Human subjects: training information
Required training for researchers
All researchers and study team members conducting human subjects research at ASU must complete training before being approved to work on a project.
Only individuals who are engaged in research need to be listed as a study team member and need to complete CITI Training. We define “engagement” as being involved in any of the following activities:
- obtaining informed consent of a human subject for research
- data collection (unless they are collecting data as part of their normal job and are not involved with the research project beyond their ‘job’ - for example, a hired phlebotomist or professional transcription service)
- data storage or access to study data
- data analysis
If you have questions about whether someone is engaged in research, contact us.
Online CITI training (Required)
ASU provides IRB training through a third-party called CITI Program. Complete one of the following, depending on the type of research being performed:
Click here to be taken to the bottom of the page, where instructions for logging into Citi IRB Training are located.
- IRB - Biomedical Research (Group 1) - complete this training if your research includes medical procedures, athletic procedures or studies health outcomes
- IRB - Social & Behavioral Research (Group 2) - complete this training if your research involves social and behavior techniques such as interviews or surveys
If you are unsure of which training to complete, discuss with your faculty mentor or contact us.
CITI Program training is valid for 48 months.
IRB courses are different from the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) courses. Only the courses that begin with "IRB" count toward IRB training requirements.
Transferring from another university
ASU often accepts IRB training that was previously completed through another institution (either CITI training or an alternative). Please upload a copy of your certificate of completion with other study materials when you submit your IRB study.
Additional training opportunities (Optional)
ORIA conducts in-person outreach to increase understanding of human subjects research protections and the IRB process:
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Basics
Learn everything you need to know about obtaining IRB approval for your human subjects research in this interactive workshop. Presenters will discuss the purpose and function of the IRB, requirements for approval, how to navigate the online submission system (ERA), and how to submit for review. A portion of the session will be devoted to audience Q&As and specific topic. Sessions are one hour in length and are held during fall and spring semesters. View the schedule of upcoming workshops or register for a session in Research Academy.
Effectively Engaging with Tribal Communities and Working on Tribal Lands
The Office of American Indian Initiatives and the Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development will host a discussion on effectively engaging with tribal peoples and working on tribal lands. The seminar features faculty, researchers and administrators speaking to the history of ASU’s research enterprise and relationship with tribes, the state of Indian Country in Arizona, an examination of the cultural review process for working with tribes and on tribal land, and unique considerations for working with tribal populations. Register for a session in Research Academy.
Classroom presentations and events
The IRB also provides in-person outreach presentations that can be tailored to a specific class or topic. These sessions are based on availability of IRB staff. To schedule a workshop, contact us a minimum of one week prior to the class or event.
Individual Assistance
Investigators who prefer individualized instruction can also make an appointment with IRB staff for one-on-one consultations on a wide variety of topics ranging from navigating the ERA to working through complex protocols. To schedule a consultation, contact us.
Instructions to log into CITI and start IRB training with your ASURITE
- Go to CITI Program website at www.citiprogram.org
- Select "Log in”
- Choose “LOG IN THROUGH MY INSTITUTION”
- Select "Arizona State University" under the list of organization names
- Log in using your ASURITE user ID and password. Please use your ASURITE ID to create an account so that your information can be easily linked to ASU databases.
- After logging in, select “I don’t have a CITI Program account” unless you already have a CITI account or had a CITI account through another institution. CITI Program is a free of charge service.
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- After logging in, navigate to the “Arizona State University Courses” tab
- This screen will allow you to begin a new course, continue a course you’ve started, and lists any courses you have completed
- To add a course, select “Add a Course”:
- You will be directed to the 'select curriculum' page. Of the 8 questions on that page, some are required, and the rest are optional. Your responses will depend on the courses you hope to add.
- If you need help determining what other courses you need, then please reach out to your supervisor.
Instructions to log into CITI and start IRB training for external affiliates
- Go to CITI Program website at www.citiprogram.org
- Select "Register". CITI Program is a free of charge service
- Search for "Arizona State University" within the 'Select Your Organization Affiliation' search bar.
- You will need to agree to some terms. Once you agree, select "Continue to create your CITI program Username/Password".
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. When prompted for "ASURITE", type in NOASURITE".
- Continue with the registration. You will be prompted to enter the name of your research department, role, and research sponsor. If you have no sponsor, then type in "none".
- You will be directed to the 'select curriculum' page. Of the 8 questions on that page, some are required, and the rest are optional. Your responses depend on the courses you hope to add.
- After logging in, navigate to the Arizona State University "Courses Tab"
- This scree will all you to begin a new course.
- Should you need to add an additional course that you missed from step 7, then you can add a course after the registration is complete. To add a course, select, "Add a Course"
- You will be directed to the 'select curriculum' page. Of the 8 questions on that page, some are required, and the rest are optional. Your responses will depend on the courses you hope to add.
Instructions to add ASU as an affiliation in you have already completed CITI training at another institution
- Go to CITI Program website at www.citiprogram.org
- Select "Log in”
- While under the 'my courses' tab, scroll down and select 'Add Affiliation.'
- Type into the search bar "Arizona State University", agree to the terms and affirm that you are an affiliate of ASU. Click 'continue'.
- You will be prompted to enter your institutional email address, language preference, role and department name.
- You will be directed to the 'select curriculum' page. Of the 8 questions on that page, some are required, and the rest are optional. Your responses will depend on the courses you hope to add. You can begin viewing modules as soon as courses are added.
- After logging in, navigate to the Arizona State University "Courses Tab"
- This screen will allow you to begin a new course.
- Should you need to add an additional course that you missed from step 6, then you can add a course after the adding the affiliation is complete. To add a course, select "Add a Course"
- You will be directed to the 'select curriculum' page. Your responses will depend on the courses you hope to add.