NCRCA Free Exam Conference
Every two years the National Clinical Research Certification Association (NCRCA) hosts a free exam conference that allows eligible clinical research professionals to challenge their NCRCA certification exam at no cost. Held on a rotating basis in Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York, the conference brings together candidates, educators and industry leaders for a day of learning, networking and assessment.
What is the free exam conference?
Clinical trials operate under strict regulatory frameworks, and the competency of the research workforce directly affects participant safety and data quality. To encourage continuing education and expand access to national certification, NCRCA offers a biennial conference where participants can:
• Attend educational sessions on Good Clinical Practice, ethics, protocol compliance and data integrity. These sessions prepare attendees for the exam and highlight the importance of standardized training.
• Network with peers and sponsors to share best practices and discuss emerging trends in clinical research. Sponsors value certified teams because they improve data accuracy and reduce regulatory risk.
• Sit for their NCRCA certification exam free of charge. During the conference, proctored exam sessions are available for all NCRCA credentials. The exams are competency‑based and assess knowledge of regulatory requirements, participant safety, documentation and role‑specific skills.
Who can participate?
The free exam conference is open to clinical research professionals who are:
• Affiliated with an NCRCA partner employer. NCRCA credentials are awarded through employer‑led pathways. Participants must be sponsored by their organisation and meet eligibility requirements for their chosen credential.
• Prepared to sit for the exam. Candidates should have completed the required training modules or the one‑day bridge program before attending. The conference sessions provide final review and exam logistics rather than foundational training.
Locations and schedule
The conference rotates among three major cities:
- Chicago, IL – Hosts the event in year one of the cycle.
- Washington, D.C. – Hosts in year three.
- New York, NY – Hosts in year five.
Each conference typically includes morning workshops, afternoon networking and exam preparation sessions, followed by proctored exams in the late afternoon. Candidates receive their results shortly after completion.
How to register
Employers should register their staff through the NCRCA events portal. Space is limited, and priority is given to partner organisations with ongoing certification needs. There is no fee to attend or to take the exam at the conference, but participants are responsible for travel and lodging.
Benefits of attending
• Cost savings – Challenging the exam at the conference eliminates the standard exam fee, making certification more accessible to qualified professionals.
• Professional development – Attendees gain up‑to‑date insights on regulation, ethics and clinical trial conduct and have the opportunity to ask questions of instructors and peers.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality – Employers who send staff to the conference show sponsors that they value national standards and are proactive about workforce development and compliance.
Conclusion
The NCRCA free exam conference is a unique opportunity to earn certification without financial barriers while engaging with a community of dedicated clinical research professionals. By investing time in this biennial event, employers and individuals reinforce the importance of competence, ethics and quality in clinical research.
NCRCA 2024 Conference
