How To Get a Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research Certificate and What You Can Do With It?

What Is a Regulatory Affairs Certificate?

A regulatory affairs and clinical research certificate is a specialized credential or qualification that individuals can obtain to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of regulatory affairs. This certificate gives regulatory affairs or clinical research professionals the knowledge needed to play a crucial role in industries such as:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical devices
• Biotechnology
• Food and beverages
• Cosmetics

In a generally short period of time, regulatory affairs and clinical research certificate programs cover topics related to ensuring various kinds of products comply with all relevant laws and regulations imposed by government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration.

How To Get a Regulatory Affairs Certificate

If you’re interested in earning a certificate, how and when you obtain this qualification will depend on your career goals and personal needs. Here’s an overview of the steps you should take to get a regulatory affairs and clinical research certificate.

Meet Application Requirements

Most graduate-level certificate programs in regulatory affairs prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in science, technology, biomedical, or medical science related fields. This ensures a foundational understanding of the topics covered in the coursework. If you want to earn a regulatory affairs certificate, you need to ensure your educational background aligns with the program’s requirements.

Also remember to research and compare the curriculums of programs you are interested in. This will help you make sure you receive training that aligns with the type of regulatory affairs roles you want to pursue.

Consider the Time Commitment

Certificate programs are typically one year and consist of three to five courses. If you prefer part-time enrollment, this decision will influence which programs are available to you.

Another crucial choice is deciding between online and in-person programs. Online courses offer convenience and flexibility, making remote learning ideal for students who work full-time. In-person options can provide a more immersive experience, which may be better suited to your particular learning style.

Choose a Concentration

Each certificate has different program requirements—lacking a standardized curriculum. However, many schools offer regulatory affairs certificates with concentrations, such as pharmaceuticals, while others offer broader coverage of regulatory practices. If you know which industry you hope to work in, then choosing a concentration can help you choose the right certificate program for you.

What Is a Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research Certification?

A regulatory affairs and clinical research certification is not accomplished through classes. Instead, professionals can obtain certification by passing a standardized assessment of competency in relevant skills. The knowledge areas tested on a regulatory affairs certification test can vary depending on many factors, but here are some common skills typically assessed on the exam:

• Regulatory frameworks: Understanding of the regulatory environment specific to the industry
• Regulatory submissions: Preparing and submitting regulatory documents, such as New Drug Applications (NDAs) and 510(k) submissions for medical devices
• Clinical trials: Understanding the design, conduct, and management of clinical trials
• Current regulatory trends: Staying current with emerging trends, developments, and changes in the regulatory landscape

Given these skills are determined by experienced regulatory affairs specialists—based on what they deem the most essential competencies in the field and current industry trends—most professionals will need to earn recertification at regular intervals to stay up to date.

How to Get a Regulatory Affairs Certification

While this qualification is not as intensive as a certificate, earning certification in regulatory affairs has advantages.

On average, certified specialists earn nine percent more than those without this credential, according to the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society. Nevertheless, there are milestones you must achieve before you can pursue certification.

Gain Industry Experience and Education

Certification is not intended for novice professionals pursuing entry-level jobs. Most professionals who pursue it have between three to five years of experience in the field.

To be eligible for the exam, you must meet specific requirements, which vary depending on your educational background and/or experience:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of regulatory experience
• Master's degree and two years of regulatory experience
• Doctorate and one year of regulatory experience

Prepare for the Exam

The Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) exam requires thorough preparation and has a pass rate of approximately 40 to 50 percent.

Getting advanced education and certification in regulatory affairs and clinical research is a worthwhile endeavor. However, you will be better equipped to apply your knowledge after gaining on-the-job experience. And as graduate-level education is shaped by your specialized interests, the investment is more worthwhile when you have a clearer idea of the regulatory field you want to pursue.

Is a Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research Certificate Worth It?

Graduate certificates are a viable option for entering the field, allowing you to gain experience in less time and comes with fewer upfront requirements. However, you still might be wondering if this type of education is worth it for your career.

For one, completing a graduate certificate program can help you enter the field in less time compared to longer degree programs. In most cases, a certificate will take half, or even a third, of the time it takes to earn a graduate degree in regulatory affairs. If you are eager to advance in your career, a certificate allows you to develop specialized skills and immediately leverage this training to gain more experience.

Enrolling in a certificate program can also offer networking opportunities within the regulatory affairs and clinical research community. These connections can be invaluable for career growth and staying updated on industry trends, especially if you do not have much experience yet. If you choose a certificate program that incorporates internships or co-op experiences in the curriculum, you can gain hands-on knowledge and skills that are highly valuable to employers.

Overall, a graduate certificate can improve your career prospects faster if you are new to the industry—either as a career changer or a recent undergraduate. Employers recognize the added competency and dedication involved in graduate-level training. This, with the addition of certification, can help you cultivate even more specialized skills and earn a higher long-term strategy.

A graduate certificate provides a strong foundation for a career in regulatory affairs or clinical research. Although some paths may require more specialized education down the road, here are some of the top fields you can pursue with this credential:

• Regulatory Policy/Intelligence (RI): Analyze regulatory policies, ensure compliance, assess the impact of changes, and advise businesses on regulatory strategies
• Chemistry, Manufacturing, Controls (CMC): Oversee manufacturing and quality assurance processes for pharmaceuticals and related medical products
• Labeling Specialists: Monitor the development of medical product labels to maintain compliance, promote safety, and ensure information is properly conveyed
• Regulatory Operations (RegOps): Oversee the submission of regulatory documents to health authorities, develop content management protocols, and handle many of the supporting activities involved in process improvement and compliance readiness
• Medical Devices: Responsible for developing quality management processes to assess the effectiveness of these products and make sure they're handled, labeled, tested, and documented properly
• Veterinary Medicine: Involve the control of medical products and devices used in animal health

While a certificate likely will not increase the scope of positions you can apply for compared to other educational options, it can help you stand out from other applicants and possibly help you negotiate a higher salary.

Start Your Career in Regulatory Affairs

Regulatory affairs and clinical research is an expansive field, and you will find numerous opportunities for growth no matter what educational path you choose. However, the choice between a graduate certificate versus a more traditional education does not have to be an “either/or” decision. Regulatory affairs and clinical research certificates are often applied toward a master's degree as electives, providing a clear progression for further specialization in the field.

For example, Regis College’s Graduate Certificate in Regulatory and Clinical Research Management (RCRM) is a fully online, asynchronous hybrid program tailored to part-time learners. While the program equips you to succeed in many regulatory roles, it can also prepare you to earn a graduate degree through Regis’s Regulatory and Clinical Research Management (MS). With this specialized education, you will be well-equipped for any clinical research or regulatory role you hope to pursue.

If you’re interested in learning more about these programs, contact an admission counselor to find out which option aligns with your career goals.