NIH RCR Training Requirements

The NIH RCR policy applies to all new and renewal applications submitted on or after January 25, 2010, and all continuation applications with deadlines on or after January 1, 2011. In addition, the NIH released updated training requirements with September 25, 2022, as the due date.

Below, see important information about the training:

  • Who is required to take RCR training? "NIH requires that all trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant and dissertation research grant must receive instruction in responsible conduct of research."
  • Format of Instruction: the NIH expects that the training is discussion-based and allows for the use of video conferencing as long as the training remains engaging, but "video conferencing should not be the sole means for meeting the requirement for RCR instruction, and a plan that employs only video conferencing will not be considered acceptable, except in the circumstances described in NOT-OD-10-019, such as short-term research training and research education programs."
  • Frequency and timing: "at least once during each career stage and at a frequency of no less than once every four years." The NIH expects training that allows for substantive contact hours. They added that "acceptable programs generally involve at least eight contact hours."

Principal Investigators of NIH grants that fall under this requirement must keep records indicating completion of this requirement. Completion of RCR training can be documented in the Emory Learning Management System. In this system, personnel associated with NIH grants are strongly encouraged to document their training completion. 

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For questions about your training requirements, contact us at researchcompliance@emory.edu.