University of Pittsburgh logo

Research Training Hub

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh must complete certain trainings to remain compliant with federal, sponsor, and University requirements. These trainings help protect the safety of research participants, uphold the integrity of Pitt's research enterprise, and support responsible conduct of research.

Below is a quick-reference matrix of Pitt's required trainings. It provides an overview of the core compliance areas all investigators must complete before beginning research. 

Research Training Matrix
Training Course Human Subject Research Animal Research All Others Involved in Research Activities
Responsible Conduct of Research (CITI)
(re-certification every 4 years)
 x x x
Research Security
Required for all Key Personnel listed on grants from NIH, NSF, DOE and USDA and recommended for all researchers.
(re-certification annually)
 x x x
Conflict of Interest (CITI)
Required if externally funded or meet other criteria
(re-certification every 4 years)
 x x x
Working with Small Animals or Working with Large Animals (CITI)
(re-certification every 4 years)
   x  
Animal Species Specific (CITI)
(re-certification every 4 years)
   x  
Human Subject Protections (CITI)
(re-certification every 4 years)
 x    

Research Specific Training

Training Course Human Subject Research Animal Research All Others Involved in Research Activities
Biosafety-MyIBC
Required if research involves recombinant and/or synthetic nucleic acid molecules
(no re-certification required)
 x x x
Clinical Research Coordinator (CITI)
Optional course for study coordinators
(no re-certification required)
 x    
Clinical Trial Billing Compliance (CITI)
Optional course for individuals responsible for billing research procedures
(no re-certification required)
 x    
Use of Controlled Substances in Basic and Animal Research (Available on ISER or CITI)
Required for all individuals listed on IACUC protocols that entail the use of controlled substances;
Recommended for basic scientists who use controlled substances
(re-certification every 4 years)
   x x
Environmental Health & Safety
Required based on use of chemical or biohazardous materials (including biologic specimens)
(varied re-certification requirements)
 x x x
Export Controls (CITI)
Optional course to understand federal regulations related to export controls
(no re-certification required)
 x x x
Good Clinical Practice (CITI)
Required if engaged in the conduct, oversight, or management of clinical trials
(re-certification every 3 years)
 x    
Good Laboratory Practice (CITI)
Optional course for personnel engaged in non-human based safety studies requiring observance to the FDA’s Animal Efficacy Rule, GCLP, and investigators engaged with CROs to perform regulated nonclinical safety testing.
(annual re-certification)
     x
Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) (CITI)
Required for all research or clinical use of HUDs at UPMC
(no re-certification required)
 x    
Human Stem Cell Research (CITI)
Required if submitting hSCRO application
(no re-certification required)
 x x x
International Research (CITI)
Required if conducting research outside the US
(re-certification every 4 years)
 x    
Privacy & Information Security (CITI)
Required if accessing protected health information
((re-certification every 4 years)
 x   x
Radiation Safety
Required if using radioactive materials or radiation producing equipment
(re-certification every 3 years for non-human uses)
Additional credentials required for human uses (human subject only). Contact RSO for details.
 
 x x x
Research with Children (CITI)
The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC requires this module be completed for all research involving children or for all research conducted at their site.
(re-certification every 4 years)
 x    
Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI)

Required Trainings for All Investigators

All researchers at Pitt must complete certain baseline trainings before beginning any research activity. These trainings establish a foundation in responsible conduct, transparency, and compliance that applies across disciplines.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

All individuals involved in research are required to complete the CITI Responsible Conduct of Research course before performing research activities. This requirement also applies to faculty mentors listed in the IRB application who are responsible for the conduct of research for their students. Re-certification is required every 4 years.

Research Security

Research Security training is required for all Key Personnel listed on grants from the National Institutes for Health (NIH)*, National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Departmanet of Agriculture (USDA) and recommended for all researchers. (*Research Security training meets the NIH requirement for Disclosure Training.)

To complete the Research Security training that fulfills the requirements of the NIH, NSF, and USDA:

  • Visit https://www.citi.pitt.edu.
  • Log in using your University credentials.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select “Add a Course.”
  • Under the “Other Courses” section, choose Research Security Training (currently the final option on the list).

Once completed, your training record will be automatically recorded and made available to the appropriate University offices for compliance and reporting.

Conflict of Interest

All investigators are required to complete the CITI COI training on appointment. Externally funded investigators must renew their CITI COI training 1) within four years of participating in an externally funded project and 2) at least every four years thereafter.

The ORP website provides clarification regarding who is an investigator.

At the time of award and when a new investigator is added to an ongoing project, the Principal Investigator (PI) must complete the Project Investigator List and CITI COI Training Table form and submit it to the Office of Sponsored Programs. This form lists the investigators on the project and the dates they completed the CITI COI training. The PI is responsible for maintaining a copy of training completion certificates for all investigators. 

