Institutional Review Board (IRB) Specialist Credential

The IRBSC confirms that you have the essential ethical, regulatory, and procedural competencies needed to support IRB functions and research oversight. It helps you stand out to employers and institutions seeking professionals trained in human research protections.

The IRB Specialist Credentialing Exam is a standardized assessment that measures a candidate’s readiness to perform key IRB-related tasks in compliance with ethical guidelines, federal regulations, and institutional policies.

The exam is designed for individuals working in, or preparing for, roles involving human research protections and IRB operations. This includes IRB coordinators, compliance officers, research administrators, clinical research staff, and graduate students pursuing careers in regulatory affairs or research ethics.

The IRBSCE is offered online via UF’s e-Learning platform and remotely proctored through ProctorU. Candidates must follow all testing requirements outlined in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

The exam includes 75 questions in multiple-choice, true/false, and scenario-based formats. It is closed-book, with a two-hour time limit. Candidates must earn at least 80 percent to receive the credential.

Preparation should include reviewing the Candidate Information Bulletin, studying key regulatory references, and gaining practical familiarity with IRB operations and ethical principles in research.

The exam fee is $215 per attempt.

Candidates who pass will receive a digital credential and badge issued through Accredible, typically within two weeks. The credential may be displayed on resumes, LinkedIn, and professional portfolios. Credential holders may also opt in to the BioPro Talent Exchange.

The IRBSC is valid for five years. To renew, credential holders must retake and pass the IRBSCE before the expiration date.

All candidates should consult the IRBSCE Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) for complete information on exam topics, testing procedures, policies, and references.

Employers in research institutions, healthcare organizations, and industry expect new hires to understand the ethical principles, regulatory requirements, and review processes that protect human research participants. Passing the IRB Specialist Credentialing Exam (IRBSCE) demonstrates that you are prepared to support responsible and compliant research oversight from day one. It gives you a competitive edge by validating your ability to apply federal regulations, evaluate informed consent, and contribute to the integrity of the research process. The credential is a valuable addition to your professional qualifications and signals your commitment to upholding the highest standards in human subjects research protections.