Institutional Review Board (IRB)

IRB Training

St. Cloud State uses the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) to provide free IRB online training for various learner groups served on campus. 

All investigators and research personnel* involved with human subject research are required to complete IRB training, regardless of funding source. The training provides a base knowledge for the ethical and responsible treatment of human subjects and is required per our FederalwideAssurance. Training must be completed prior to the submission of an IRB protocol.

*research personnel includes: research assistants, students, faculty mentors and board members

1. Log into CITI

Instruction Guide for login and modules.

2. Determine the level of training you need to complete

*Undergraduate Student Graduate Student SCSU Faculty/Staff IRB Board Member
  •   2 required modules
  • 1 elective module
  •   3 required modules
  • 1 elective module
  •  4 required modules
  • 2 elective modules
  •  6 required modules
  • 2 elective modules

*Note: if you plan to attend graduate school, recommend completing the training at the graduate student level since training is good for five years and fairly standardized across institutions

2. Download your completion certificate

Upon conclusion of the required training and electives, your records will show the score, start date, completion date, expiration date and a completion record.  It is recommended you save the certificate for your records as it will need to be attached as a PDF to any IRB protocols that are submitted.  Certificate Download Instructions

3.  Complete Refresher training prior to CITI expiration

CITI training is valid for five years from date of completion.  IRB training must be up to date prior to submission of an IRB protocol. IRB Refresher training is available as a CITI course and should be taken prior to the certificate expiration date.