The Advanced Certified Research Specialist (AdvCRS) Program provides advanced role-based preparation for clinical research professionals at UAMS. The training provided by the Advanced Certified Research Specialist Program will provide a more in-depth study of the various topics surrounding Human Subjects Research and Good Clinical Practice.
In the Advanced Program individuals gain a deeper understanding of the research specialist profession by exploring key regulatory and procedural essentials. The program was developed by experienced research professionals and the Office of Research Compliance.
Advanced Certified Research Specialists complete required coursework and pass a comprehensive Advanced Certified Research Specialist Proficiency Exam.
There is no charge for participating in the program. Most the Advanced Certified Research Specialist classes will only be offered once annually. Registrants must have held the Certified Research Specialist certificate for three years prior to enrolling in the Advanced Certified Research Specialist Program, or hold a national certification such as SOCRA or ACRP.
We present new and continuing Advanced Certified Research Specialists with their formal certificates at the annual Certified Research Specialist/Advanced Certified Research Specialist Awards Ceremony each January.
For more information on the program and how to join, please check out the following pages:
- Registration
- Advanced Certified Research Specialist Requirements
- Advanced Certified Research Specialist Checklist
- Advanced Certified Research Specialist Exam: Request via email at McCluskeyJenniferM@uams.edu
- Maintaining Advanced Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years do I have to be Certified Research Specialist certified before being eligible for the Advanced Certified Research Specialist program?
Three years
How do I maintain my Certified Research Specialist certification while working towards Advanced Certified Research Specialist certification?
While working towards Advanced Certified Research Specialist certification, 6 hours of the Advanced Certified Research Specialist trainings will count as research education electives towards maintaining your Certified Research Specialist certification. During your Advanced Certified Research Specialist Program review, those same requirements will be dually noted as completed.
How do I indicate that I am Advanced Certified Research Specialist certified?
The following is an example of how to note your Advanced Certified Research Specialist certification:
Jane Doe, AdvCRS
How often are Advanced Certified Research Specialist requirements scheduled?
Most Advanced Certified Research Specialist classes are only offered once a year.
I took the same Advanced Certified Research Specialist class twice. Will the second attendance count as an Advanced Certified Research Specialist elective?
No
I am a 2020 Certified Research Specialist graduate, but used some Advanced Certified Research Specialist requirements as electives while completing the Certified Research Specialist program. Will they count towards a “fulfilled” requirement when I become eligible for the Advanced Certified Research Specialist program?
No. Until you have qualified for the Advanced Certified Research Specialist program (three years as a Certified Research Specialist), those Advanced Certified Research Specialist required classes will only count as Certified Research Specialist electives — and cannot be used again in fulfillment of an Advanced Certified Research Specialist required course in the future.
You are welcome to attend any Certified Research Specialist or Advanced Certified Research Specialist classes. If you have questions about a class counting as an elective or requirement, contact Carrie Chiaro.