Working to streamline the progression of medical innovations from the laboratory to patients
The Professional Certification in Clinical Research (PCCR) is an internationally awarded credential offered by the ATMP Academy and accredited by the European Society for Translational Medicine (EUSTM).
PCCR recognises professionals with demonstrated expertise in clinical research across the full spectrum — from early-phase laboratory studies through clinical trials to community and public health settings. Whether in pharma, biotech, CROs, research institutions, or hospitals, the PCCR title reflects professional competence and commitment to excellence in clinical research.
Certified individuals earn the right to use the PCCR postnominal title — a professional mark of distinction in the global clinical research landscape.
Earning the PCCR title recognises your expertise in clinical research and communicates to employers and collaborators that you have the professional background to conduct and manage clinical research studies and projects at a high standard.
With PCCR, you can:
✔️ Use the PCCR postnominal title on your CV, LinkedIn profile, and professional correspondence
✔️ Demonstrate your competency to conduct and manage clinical research studies and projects across regulated environments
✔️ Strengthen your profile for roles in CROs, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, research institutions, and hospitals
✔️ Increase your visibility for clinical trial leadership positions at national and international level
✔️ Support your eligibility for participation in Institutional Review Boards and Ethics Committees
✔️ Enhance your candidacy for senior clinical, regulatory, and medical affairs roles
✔️ Connect with EUSTM’s international network of translational medicine and clinical research professionals
✔️ Stand out in a competitive global job market by holding a professional credential from a European scientific society
The PCCR is awarded by the ATMP Academy and accredited by the European Society for Translational Medicine (EUSTM), a registered scientific society headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with members across 60+ countries.
The certification is designed to be relevant and applicable to professionals working across:
EUSTM occupies a unique position as both a scientific society and a professional certification body — combining scientific credibility with practical professional standards in translational medicine and clinical research.
The PCCR is designed for professionals who are actively involved in clinical research, whether at the laboratory, clinical, or community level. The certification is especially suited to:
Applicants must submit the online PCCR Application Form. After submission, the ATMP Educational Board reviews each application and assigns one of the following categories based on the applicant’s professional background, experience, and qualifications.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Professionals with 3 or more years of relevant clinical research experience. CV-based evaluation — no examination required |
| Category 2 | Early-career professionals or those transitioning into clinical research. Certification granted upon passing a qualifying online examination. |
Category 1 — Experience Pathway
Applications are evaluated against the following criteria:
Category 2 — Examination Pathway
The qualifying examination consists of questions covering core competencies in clinical research. Candidates receive their results within two weeks of sitting the examination. A pass mark must be achieved to qualify for certification.
The examination is held annually at the EUSTM Annual Congress and is also available online throughout the year.
| Country Type | Initial Certification | Annual Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| High-income | €400 | €400 per year |
| Low-income | €250 | €250 per year |
Country classification is based on the World Bank Income Classification. If you are unsure which category applies to your country, please contact us before applying.
Successful applicants will be required to submit the signed Certification Conditions Form and pay the applicable certification fee before receiving their certificate.
Annual renewal confirms your continued active engagement in clinical research and your commitment to the EUSTM Code of Professional Conduct.
For further information, please contact the ATMP Academy at [email protected]
