ACRP Early Talent Training Program™

For managers of clinical research teams who are committed to recruiting and retaining the best of the best, ACRP’s Early Talent Training Program™ is an ideal solution for accelerating talent onto study teams.

The ACRP Early Talent Training Program™ (ETTP) equips professionals who are new to clinical research with the foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to contribute to clinical trials effectively, ethically, and under appropriate supervision. Organized around the eight Joint Task Force (JTF) Core Competency Domains, the program provides a comprehensive introduction to the clinical trial lifecycle, stakeholder responsibilities, regulatory and ethical requirements, and key operational practices that support the conduct of clinical research. 

Program Format

This blended learning program combines live instructor-led training with independent learning activities. Participants complete activities between live sessions, allowing classroom time to focus on discussion, problem-solving, and the practical application of core clinical research concepts. The program can be customized to align with organizational goals, priorities, and workforce needs. The training may be delivered virtually or in person. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Describe the clinical research lifecycle, major trial phases, and key stakeholder responsibilities across trial planning, conduct, oversight, and closeout.
• Recognize how protocols, essential records, source records, case report forms, and related trial documentation support participant protection, data reliability, and compliant study conduct. 
• Explain ethical principles, human participant protection, and foundational Good Clinical Practice concepts reflected in ICH E6(R3). 
• Identify core responsibilities related to investigators, sponsors, IRB/IEC oversight, informed consent, investigational product management, participant safety, data governance, and trial oversight. 
• Apply foundational knowledge of quality-by-design, risk-proportionate approaches, monitoring, auditing, participant enrollment, recruitment, retention, and trial execution in realistic workplace situations. 

Prerequisites

No prior hands-on clinical research experience is required. Participants should have a general awareness of the clinical research field.

Program Features

• Facilitated by dedicated ACRP subject matter experts
• Delivered through a combination of independent learning and instructor-led training
• Designed to engage participants through multiple instructional methods, including text, audio, and hands-on learning activities
• Cohort-based learning designed to promote collaboration and an engaging learning environment
• Flexible delivery options including in-person and virtual formats
• Flexible timelines that help professionals balance training with day-to-day responsibilities
• Concludes with an assessment to measure achievement of learning outcomes
• Learners earn ACRP contact hours to support ACRP Certification maintenance (if applicable)

Topics Covered

• Clinical Research Industry Overview
• Clinical Trial Protocol Structure and Content
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Research Ethics and Human Subject Protection
• Essential Records
• Source Records and Case Report Forms (CRFs)
• Forms and Validation
• Investigator Responsibilities
• Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Ethics Committees
• Informed Consent
• Investigational Product Management
• Participant Safety
• Clinical Trial Monitoring and Auditing
• Participant Enrollment
• Participant Experience Across the Clinical Trial Lifecycle
• Clinical Research Site Operations: Protocol Development, Implementation, and Conduct