Professional Certification

PCCRProfessional Certification in Clinical Research

A professional credential offered by EUSTM Academy, the professional certification body of the European Society for Translational Medicine (EUSTM) — recognising professionals with demonstrated expertise in clinical research across the full spectrum, from early-phase studies through clinical trials to community and public-health settings.

PCCR

Why It Matters

Certification Benefits

The PCCR title is a clear, verifiable signal of your competence to conduct and manage clinical research to international standards — recognised by sponsors, sites, and employers worldwide.

1Use the PCCR postnominal title on your CV, LinkedIn, and professional correspondence — a permanent, portable mark of recognised expertise.

2Demonstrate your competency to conduct and manage clinical research across regulated environments.

3Strengthen your profile for roles across CROs, pharma, biotech, research, and hospitals.

4Increase your visibility for clinical trial leadership positions, nationally and internationally.

5Support your eligibility for Institutional Review Boards and Ethics Committees.

6Enhance your candidacy for senior clinical, regulatory, and medical affairs roles.

7Stand out in a competitive global job market with an internationally accredited credential.

8Receive an official PCCR certificate issued by the EUSTM Academy under EUSTM accreditation.

9Hold a verifiable credential that employers and collaborators can confirm at any time.

Who Should Apply

Who Should Apply?

PCCR is designed for professionals actively involved in clinical research at laboratory, clinical, or community levels. If one of these describes you, you are eligible to apply:

Academic faculty and researchers in clinical or translational studies
Postgraduate students and early-career scholars in clinical research
Clinicians conducting or overseeing research in clinical and hospital settings
Public-health professionals working in community-based research
Clinical trial leaders, study coordinators, and trial operations staff
Regulatory affairs professionals in pharma, biotech, or medical devices
Medical affairs personnel — medical directors, advisors, and MSLs
Industry professionals in pharma, biotech, diagnostics, and CROs

Certification Categories

Two pathways to certification

After you submit the PCCR Application Form, the EUSTM Academy Educational Board reviews each application and assigns one of two categories based on your background and experience.

Category 1

Experience Pathway

For professionals with 3 or more years of relevant clinical research experience — CV-based evaluation, no examination required.

Background & experience review — depth and duration across trial conduct, monitoring, or research management.
Evidence of leadership and project contribution, and the quality of your professional statement.

Category 2

Examination Pathway

For early-career professionals or those transitioning into clinical research — certification granted upon passing a qualifying online examination.

Qualifying online examination covering core clinical-research competencies — available year-round.
Results within two weeks; a pass mark is required to qualify for certification.

Application Process

Five steps to certification

Submit Application

Complete the secure online application form and upload your CV. There is no application fee — your submission goes straight to the EUSTM Academy Educational Board for review.

Board Review

The EUSTM Academy Educational Board reviews your application and assigns Category 1 or 2.

Assessment

Category 1: portfolio evaluation. Category 2: qualifying online examination.

Conditions & Fee

Sign the Certification Conditions Form and pay the applicable fee.

Certificate Awarded

Receive your PCCR certificate and the right to use the postnominal title.

Certification Fees

PCCR Certification Fee

Category	Initial Fee	Renewal
High-income countries	€400	€400 / year
Middle-income countries	€325	€325 / year
Low-income countries	€250	€250 / year

Country tiers follow the World Bank income classification. Annual renewal confirms your continued active engagement in clinical research and your commitment to the EUSTM Code of Professional Conduct.

Begin your PCCR certification journey

Apply online in minutes — complete the form and upload your CV — with no application fee — to begin your formal recognition as a certified clinical research professional.

Start Your Application

For further information, please contact the EUSTM Academy at [email protected].

Disclaimer: PCCR is an independent professional certification awarded by the EUSTM Academy and accredited by EUSTM. It is not equivalent to an educational degree or state-regulated qualification, and is granted solely on the applicant's professional profile as assessed by the EUSTM Academy Educational Board.