Human Ethics Training FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my new TCPS2 certificate have the original date I completed training?

If you have already completed TCPS2 training, you do not have to repeat. If you do repeat with the same email address you originally completed the training with, the completion date will not change.

Why do I not see the training indicated when I log in to CITI?

Please ensure you have selected the correct affiliation and course in CITI to complete your training.

Choosing your affiliation

  • If your employment/affiliation is through Western, select University of Western Ontario (N2)
  • If your employment/affiliation is through the hospital, select Lawson Health Research Institute (N2)

Choosing your course

  • Biomedical Research Ethics

What affiliation and course do I select for the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI): Research Ethics and Compliance Training?

  • If your employment/affiliation is through Western, select University of Western Ontario (N2)
  • If your employment/affiliation is through the hospital, select Lawson Health Research Institute (N2)

Choosing your course

  • Biomedical Research Ethics

What affiliation do I select for the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPC2): Course on Research Ethics (CORE tutorial)?

  • If your employment/affiliation is through the hospital select Lawson Health Research Institute
  • If your employment/affiliation is through Western, select University of Western Ontario

I have many study team members. Can I upload their certificates under my account?

No. Everyone must individually upload their certificates under their own accounts in OWL to ensure accurate tracking.

I have completed either CITI or TCPS training. Do I need to complete the other?

No. If you have completed either the CITI or TCPS2 training (options listed below), you do not need to complete the other. You only need to complete one OR the other.

  • Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2): Course on Research Ethics (CORE tutorial)
  • Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training
    • Biomedical Research Ethics

I am not sure if I need human ethics training before I begin my research. How do I determine this?

All research team members, including faculty, librarians, archivists, students, postdoctoral scholars and staff listed on research proposals submitted to one of the human research ethics boards at Western must provide evidence of completion of human research ethics training prior to beginning any study-related activities

How long will the training take if I have not yet completed it?

This training requirement will take approximately three hours to complete, but can vary depending on the method of training you use.

Do I need to keep a copy of my certificate?

Please keep a copy of your certificate. As spot checks may be performed, your Principal Investigator must also maintain a copy of the certificate for all study members.

Are study team members who are not affiliated with Western required to complete the training?

At this time, we do not require that members of the study team who are not affiliated with Western complete training; however, we always recommend that these study team members, if they have interactions with participants or their data, complete training on their own and ensure they are conducting research to the highest ethical standards at all times.