Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) for Animal Subjects Research

UCLA
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

April 1, 2009

Deans, Directors, Department Chairs and Administrative Officers

Re: Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) for Animal Subjects Research

Important Notice:
As of April 1, 2009, UCLA will replace the current Animal Research Committee (ARC) Certification Test for laboratory animal users with the nationally- recognized training program known as CITI (www.citiprogram.org).

The CITI Program is used by over 830 participating institutions around the world. UCLA chose CITI because the content is extensively reviewed, critiqued and updated; the Program meets federal requirements; and certification is transferable to and from other institutions. The CITI program also provides key personnel the option to complete education modules relevant to their research programs and disciplines.

Beginning September 1, 2009, all personnel currently listed on an ARC protocol must complete the online CITI Training Program prior to approval to work with animals. Additionally, all animal users must be re-certified every three years, effective September 1, 2009.

• Individuals who completed the ARC Certification Exam before September 1, 2006 will need to be re-certified by September 1, 2009.

• Individuals who completed the ARC Certification Exam after September 1, 2006 will need to be re-certified three years after the date of their previous certification.

Investigators can view the certification dates of their research personnel using the online Research Application Tracking System (RATS).

Effective September 1, 2009, the ARC will not issue approval for any new application or any application for continuing review unless all personnel listed on the protocol have completed certification within the past three years. Any personnel being added to an existing protocol via an amendment application must have been certified within the past three years as well.

Please note that prior exemptions to the ARC Certification Test will no longer be honored as of September 1, 2009. However, certifications and exemptions for species-specific training and aseptic surgery will remain valid.

For registration, FAQs and additional, detailed information for the CITI program certification requirements: visit the Office for Protection for Research Subjects (OPRS) website at http://www.oprs.ucla.edu/animal/certification-info. If you have questions, please contact Andrew Perkins in the OPRS at arc@oprs.ucla.edu or 310-206-6308.

Sincerely,

Roberto Peccei
Vice Chancellor for Research