🏥 How Can I Become NCRCA™ Certified?
To become certified by the National Clinical Research Certification Association™ (NCRCA™), you must be employed by an NCRCA-accredited clinical research site, healthcare facility, academic institution, or training provider. NCRCA certification ensures national and global compliance, sponsor trust, and trial safety.
🔹 Step 1: Choose Your Certification
NCRCA offers nationally recognized credentials for the full range of clinical research roles:
| Credential Code | Credential Title |
|---|---|
| NCCRPT | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Phlebotomy Technician™ |
| NCCRPT-PED | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Pediatric Phlebotomy Technician™ |
| NCCRMA | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant™ |
| NCCRPCT | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Patient Care Technician™ |
| NCCRAA | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Administrative Assistant™ |
| NCCRT | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician™ |
| NCCRAS | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Assistant Supervisor™ |
| NCCRD | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Director™ |
| NCCRTM | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Trials Manager™ |
| NCCRP | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Professional™ |
| NCCRA | Nationally Certified Clinical Research Assistant™ |
🔹 Step 2: Be Employed by an NCRCA-Accredited Partner
NCRCA credentials are only available to clinical research professionals who are:
- Currently employed by an NCRCA-accredited organization
- Or enrolled in a partnered training program approved by NCRCA
Check your employer’s status at: www.ncrca.org/employer-partnership
🔹 Step 3: Complete Required Training
Each certification includes:
- Online or group-based role-specific training
- Hands-on skills evaluation (where applicable)
- A written certification exam administered by NCRCA or your employer
- Documentation of supervised clinical hours or training logs
For example:
NCCRPT-PED candidates must demonstrate pediatric phlebotomy skills including vein selection, pediatric safety, and protocol adherence for infants through adolescents.
🔹 Step 4: Pass the Exam & Receive Your Credential
Once you pass the NCRCA exam and training checklist:
- You will receive a digital and physical certification, valid nationally.
- Your name will be added to the NCRCA credential verification system for sponsors and employers to verify.
🔁 Step 5: Maintain Your Certification Annually
To keep your credential active:
- Submit proof of 500 hours of employment annually in a clinical research role
- Complete 10 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) annually
- Pay your annual renewal fee of $398
- Keep your contact and employer information updated in the NCRCA Portal
📌 Summary Pathway
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Be employed by an NCRCA-accredited employer or program |
| 2️⃣ | Choose the credential that matches your current role |
| 3️⃣ | Complete required training + skills evaluation |
| 4️⃣ | Pass the NCRCA certification exam |
| 5️⃣ | Maintain certification annually (CEUs + work hours) |
📞 Need Help?
If you are unsure of your eligibility or want to check if your employer is accredited, contact us: