Human Research Protection Training

Supporting safe, ethical, and respectful research that protects people and builds trust.

Why This Matters

Everyone who participates in research deserves to be safe, respected, and understood.

This training requirement helps make sure research is done ethically, responsibly, and with care.

It also ensures that the people doing the research have the knowledge they need to protect human participants.

Who Must Complete the Training?

Anyone working on a study reviewed by the VDSS Institutional Review Board (IRB). This includes:

Principal Investigators
Co‑Investigators
Faculty Advisors (for students)
Study Coordinators
Biostatisticians
Any staff or contractors who interact with participants or their identifiable data

When Training Is Required

This policy applies to all new and ongoing studies requesting IRB review (expedited, full board, and continuing) on or after July 1, 2023.

Training must be completed before a study can be approved and must remain current until the study is complete.

What Training Is Accepted?

VDSS accepts completion of:

CITI Human Subjects Research (HSR) Basic Course
CITI HSR Refresher Course (for recertification)
Equivalent human research protection programs approved by the IRB

If a researcher does not have access to training through their institution, VDSS can provide free access to CITI training.

Email the VDSS IRB for more information.

What the Training Covers

At minimum, training must include:

What counts as human subjects research
Belmont Report's core principles
Federal regulations and the Revised Common Rule
Assessing risks
Working with vulnerable populations
Informed consent
Privacy and confidentiality
Conflicts of interest
IRB review processes
Unanticipated problems and reporting

What the Principal Investigator Must Do

The PI is responsible for ensuring that:

All research personnel complete required HRP training
Documentation is submitted to the IRB
Training does not expire during the study
New personnel complete training and are reported to the IRB

Submitting Proof of Training

Before approval, the PI must submit:

HRP training certificates for all personnel
The Research Personnel form
CVs for the PI and co‑investigators

Updates to personnel or training after approval do not require a modification form, but the PI must send an updated Research Personnel form and training documentation.

If Training Is About to Expire

Training must stay current throughout the life of the study. If a certificate will expire during the study, personnel must renew it, and the PI must provide updated documentation.

Where to Find Forms

All required IRB forms, including the Research Personnel form, are available at:
https://www.dss.virginia.gov/research-and-planning/institutional-review-board-irb/institutional-review-board-forms/