Scientific Ethics Training
All CDC investigators must obtain basic training on human research protections. The CDC Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) endorses four different computer-based options.
- CDC's Scientific Ethics Training (free of charge)
- NIH's Human Participant Protections Education for Research Teams (free of charge) [link:
- Family Health International's Research Ethics Training Curricula (may require a fee)
- The Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) Program (available to CDC scientists under CDC site license)
The CDC program will automatically generate certification and a Scientific Ethics Verification (SEV) number. The others will generate certification that should then be supplied to HRPO, where an SEV number will be assigned.
CDC's Scientific Ethics Training is designed to familiarize scientists and other public health professionals with basic ethical principles, policies, and procedures for the responsible conduct of science. This program is a self-directed learning opportunity that allows users to exit and re-enter at will, choose areas of greatest personal interest, and select levels of complexity through optional exercises. The training is designed in five discrete modules, each requiring approximately 60 minutes to complete. The five modules, CDC's Mission in Science, Protection of Human Participants, Scientific Integrity, Government Rules and Regulations, and Case Studies, can be studied in any order. All scientific staff and managers will be required to complete training before they conduct research at CDC or ATSDR. In addition, all investigators coming under a CDC Individual Investigator Agreement must also obtain an SEV number.
Send a request to inquiry@cdc.gov for information on how to gain access to these training curricula or to obtain a Scientific Ethics Verification number.
Page last modified: December 7, 2006
Content source: Office of the Chief Science Officer (OCSO)
