If you engage in human subjects research, then you are required to complete a human subjects training course (see COUHES policy on Training of Research Personnel). You will receive notifications if you need to complete training, and PIs will be able to review compliance in reports.
The web-based course is hosted by the CITI program at the University of Miami and is accepted by institutions nationwide. When registering for the course, select the modules appropriate to your research activities (biomedical or social and behavioral investigators) and complete only the basic or refresher course. Human subjects training is valid for three years, after which recertification is required. For more information, see the instructions below or review more detailed instructions [PDF].
Guidance for All Research Personnel
Logging In
- For MIT Users (Active Kerberos account): Use the MIT portal (Touchstone required)
- For non-MIT Users: Use the University of Miami CITI site, register an account and complete the appropriate training. Non-MIT users must submit proof of training to COUHES.
Basic Courses
MIT requires all personnel engaged in human subjects research to complete training appropriate to their research and role in the study. Investigators must first complete a basic course or submit proof of previous training to COUHES for review.
CITI offers three distinct courses that correspond to the proposed research activities and study role:
- Biomedical Research Investigator: Applicable to investigations related to biological processes and causes of disease.
- Social & Behavioral Research Investigator: Applicable to investigations involving psychological processes, motivations, and interactions.
- Data or Specimens Only Research: Applicable for research involving previously collected biospecimens or data sets.
COUHES may accept proof of human subjects training from some other institutions. Submit copies of previously completed training to couhes@mit.edu for review.
Note: RECR Training is not a substitute for human subjects training.
Refresher Courses
A refresher course (a shorter version of the basic course) must be completed every three years. Investigators must undergo a recertification in human subjects training every three years to maintain active training.
Note: Refresher courses do not meet the initial training requirements unless a basic course has been completed.
Additional Courses
Certain projects may require additional training, such as Good Clinical Practice (for NIH-sponsored clinical research) or the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR). These courses are not substitutes for human subjects training.
PI Responsibilities
In addition to taking human subjects training themselves, investigators should review whether their study team has completed the required training:
- Mark any team members who are exempt from training in the COUHES Connect Research Team tab (Human Subjects Training Compliance Tracking [PDF] January 2023)
- Review Tableau reports to see team members with incomplete or expired human subjects training
- Look up team members' completed training in the COUHES Connect Training Maintenance tab (Human Subjects Training View Access instructions [PDF] - Sept 2021)
- Follow up with study team members if you receive notifications about incomplete or expired human subjects training