognized. ACRP is the older (established in 1976) and the larger of the two organizations, with more members worldwide.

ACRP offers membership, certifications, classes, conferences, career resources, and job postings. ACRP also offers an online forum and local chapter meetings around the world for networking opportunities and learning events.

For certification, ACRP offers several credential programs:

• CCRC (Certified Clinical Research Coordinator) – for clinical research coordinators
• CCRA (Certified Clinical Research Associate) – for clinical research associates / monitors
• CPI (Certified Principal Investigator) – for principal investigators
• ACRP-CP (ACRP Certified Professional) – a broader credential for any clinical research professional, regardless of specific role. This is ideal for professionals who work across multiple functions or are transitioning between roles.

ACRP also offers two specialty credentials that can be added on top of an existing ACRP certification: ACRP-MDP (Medical Device Professional) and ACRP-PM (Project Manager). These do not require separate recertification.

I had a CCRC certification when I was working at a hospital site as a CRC. Below are some steps for a CRA to become a certified CCRA through ACRP:

1. Become an ACRP member ($160 annual membership fee in the United States, $60 annual membership fee for emerging markets – electronic membership)
2. Register for the CCRA certification exam (exam fees range from $435 to $600, depending on membership status and registration timing – see fee breakdown below). You must provide a detailed CV/resume and job description.
   • Eligibility: Clinical research professionals with 3,000 hours of verifiable work experience are eligible to sit for the CCRA exam. Note that the old education-tiered system with different hour requirements for different degree levels no longer applies. It is now a flat 3,000 hours for all applicants.
   • What qualifies as work experience:
     • Work related to human subject research
     • Paid contractual agreement (employer/employee)
     • Can be verified by ACRP through the employer
   • What does NOT qualify:
     • Any work that is part of a degree track or education program
     • Any experience older than ten years
     • Internships (paid or unpaid)
   • Experience waiver: ACRP may grant a one-time waiver of 1,500 hours (reducing the requirement to 1,500 hours) if you meet one of the following:
     • Hold an active ACRP certification (CCRC, CCRA, CPI, or ACRP-CP); or
     • Have successfully completed a qualifying clinical research education program. The program must be aligned with the topics in the CCRA Exam Content Outline, hold valid third-party accreditation, and provide knowledge equivalent to 1,500 hours of employment. Program approval is at ACRP’s discretion and will not be pre-approved outside of a paid application. Click here for full eligibility details.
3. Take and pass the CCRA examination
   • Testing windows: ACRP offers its exams twice per year during fixed testing windows. For 2026, the Spring window runs February 15 – May 15 and the Fall window runs July 15 – October 15.
4. Renew your CCRA certification every 2 years ($215 – $325 renewal fee)
   • Report twenty-four (24) contact hours / points every two (2) years; or
   • Take the current Certification Exam

Exam fee breakdown:

Important note for exam preparation – ICH GCP E6(R3): The ICH Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R3) was officially adopted in January 2025. ACRP will begin incorporating E6(R3) content into its certification exams starting with the Fall 2026 testing window. If you are preparing for the exam, be sure to check ACRP’s website for the latest Exam Content Outline and recommended references, as study materials are transitioning from E6(R2) to E6(R3).

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) is the newer of the two clinical research professional organizations. It was established in 1991. Similar to ACRP, SOCRA is well recognized among those in the industry. SOCRA offers membership, certifications, classes, conferences, career resources, and job posting. SOCRA does not offer an online forum, but SOCRA does have local chapter meetings around the world for networking opportunities and learning events.

As for certification, SOCRA is different than ACRP in its approach. Instead of offering separate certification for Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC) and Clinical Research Associates (CRA), SOCRA offers one certification for both. This is called the Certified Clinical Research Professional CCRP certification. I got my CCRP certification through SOCRA. Below are some steps for a CRA to become a certified CCRP through SOCRA:

1. Become a SOCRA member ($75 annual membership fee)
2. Register for the CCRP certification exam ($395 fee for members, $450 for non-members), must meet one of the eligibility options below and provide detailed CV/resume, verification of employment, and job description. Click here for more details.

3. Take and pass the CCRP certification exam
   • Year-round testing: Unlike ACRP, which limits exams to two fixed testing windows per year (Spring and Fall), SOCRA now offers year-round testing through Prometric. Candidates can schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center or choose the home proctoring option for added flexibility. This means you don’t have to wait months for the next available window – you can test when you’re ready.
4. Renew your CCRP certification every 3 years (maintain membership during the 3 year period). This costs $350 for three years, which includes three years of complimentary SOCRA membership. This means you no longer need to pay separate annual membership fees during your certification period. A payment installment option is also available.
5. Report 45 continuing education hours every three (3) years AND
6. Complete the Continuing Competence Learning Module: this is an online, self-paced exercise intended to ensure that CCRPs are maintaining their knowledge and understanding related to changes affecting clinical research.

Important note for exam preparation – ICH GCP E6(R3): The ICH Guideline for Good Clinical Practice E6(R3) was officially adopted in January 2025. SOCRA updated its CCRP certification exam content to reflect E6(R3) beginning January 1, 2026. If you are currently studying for the CCRP exam, make sure your study materials are based on E6(R3), not the older E6(R2).

ACRP vs. SOCRA CCRP Certification

Both ACRP and SOCRA are well recognized among those in the industry. The decision to choose between ACRP and SOCRA for a CRA may come down to the consideration below:

Which organization do you want to be a member of?

• ACRP is older and has more members
• ACRP is has an online forum

Which eligibility requirements do you meet?

• SOCRA’s CCRP certification is available to anyone who has worked full time in the field of clinical research for at least 2 years as a Clinical Research Professional.
• ACRP’s CCRA certification is available to only those meeting specific CRA/monitoring job functions

How much studying are you willing to put into to passing the exam?

• SOCRA’s CCRP certification exam is easier (unofficial opinion from my own experience and from what I heard from friends and colleagues over the years).

How often do you need to renew the certification and the number of continuing education credit needed?

• ACRP requires 24 credits every 2 years (12 credits/year)
• SOCRA requires 45 credits every 3 years (15 credits/year)

How much does it cost for membership and maintaining your certification?

Below are some estimates of total cost (assuming membership is maintained during renewal period)

Full Comparison Table

Why I Chose SOCRA CCRP Certification

I had ACRP’s CCRC certification when I was a CRC in 2010. I chose not to renew the CCRC certification after becoming a CRA soon after. I have been SOCRA CCRP certified since September 2013. The reason I chose SOCRA’s CCRP certification was due to the lower cost and the longer period of renewal.

For those considering SOCRA’s CCRP certification, I have a study guide that helped me pass the exam with 96% out of 100% grade (click here to see my score). This study guide contains the notes that I compiled for my own study.

Even though materials on the notes are from publicly available sources (ICH GCP, FDA’s CFR, resources from internet, etc.), I find the vast amount of information to be overwhelming, especially with limited study time in between my daily workload.

This study guide includes summaries of information in an easy-to-read format, as well as my own knowledge and experience in clinical research. I bring both clinical research coordinator (CRC) and clinical research associate (CRA) perspectives, as I had worked in both roles in my career. Visit the homepage to learn more!

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