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During my frenzy of preparation for the ACRP CCRA certification exam, in 2003, a colleague asked me why I was so determined to become an ACRP certified monitor. “It is just a piece of paper. “ She informed me. “It really doesn’t mean anything. “
I was not experienced enough to provide an adequate response. And so I chose not to answer her question. My reasons for taking the exam were personal. I had been waiting for 3 years to take the certification exam. I knew it would boost CV content and lend job credibility. I was not aware of the far reaching and dramatic impact it would have on my fledgling career.
As I near my 11 year anniversary as an ACRP certified CRA, I see this essay as an opportunity to finally answer that auspicious question posed by my colleague, and to inform anyone considering the certification pathway, that it is a career transforming decision. For me, it replaced uncertainty with confidence; it collated a disorganized knowledge base, and made straight a once undirected career path.
I had a trial by fire inception into clinical research. Soon after nursing school, I accepted a study coordinator position with a lot of enthusiasm and ZERO experience. I rapidly gained critical knowledge; both what to do, and what not to do. At my first investigator’s meeting (intimidated and weary), I was befriended by an experienced study coordinator. That was my first introduction to the CCRC/CCRA acronym, which the study coordinator proudly displayed on her name badge (CCRC). When I asked her what the letters represented, she informed me that she has taken a certification exam sponsored by a renowned research organization, and she was a certified clinical research coordinator. To my naive perception, that certification was the proverbial gold standard of clinical research expertise. However, that initial impression was surprisingly accurate. ACRP certification is universally recognized and highly respected certification to attain, and I feel proud to be a part of such a noteworthy organization.
Passing the certification exam was a bittersweet and wonderful accomplishment. Let me preface this by saying that I am NOT adept with timed testing. I am methodical and consider every answer, which does not align with the constraints imposed on timed examinations. I was daunted to discover the 3 hour parameter of the examination. But I was determined and spent hours reviewing research regulations and guidelines, to adequately prepare myself.
I likewise felt enormous pressure to pass the exam, from several sources. Being a type A perfectionist, as most CRAs are, I placed an inordinate amount of pressure on myself to pass the first time. My then employer covered the exam fee, and had high expectations of my performance. To cap off the pressure trifecta, I was notified at the last minute that my supervisor would be taking the exam with me. Could it get any better than that?
I felt cautiously optimistic the morning of the exam. I had prepared to the best of my ability, and had to trust the effort would dictate the outcome. However that peace of mind proved fleeting once I entered the examination area and held the 125 question test in my hand. The administrator informed us that we had 3 hours to complete the test. My confidence progressively waned, replaced with worry, as I witnessed each test taker complete the exam and exit the facility. I was the second to last person to finish the exam- I stopped short with five minutes to spare, and a number of questions unanswered, I felt dejected , and my prospects for passing dismal. It was hard to fathom that all of that effort had been for naught.
Three weeks later I received the glorious letter informing me that I was a certified CRA. My hands were unsteady as I opened the envelope. I am sure my neighbors thought me crazy as I whooped, hollered and danced a jig in the condominium mail room. I did not care. I was exultant, and relieved to have passed the examination.
CCRA certification was the final proverbial milestone in my educational journey as a monitor. It confirmed my industry knowledge and monitoring proficiency. In preparing for the exam I gained a vital understanding of the regulations that govern research, which expedited future assimilation of clinical research directives and information pivotal to monitoring performance.
My answer to anyone who feels that obtaining certification does not make a difference? Trust me when I tell you, I would not have gotten as far as I have without it.
I was not experienced enough to provide an adequate response. And so I chose not to answer her question. My reasons for taking the exam were personal. I had been waiting for 3 years to take the certification exam. I knew it would boost CV content and lend job credibility. I was not aware of the far reaching and dramatic impact it would have on my fledgling career.
As I near my 11 year anniversary as an ACRP certified CRA, I see this essay as an opportunity to finally answer that auspicious question posed by my colleague, and to inform anyone considering the certification pathway, that it is a career transforming decision. For me, it replaced uncertainty with confidence; it collated a disorganized knowledge base, and made straight a once undirected career path.
I had a trial by fire inception into clinical research. Soon after nursing school, I accepted a study coordinator position with a lot of enthusiasm and ZERO experience. I rapidly gained critical knowledge; both what to do, and what not to do. At my first investigator’s meeting (intimidated and weary), I was befriended by an experienced study coordinator. That was my first introduction to the CCRC/CCRA acronym, which the study coordinator proudly displayed on her name badge (CCRC). When I asked her what the letters represented, she informed me that she has taken a certification exam sponsored by a renowned research organization, and she was a certified clinical research coordinator. To my naive perception, that certification was the proverbial gold standard of clinical research expertise. However, that initial impression was surprisingly accurate. ACRP certification is universally recognized and highly respected certification to attain, and I feel proud to be a part of such a noteworthy organization.
Passing the certification exam was a bittersweet and wonderful accomplishment. Let me preface this by saying that I am NOT adept with timed testing. I am methodical and consider every answer, which does not align with the constraints imposed on timed examinations. I was daunted to discover the 3 hour parameter of the examination. But I was determined and spent hours reviewing research regulations and guidelines, to adequately prepare myself.
I likewise felt enormous pressure to pass the exam, from several sources. Being a type A perfectionist, as most CRAs are, I placed an inordinate amount of pressure on myself to pass the first time. My then employer covered the exam fee, and had high expectations of my performance. To cap off the pressure trifecta, I was notified at the last minute that my supervisor would be taking the exam with me. Could it get any better than that?
I felt cautiously optimistic the morning of the exam. I had prepared to the best of my ability, and had to trust the effort would dictate the outcome. However that peace of mind proved fleeting once I entered the examination area and held the 125 question test in my hand. The administrator informed us that we had 3 hours to complete the test. My confidence progressively waned, replaced with worry, as I witnessed each test taker complete the exam and exit the facility. I was the second to last person to finish the exam- I stopped short with five minutes to spare, and a number of questions unanswered, I felt dejected , and my prospects for passing dismal. It was hard to fathom that all of that effort had been for naught.
Three weeks later I received the glorious letter informing me that I was a certified CRA. My hands were unsteady as I opened the envelope. I am sure my neighbors thought me crazy as I whooped, hollered and danced a jig in the condominium mail room. I did not care. I was exultant, and relieved to have passed the examination.
CCRA certification was the final proverbial milestone in my educational journey as a monitor. It confirmed my industry knowledge and monitoring proficiency. In preparing for the exam I gained a vital understanding of the regulations that govern research, which expedited future assimilation of clinical research directives and information pivotal to monitoring performance.
My answer to anyone who feels that obtaining certification does not make a difference? Trust me when I tell you, I would not have gotten as far as I have without it.