To complete the CITI COI training:

  • Log into the CITI module using your University credentials at www.citi.pitt.edu.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select "Add a Course."
  • Select the Conflict of Interest course.
  • Click next.
  • Select the relevant track:
    • If you are Public Health Service (PHS)-funded, select the COI PHS Regulated Course
    • If you are not PHS-funded, select the COI Non-PHS Regulated Course
  • Click "Next."
  • Complete the course.

Research-Specific Training

In addition to baseline requirements, some trainings are tied to the type of research being conducted. Whether you work with human subjects, animals, biosafety hazards, or other specialized areas, the sections below outline the training you need before starting your project.

Animal Research (IACUC)

All animal users must complete mandatory online training modules every 4 years. Users are required to complete the Working with Small Animal course or the Large Animal course and all applicable species-specific modules as per protocol. For example, if you are working with rats, then you must take the Small Animal course and the Working with Rats in Research Settings course.

View all of the University of Pittsburgh animal research-related courses offered by CITI. 

In addition, video trainings are provided to address specific topics. Investigators can also learn more about procedures on animals through the AALAS learning library. EH&S and Biorisk Management (BRM) also provide training sessions regarding laboratory safety.

You can access this training through these links:

Navigate required CITI training modules

Human Research Protection

All members of a research team who interact with human participants or work with identifiable data must complete required IRB training before approval is issued. Training ensures that researchers understand ethical principles, federal regulations, and University policies.

At a minimum, investigators must complete:

  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) through CITI
  • One Human Subjects course (Biomedical or Social-Behavioral-Educational, depending on research focus)

Researchers conducting NIH-funded clinical trials, or studies that meet NIH’s definition of a clinical trial, must also complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. This requirement applies to all study team members engaged in the conduct, oversight, or management of clinical trials, regardless of funding source.

How to Access Training:

  • Log in to the CITI training portal (https://www.citiprogram.org) with your Pitt credentials (linked to PittPRO/HSConnect).
  • Select the appropriate Human Subjects course for your discipline.
  • Add Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training if your study meets NIH clinical trial requirements.

Completion records are stored automatically and must be kept current, including refresher courses before expiration.

Refresher Courses

All Learners will be required to complete Refresher Courses for the Responsible Conduct of Research and Human Subjects Research courses every 4 years. Learners required to complete the GCP course must complete the Refresher Courses every 3 years. CITI will send an email reminder before the courses are due to expire.  It is important to remember that current training certifications must be maintained throughout the conduct of the research and cannot be expired at any time during the research process.

Continuing Education Credits

HRPO provides continuing education credits (CEUs) for all our programs through the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences office. Credits are awarded only if attendees complete the CEU form available at the registration table for each event. Credit transcripts can be downloaded from the Center for Continuing Education.

Biological Imports
Certain biological materials are regulated by federal agencies for international importation and interstate transfer. Permits may be required from these agencies. Exempt materials must meet specific criteria and be accompanied by shipping documentation for US Customs and Border Patrol review to avoid confiscation or delays. Import review will provide agency-specific templates based on the materials.
 

For additional information on Biological Imports, please visit the ORSTC website for more information. Send any questions to researchsecurity@pitt.edu.

Biorisk Management (BRM)
The Biorisk Management Division supports safe, responsible research by helping faculty, staff, and students manage biological hazards in laboratory settings. This includes oversight of lab safety practices, injury prevention and response protocols, and proper handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous waste.

Working in close partnership with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Office of Research Protections, the Biorisk team ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Whether you’re setting up a new lab, updating safety procedures, or responding to an incident, Biorisk Management is here to provide guidance, training, and support to help keep our research community safe.

Safety training, medical surveillance, and occupational health requirements vary according to the research conducted or work directed by the investigator.

Biosafety & Biosecurity

The NIH Guidelines require training for all researchers and laboratory personnel working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. This is currently a one-time requirement.

Use of Controlled Substances in Basic and Animal Research

This course is required for all individuals listed on Animal Research Protections (formerly IACUC) protocols that entail the use of controlled substances. Basic scientists who use controlled substances in their research program are also strongly recommended to complete this course. Re-certification is required every four years.

  • Use of Controlled Substances in Basic and Animal Research (CITI)​
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
  • The University of Pittsburgh Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) provides support and training to researchers and personnel, including those involved in work with animal and/or human subjects. There are multiple regulations, guidelines, and best practices that contain training requirements for employers. The department is proactive in implementing training programs to meet these requirements, as well as to supplement and enhance environmental, health, and safety activities at the University of Pittsburgh. EHS provides a variety of training options including both live and online training options to accommodate the needs of the University community.  

    Safety training requirements vary according to the research conducted or work directed by the investigator.
     
