Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician (NCCRT)
Credential & Job Role Overview
Issued by the National Clinical Research Certification Association™ (NCRCA™)
The Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician™ (NCCRT™) credential is a nationally recognized certification awarded exclusively to employees of NCRA partner research organizations. This credential confirms that the individual is fully trained to support clinical research procedures, perform technical tasks, handle clinical equipment, and assist with diagnostic imaging under the supervision of a licensed physician or principal investigator.
✅ Credential Description:
The NCCRT™ certification validates the technician’s expertise in:
- Clinical trial support and research operations
- Patient preparation and monitoring
- Medical equipment use and maintenance
- Basic diagnostic imaging (under physician supervision)
- GCP (Good Clinical Practice), protocol compliance, and safety standards
This multi-skilled credential ensures the technician is capable of working across diverse trial settings, assisting both medical and research teams with precision and care. Technicians are also trained in phlebotomy, vital signs, EKG, documentation, and imaging support—making them a critical link between patients, investigators, and data teams.
🎯 Job Description: Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician™(NCCRT™)
Role Summary:
An NCCRT™-certified technician is responsible for providing hands-on technical support in clinical research studies, focusing on subject preparation, equipment setup, imaging assistance, and accurate data collection—all while maintaining strict regulatory and safety compliance.
Core Responsibilities:
- Assist with subject enrollment, visit prep, and clinical assessments
- Collect vitals, perform phlebotomy, and assist with EKG testing
- Set up, calibrate, and operate clinical trial equipment and diagnostic tools
- Capture basic diagnostic images (e.g., ultrasound, X-rays, dermoscopy) as directed by a physician
- Ensure proper labeling, storage, and transmission of images and data
- Maintain cleanliness, calibration logs, and safety checks on clinical equipment
- Document procedures and outcomes in source records and electronic systems
- Support investigators and coordinators with protocol execution and patient follow-up
Special Imaging & Equipment Competencies (NCCRT+):
- Operate portable imaging devices (e.g., ultrasound, dermatoscopes)
- Assist with data capture for radiology or investigational imaging endpoints
- Prepare patients for physician-led imaging exams
- Maintain imaging logs and imaging-related SOP compliance
🏥 Typical Work Environments:
- Research clinics and hospitals
- Diagnostic and imaging research centers
- Outpatient trial sites and specialty medical practices
- Pharmaceutical and device-sponsored trial facilities
🔐 Exclusive to NCRCA Partner Employers:
This credential is available only through NCRA-authorized clinical research employers. Training and certification are integrated into on-site education and supervised experience to ensure real-world competency.
🚀 Why It Matters:
The NCCRT certification equips technicians with the cross-functional skills required in modern clinical trials—where imaging, patient interaction, equipment handling, and regulatory precision all intersect. Sponsors and investigators benefit from a more efficient, capable, and audit-ready team member.
NCRCA Credential Overview – NCCRT™ Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician™
NCCRT – Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician
Credential Description
This credential certifies technicians who assist in imaging, specimen handling, equipment operation, and technical trial tasks under physician supervision.
Job Analysis
– Specimen Handling: Prepare and transport biological samples
– Equipment Operation: Use research equipment for imaging or diagnostics – Data Collection: Record technical observations and scan results
– Protocol Adherence: Ensure tasks are performed per trial protocol
Eligibility Requirements
– Employed by NCRCA-accredited partner employer
– OR complete 1-Day National Certification Bridge Program – OR attend an NCRCA-hosted Certification Conference
Exam Format
100 multiple-choice questions
Exam Content Breakdown
– Specimen Processing & Safety – 30% – Clinical Equipment Operation – 25%
– Documentation & Observations – 20% – Trial Protocol Support – 15%
– Ethics & Compliance – 10%
Initial Certification Fee
$398
Annual Maintenance Fee
$398
Renewal Requirements
– 500 hours verified employment
NCRCA Credential Overview – NCCRT Nationally Certified Clinical Research Technician
– 10 CE hours related to the role
– $398 renewal fee submitted before expiration