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Office of Research Compliance

RCR Credentialing

How to earn a micro credential for RCR

Responsible conduct of research (RCR) training is essential for every researcher to understand the fundamental principles of conducting research ethically, knowledgeably, and responsibly. RCR training is a program focused on understanding and applying ethical research practices and compliance standards. The requirements for this micro credential align with the National Institutes of Health, USDA and National Science Foundation requirements for RCR training. Completion is expected in 2-4 semesters.

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Earning Criteria

  • Step 1: Complete the CITI RCR training

    This is an online, self-paced module that covers topics in research integrity, regulatory frameworks, and professional standards. A minimum passing score of 80% is required on all knowledge checks.

    If you are not registered with CITI, access the CITI login/registration page. The registration will guide you through a series of questions to help you select the correct course.  You will choose the “Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)” course then choose a discipline specific course that is most appropriate for you.

    Your CITI training is valid for 4 years. If you took CITI more than 4 years ago, you can either retake the Basic or the Refresher training to meet this requirement.

  • Step 2: Complete 8 hours of Advanced RCR training

    You must attend eight (8) approved RCR workshops with full attendance required for each session. The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) will offer 6-10 live workshops each academic year. You may also attend other events where the ORC has agreed to allow RCR credit—these may be offered by Grad360, the Rutland Institute, the Mentoring Program (offered by Grad360), the library, etc. In addition, your college/department may host a guest speaker or event; or if you are a student, your PI may provide some specific RCR training.

    RCR topics must be the subject of any training to earn the credit, please see the most current list of topics on our RCR page.

  • Step 3: The 8th (final) approved workshop must be in person

    This workshop will be offered at least once per year and focuses on the application of learned fundamentals. We will discuss case studies. Active participation is expected.

NOTE: All attendance must be documented and sent to ORC.

CITI completion certificates can be sent to ORC but for most individuals, the ORC is able to verify your CITI training.

The ORC will track your attendance for all ORC-sponsored workshops.

For any non-ORC workshops or training that you participate in, you must provide documentation that demonstrates proof of attendance—this may require verification from your PI or the facilitator of the event.

If you have questions, please email us at Rcrtraining@clemson.edu.

The ORC will track the hours for you and when you have completed steps 1-3, we will issue the digital badge.