  • Chemical hygiene training is required every 3 years for all personnel who handle laboratory chemicals.
  • Training in the Shipment of Dangerous Goods is required every 2 years for all personnel that package certain materials for shipment or label such material for shipment.  These fundamental safety training topics are available online through the ISER web-based training site, and through the EHS website. Additional live sessions of training courses are offered several times a month.
  • Live Training and Additional EHS-Sponsored Online Training Schedule
Good Clinical Practice

The University of Pittsburgh recognizes that GCP training is important for all researchers conducting “clinical trials” to ensure the protection of human subjects and the integrity and quality of our research. Therefore, all Investigators and research team members who are engaged in the conduct, oversight or management of clinical trials (* as defined by the NIH) are required to complete the CITI GCP training course before they participate in any research activities. The University has extended this requirement to all research studies that meet the definition of a clinical trial regardless of the funding source.

It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to ensure that all members of the research team who meet this requirement (see guidance below) complete GCP training and maintain certification during the course of the study. As of January 1, 2017, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will not approve a new “clinical trial” submission unless GCP training is complete. There are (2) GCP training courses available. If you currently participate in an FDA regulated clinical trial or plan to do so in the future, complete the U.S. FDA Focus GCP course. All others should complete the Social and Behavioral GCP course. Re-certification is required every 3 years.

  • Good Clinical Practice (CITI)
    • GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Medical Devices (U.S. FDA Focus)
    • GCP – Social and Behavioral Research Best Practices for Clinical Research

Guidance on who must complete GCP training

Those required to take GCP training include those who:

  • Manage participant recruitment and enrollment, including obtaining consent
  • Perform research procedures or evaluations
  • Contribute significantly to the collection and recording of research data or
  • Contribute significantly to data management
  • Have more than minimal contact with the research subjects or their identifiable study records or specimens

Those not required to take GCP training include:

Hospital staff (including nurses, residents, fellows, or office staff) who provide ancillary or intermittent care but do not make a direct and significant contribution to the study or administrators or individuals who perform routine or supportive tasks related to the research.

* The NIH defines a clinical trial as: A research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include placebo or other control) to evaluate the effects of those interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-15-015.html#sthash.U12c4BnW.dpuf

Good Laboratory Practice

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) describes the quality systems necessary for supporting the  performance of nonclinical laboratory studies and how they should be planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported, and archived as set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) international guidelines.

Personnel engaged in nonhuman based safety studies requiring observance to the FDA’s Animal Efficacy Rule, Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP)including administrator, researchers and technical personnel and investigators engaged with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) contracted to perform regulated nonclinical safety testing are encouraged complete this training. Re-certification is required annually.

  • Good Laboratory Practice (CITI)
Humanitarian Use Device

UPMC requires this course be completed for all research or clinical use of HUDs at any of their facilities. No re-certification required.

  • Humanitarian Use Device (CITI)
Human Stem Cell Oversight Training

The University of Pittsburgh requires training for all researchers and laboratory personnel working with human stem cells in order to access MyIBC. This is currently a one-time requirement.

  • Human Stem Cell Researchers (CITI)
International Research

This course is required for all members of the research team engaged in human subject research outside the United States. Re-certification is required every 4 years.

  • International Research (CITI)
Privacy & Information Security for Researchers 

Anybody who encounters protected health information (PHI) for research purposes is required to complete the CITI Health Privacy and Information Security training. Re-certification is required every 4 years.

  • Health Privacy (CITI)
  • Information Security (CITI)

This training is in addition to any clinical HIPAA training completed through UPMC or the Pitt Clinical HIPAA training on ISER.

Radiation Safety

Radiation safety training is required for all personnel using radioactive materials or working with radiation producing equipment at the University of Pittsburgh and affiliated institutions. Training for radiation workers includes instruction in the basic principles of radiation protection and the applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.  Personnel are required to attend training sessions offered by the Radiation Safety Office.

Radiation safety trainings are available in three application categories:

  1. general isotopes;
  2. gamma and x-ray irradiators; and
  3. analytical and research x-rays.

The initial training sessions, available monthly or as needed, are conducted by staff of the Radiation Safety Office. Registrations of the training sessions are made through the Radiation Safety Office website. Refresher trainings, in-person or online, are required every 3 years. Visit the Radiation Safety Office for more information.

Research with Children

The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC requires this module be completed by all members of the research team participating in research activities conducted at their facility. Re-certification is required every 4 years.

  • Research with Children (CITI)
Trade Compliance & Export Controls
The Office of Research Security & Trade Compliance provides best practices advice and hands-on assistance to the University community for compliance with U.S. trade regulations.
 

The U.S. Government agencies maintain lists of individuals and entities barred or restricted from entering into certain types of transactions with U.S. persons. Those lists include not only specially designated nationals but also individuals and businesses that have been debarred by the Department of State or restricted by the Department of Commerce because of previous violation of the regulations. Consequences for transferring or transacting with a Restricted Party or a Party of Concern are severe. For additional information on restricted party screening or the Visual Compliance RPS tool, please visit our website. 

Please direct any questions to researchsecurity@pitt.edu.