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Q: What is CITI Training?
A: The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) was founded in March, 2000 as collaboration between the University of Miami and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to develop a web based training program in human subjects protections and laboratory animal research. Currently, the CITI program is used by over 830 participating institutions around the world; over 600,000 people have registered and completed a CITI course.
UCLA chose CITI training because the content is extensively reviewed, critiqued and updated. Participant satisfaction is high. In addition the training is targeted and complete.
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Q: Who must be trained?
A: Beginning September 1, 2009 all personnel listed on an ARC protocol must complete the online CITI Training program prior to approval to work with animals.
For new, renewal, and continuation applications, all personnel on the protocol must be currently trained before the ARC can issue approval.
For amendment applications, any personnel being added to the protocol must have a current certification on file.
The Principal Investigator is responsible for assuring that personnel listed in the protocol have completed the CITI Training requirements.
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Q: How is the new ARC General Certification requirement different than the previous training requirement?
A: The new requirements is different in two important ways:
* CITI Training will replace the previous didactic ARC General Certification exam; and
* Personnel will be required to take the refresher course every three years. This course will be available on the CITI website before your certification expires.
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Q: How often is the training required? Will I have to repeat the training or take refresher modules?
A: Personnel will be required to refresh their General Certification training every three years.
Refresher training for DLAM-administered courses, including species-specific training and aseptic surgical techniques training, is not required.
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Q: Is CITI Training required if I already took the didactic ARC General Certification exam?
A: Yes, CITI Training is required of all personnel involved with animal research, effective September 1, 2009. There are no “grandfather” provisions. This requirement is being phased in as follows:
* If you completed the ARC Certification Exam before September 1, 2006, you will need to be re-certified by September 1, 2009.
* If you completed the ARC Certification Exam after September 1, 2006, you will need to be re-certified three years after that date. (For example, if you completed certification on July 1, 2007, your certification to work with animals will expire on July 1, 2010.)
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Q: Is CITI Training required if I already received CITI training certification at another institution?
A: If you have completed the "Working with the IACUC" CITI training course through another institution within the past three years, the module will be accepted at UCLA. (Please note that one of the individual modules within this course has an identical title; however, completion of the entire course is required in order to receive credit.) Submit a copy of your training certificate by fax (310-206-0742) or email (OARO@research.ucla.edu), Attn: Andrew Perkins.
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Q: How do I register?
A: Go to the CITI website at http://www.citiprogram.org/. Click on Register Here and follow the instructions to complete the registration form. Please be sure that you affiliate yourself with UCLA in order to view and complete the appropriate module.
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Q: How is CITI Training organized?
A: The CITI Training currently contains a laboratory animal research course entitled "Animal Research." A refresher course will be added later.
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Q: How long does it take to complete the training?
A: Most users complete the training in two to three hours.
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Q: Do I have to complete the training all at once?
A: You can stop and start anytime. Just remember your user name and password.
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Q: What is the passing score?
A: A passing score of at least 80% is required on each module.
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Q: Do collaborators at other sites have to complete CITI Certification?
A: For experiments conducted at another research institution, collaborators do not need to meet all UCLA training requirements provided that the collaborators have fulfilled any educational requirements mandated by the IACUC at that institution.
Collaborators participating in field research studies or other activities which are not reviewed by another institution’s IACUC must complete the CITI certification and any other applicable ARC training requirements prior to conducting experiments with vertebrate animals.
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Q: Is CITI Training required prior to submission of new studies and continuing reviews to the ARC?
A: Beginning September 1, 2009 CITI Training certification is required prior to approval of all new, renewal, and continuation applications, or for amendment applications requesting the addition of new personnel. The Principal Investigator is responsible for assuring that all personnel listed on the protocol have completed the CITI Training requirements.
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Q: What do I do if I forget my password?
A: Instructions for retrieving passwords are on the CITI website, http://www.citiprogram.org/.
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Q: How do I obtain a certificate of completion?
A: After you finish the required modules, you will be issued a completion report. You can print the report from your learner menu. Instructions for printing the report are available from the CITI website.
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Q: Do I need to submit a certificate of completion to the ARC once I have taken the course?
A: No. The Office of Animal Research Oversight is automatically notified when individuals complete the course.
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Q: Once I have completed the CITI training, how soon will this show in the RATS database?
A: Training information for the previous day is normally entered into RATS each business morning. However, slightly longer delays may occasionally occur. If you have an urgent need for approval, or if it has been several days since you have completed the CITI training and this is still not reflected in RATS, please contact the ARC staff.
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Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions or problems?
A: Contact Andrew Perkins at 310-206-6308 or OARO@research.ucla.edu if you have questions. The CITI Support Center (citisupport@med.miami.edu or 305-243-7970, 9am to 5pm EST Monday through Friday) also provides information and answers about the CITI Program.
