IRB (Human Subject Protections) Training and Test Have Moved To A New System!

The training and test required for those whose research involves human subjects is moving from Blackboard to the Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) program, effective June 30, 2006. Between now and that date, you may take the test in either system. However, it is strongly recommended that you use the CITI program now for the following advantages:

• CITI allows users to create their own logins (no more requesting or waiting for a Blackboard login).
• CITI training can be saved and completed over multiple sessions.
• Users can print their own certificates immediately after completion, as well as print subsequent copies later if necessary.
• The CITI program notifies users via email when it is time for refresher training, which is now required every three years.
• CITI training satisfies the IRB training requirements for three years at a time. IMPORTANT: If you take the IRB test in Blackboard, you will still have to complete the CITI training next year.

To access CITI, go to http://www.citiprogram.org. You will need your employee personnel number, which is used to enter your training into the Human Resources mandatory training database. Detailed instructions for registering on CITI are located on the Office of Human Subject Protections (OHSP) web page.

Additional questions about the new CITI program training should be directed to the following people. Please choose the person who is at your campus or the campus heading up your research.

• Janie Gardner (OHSP at UT Health Science Center in Memphis) at 901-448-1869 or jgardner@utmem.edu
• Sherry Brewer (OHSP at UT-Knoxville) at 865-544-6192 or sbrewer@utmck.edu
• Sylvia Freidl (OHSP at UT-Chattonooga) at 423-778-3899 or sylvia.freidl@erlanger.org