Applying to the Accredited CRP Register?
Am I eligible to join?
The Register is intended for experienced CRPs who have developed their skills and knowledge over time. To be eligible to register you must:
be able to demonstrate that you work at practitioner level - CRPs working at practitioner level have a comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge Scope of Practice for CRPs.
have at least one year's experience working at practitioner level
meet the educational requirements (currently degree level or equivalent)
include any experience you may have had working at an entry level research delivery role
be able to use knowledge to solve problems creatively, make judgements which require analysis and interpretation, and actively contribute to service and self-development. You may have responsibility for supervision of staff or training. Your
demonstrate in your application that you meet the Standards of Proficiency for CRPs.
have joined the CRP Directory before making an application to the CRP Register
Need more detailed guidance for you and your manager about the process?
You may already be working with a defined competency framework or equivalent evidence based approach to knowledge and skills development that applies for your role within your employing organisation. You may also wish to refer to the NIHR Integrated Workforce Framework (IWF), or use this resource as a starting point during appraisal of your achievements and development progress if you have not used a competency framework to date. The induction and competency framework resources below are also accessible:
CRN East Midlands Induction and Competency Framework
CRN West of England Induction and Competency Frameworks
UKCRF Network Induction Framework for Clinical Research Staff
We also offer drop in sessions where you can ask questions about any aspect of the application process, upcoming dates are below with links to the Microsoft Teams invites
Drop in sessions
Friday 22 December 2023 between 11.00 – 12.00: Click here to join the meeting
Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone in your region we have CRP Engagement Leads who you can get in touch with to talk about your application.
For a full suite of guidance for both applicants and managers, head over to the AHCS website, where you will also be able to view example portfolios.
What if I don't hold a degree level education?
You may still be able to join the register. Your first step will be to confirm your eligibility to apply through the Experienced Practitioner Gateway. This is an additional step in the process, which opened in January 2023 to permit access to registration for those CRPs with significant practitioner level experience but who do not hold a degree. This gateway is time-limited and expected to remain open until January 2025.
More information, including guidance and all supporting documents can be found on the Academy for Healthcare Science Experienced Practitioner Gateway page.
What Evidence do I need to provide the AHCS to register?
Eligibility for registration as a CRP will be assessed on a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates that the Standards of Proficiency have been met and you are working to an agreed Scope of Practice within your local organisation. There will be an expectation of there being a patient-facing element within your role together with experience at practitioner level. Click on the links below to find out more about the Standards of Proficiency.
Ready to start your application?
Head over to the AHCS registration page to start your application.