Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)

Requirements

All investigators and key personnel who participate in the design, conduct, or reporting of human subjects research (including exempt research) must be appropriately trained in the protection of human subjects. The university uses the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) web-based human research course to satisfy the requirement for MUSC researchers for training in human research subjects protection. Initial and continuing education (every 3 years) are required as explained below.

Training must be completed prior to receiving initial or continuing IRB review of research proposals.

New Users

The Basic Human Research Course is required for investigators and key personnel who have not previously completed a CITI course. There are two educational tracks for the basic course: Biomedical or Social and Behavioral. In order to receive maximal benefit, you should choose the track most closely matching the research in which you are involved. Each track contains 16 required modules and several optional modules. Each module may take from 10 to 30 minutes to complete and most contain a quiz. The modules do not have to be completed in a single login session. A minimum aggregate score of 80% is required to pass the Basic Course.

Note: If you have not previously completed the Basic Human Research Course, taking the Refresher Course will not satisfy the training requirement.

Returning Users

The Refresher Course is required for investigators and key personnel every three years as continuing education in human subjects protection. There are two educational tracks for the refresher course: Biomedical or Social and Behavioral. In order to receive maximal benefit, you should choose the track most closely matching the research in which you are involved. You are not required to take the same track you completed in the Basic Course. Each track contains up to 12 required modules and several optional modules. Each module may take from 10 to 15 minutes to complete and most contain a short quiz. A minimum aggregate score of 80% is required to pass the Refresher Course.

Note: If you have not previously completed the Basic Human Research Course, taking the Refresher Course will not satisfy the training requirement.

To access the CITI Courses, registration of a username and password on the CITI website is required. The password you choose will not be shared with anyone at MUSC. See CITI for instructions. To retrieve a lost username and/or password, select the Forgot Username or Password link on the CITI homepage to have it sent to you by email.

You will be asked to choose the course and enroll in a Learner Group that is compatible with your interests and training requirements in human subjects protection. The program will automatically select the modules you are required to complete. Follow the instructions and links on the Learner's Menu to begin the course you selected. Use the "View/Update your Learner Group" link on the Learner's Menu to select or change groups for the Basic Course or Refresher Course. Course completion will be registered electronically with the University Compliance Office. To view your course completion history and obtain a completion certificate, follow the link to the CITI Course Completion Report.

Print and retain a copy for your records.

Transferring CITI Completion from Another Institution

To transfer your completed modules from another institution to MUSC, log onto your CITI account and click on the Affiliate with Another Institution account link. Choose Medical University of South Carolina. State that this is your first time completing a course at MUSC and select the Basic Human Research course. You will need to review the MUSC modules, plus complete any modules that MUSC requires which your former institution did not. Once you have completed all MUSC modules, you will show up as complete in the MUSC system.

Questions or Assistance

Stan Sulkowski, Program Coordinator, MUSC University Compliance - 843.792.0319
University Compliance Training - Human Subjects in Research