Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between what registered CRPs and non-registered CRPs should be allowed to do? 

Team leaders, guided by their employer’s policies will determine the difference in responsibilities. 

Registered CRPs have demonstrated their competency, accountability and experience to the Academy for Healthcare Science. This may mean that they hold a higher level of responsibility and work on more complicated studies.

What does Practitioner level / level 5 of the Skills for Health Career Framework mean?

CRPs working comfortably at practitioner level / level 5 of the Skills for Health Career Framework will be expected to have a comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within their field of work and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge. Please refer to the Scope of Practice for CRPs for further information about the scope of practice. 

CRPs working at practitioner level as described above will be using their knowledge and professional judgement to solve problems proactively, making decisions for which they will be accountable, and actively contribute to the service they work in. They will also proactively seek self-development.

The research delivery activities undertaken by a CRP working at practitioner level will often be self-directed and are likely to include some or all of the tasks listed below: 

• Seeking ongoing informed consent as a voluntary agreement with research study participants, ensuring their understanding of the research and its risks

• Identification, screening and randomisation of research study participants 

• Involvement in clinical research operations, development, regulation and ethics processes

• Proactively engaging with colleagues in relation to research study design and implementation and evaluation 

• Proactively ensuring high quality data input at source and its management through a research workflow 

• Contributing to the appraisal of evidence gathered in the context of delivering a research study 

• Contributing to the reporting and dissemination of research study results 

• Proactively communicating across boundaries to maintain relationships that secure investment in research across all clinical specialties and care settings 

The Standards of Proficiency for CRPs set out the minimum standard a CRP must meet to apply to the Accredited Register for CRPs and maintain their registration. Some of the key standards of proficiency required are listed below. Please refer to the Standards of Proficiency for CRPs for information about all 16 standards in detail. Overall, a Registered CRP will:

• Reflect critically and continuously on performance or situations and actively seek feedback from colleagues and research study participants, adapting practice as required to meet the diverse needs of research study participants 

• Communicate effectively with research study participants, their relatives and carers and colleagues 

• Contribute to planning and monitor/review the ongoing effectiveness, modifying as and when necessary in a changing environment, identifying and managing sources of risk in the workplace 

• Lead confidently across networks and have a deep understanding of the research delivery system and research being part of core business in health and social care

• Demonstrate credibility, confidence and resilience, and the ability to lead in times of rapid change, actively participating in activities to promote the CRP profession and its contribution to research 

It will normally take one to two years of working in a CRP role to reach a practitioner level and standard of practice. CRPs applying to join the Accredited Register for CRPs are expected to have been working at this level of responsibility for at least one year.

CRPs and medicines management questions

• Can CRPs collect Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) and other medications, and provide them to patients for self-administration?

• Can CRPs be involved in the administration of medications?

• Will guidance be issued about this,  in addition to the current statement in the Scope of Practice?

The Academy for Healthcare Science Accredited Register Scope of Practice for CRPs  states that :

‘Clinical Research Practitioners with adequate training and clinical supervision in place may be expected to collect an IMP from pharmacy, ensure its safe storage and/or supply the IMP to the study participant. Referral to supporting clinical services sits outside the Clinical Research Practitioner's Scope of Practice.’ 

Administering an IMP is therefore outside the CRP Scope of Practice. CRPs cannot administer IMPs to study participants. This guidance is in place to protect both CRPs and study participants. It is not expected to change in the near future.    

If you need to discuss this with your employer, we recommend you refer them to the following key points:

• CRPs’ strengths lie in the project management of studies to ensure their successful and timely delivery. This involves a proactive approach built upon their in-depth understanding of studies and the delivery context 

• While future CRP education programmes may provide training on additional clinical skills, CRPs are not legally permitted to administer medicines

• This guidance is crucial for ensuring patient safety and clarifying the current role of CRPs within the research team

Clarification on Vaccine Administration Training for CRPs

The NIHR Vaccine Trials Learning Framework includes the Public Health England module ‘Vaccine Administration Training’. For the CRP role we have stated that this is ‘For Information only ‘, so this is clear. We realise that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people outside regulated healthcare professions were trained to give vaccines. This was an exceptional circumstance due to the national emergency and did not involve Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPS).

Can I join the Register if I don't have a degree?

If you have at least 3 years of practitioner level experience, you can apply for registration using the Experienced Practitioner Gateway route. Information about the routes to registration is on the AHCS website.  If you are eligible, we recommend that you start your application as soon as possible.  

What is happening with CRP Apprenticeships?

To grow the registered CRP workforce of the future, we are developing CRP Apprenticeship programmes. These programmes offer standardised education and training, creating a clear path to Registration. 

We’re working with universities and employers to design the entry requirements for Level 5 and Level 6 programmes.  Updates about this work will be provided on this site and via the CRP bulletins.

Can I include statutory and mandatory training in my Continuing Professional Development log? 

The training included in your Continuing Professional Development log should be relevant to your scope of practice as a CRP.

Statutory training is required by law on the basis of legislation (e.g. Health and Safety legislation).

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is the agreed international standard for conducting clinical research. GCP training is required by law for researchers (including CRPs) working on research studies. 

In view of this, statutory training is not considered part of your professional development and should not therefore be included in your Continuing Professional Development log.

Mandatory training  is compulsory training that is determined essential by an organisation for the safe and efficient delivery of services (e.g. hand hygiene). Mandatory training not directly related to your practice (e.g. fire training) should not be included as part of your Continuing Professional Development log because it does not develop you as a healthcare professional. However, if you undertake mandatory training that is relevant to your scope of practice and professional development, such as training on equality awareness and eliminating bullying and harassment, you can include that.