FAQs
General Questions
How can I be sure that the test is valid?
The Regulatory Compliance Test (RCT) in each discipline has been reviewed by leaders in the fields of regulatory compliance, education, and test construction. The CCC Advisory Board includes former FDA officials, regulatory lawyers, and regulatory affairs experts.
In just how much detail do you expect me to know about the regulatory and legal standards?
The tests do not require you to have in-depth knowledge of each and every rule and regulation. You will need to know the core regulations and “rules of the road” in the discipline in which your competency is being certified. For example, for regulatory competency in advertising, you will need to understand how sales materials and advertisements in all media are regulated. For regulatory competency in public relations, the test will include how press releases and Video News Releases (VNRs), for instance, are regulated.
Do I get an actual paper certificate that I can put up on the wall? Can I put the certification on my resume? What will it be called?
Once you have passed the test, you will be able to download your certificate with your name and company on it. Just click to print it. You will want to list this significant career accomplishment on your resume to distinguish you as a healthcare communication professional with knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance in one or more disciplines. The more recent your certification, the better – the most current certification date shows you are up-to-speed on the latest regulations and industry trends.
Will I have to be recertified each year?
Yearly RCT renewal is strongly advised to reflect the dynamic regulatory environment. The certificate you receive will include the year in which you passed the RCT – e.g., “Certificate in Regulatory Competency – Medical Education – 2008,” which can serve as an indication to clients and/or employers of the status of a practitioner’s qualifications.
Is there a “volume discount” if I register to have a number of my staff take the test? Do I have to sign them up at the same time to be eligible for the discount?
Yes, there is a volume discount that applies to employees signed up at the same registration session.
Once I am registered and have paid for a test, can I take it from any computer? Do I have to schedule a date to actually take it?
Once you are registered, your individual access code allows you to access the test at this Web site, 24/7, from any computer with an Internet connection; there is no need to schedule a test date.
What type of report is included when I purchase the certification test for my staff? Do I receive a printout of how everyone scored? How detailed is this information?
You will receive an “RCT Progress Report” for all staff who registered. This report will track each individual’s progress by module, date started, number of attempts and the date for each, pass/fail, date completed, and score. There are also more detailed customized reports useful for staff development, in addition to better understanding the firm’s overall strengths and gaps in regulatory competency. For example, a complete list of report options for Public Relations can be found on the Public Relations RCT Registration page.
I’m an experienced healthcare communications professional – can I register for the Advanced level test right away and skip the Basic level?
CCC certifies professionals who design, execute, review, or oversee healthcare communication materials and programs at two levels of Regulatory Competency – Basic and Advanced. You can proceed to Advanced only after you have passed the Basic section.
The tests can be taken consecutively at the same sign-in session, or at separate times. Experienced healthcare communication professionals with prior regulatory training may find they can pass the Basic level test on their first try; they can then go on to the Advanced level test right away.
I’m the only appropriate person in my firm to take advantage of CCC products and services. How can I benefit from your offerings?
CCC wants to accommodate firms of all sizes; in any firm, one individual only may purchase the training for $750, on a single-user basis. CCC also offers a package, at a discounted rate, that includes the Training, Basic and Advanced Certification, and 2 hours of expert consulting time.
Will CCC alert me to changes in the regulatory environment?
CCC is not meant to replace the official news organs of the FDA or the OIG. However, those who have signed up for CCC’s standardized, Web-based training course in a specific discipline will be notified by email of changes that are relevant to the content of the particular program. The specific regulatory changes will be available when you access the program. Should major regulatory changes occur that require revision of any of these courses, you will be notified accordingly.
What does it mean that CCC is making grants to third parties earmarked for education?
CCC is committed to helping the industry ensure the highest standard of regulatory compliance. To that end, CCC will make annual grants to universities, professional associations, or industry trade groups for educational initiatives, including but not limited to the creation of curricula on healthcare regulatory compliance for communication students.
Can I sign up to receive updates on new certification tests, training programs, and other services and products CCC plans to offer?
Please send an e-mail to info@CommunicationCompliance.com with your request.
Taking the Regulatory Compliance Test (RCT)
How do you recommend I study/prepare for the test? Does CCC offer any type of “test-prep” training for the RCT? Are there any manuals or books that you publish or that you recommend?
CCC offers a 3-part Web-based training seminar, Regulatory Compliance 101, in each discipline, taught by regulatory experts, which is designed to prepare you for the RCT in the specific discipline. The Resource Center tab on this Web site also contains information and links with background information. The Resource Center is designed to supplement the training seminar, not be a substitute for it.
How long do I have to attempt to pass the test?
You have one year from the date you receive your pass code to access the test.
Is there a limit on the amount of time I have to complete any section of the RCT?
You may take as much time as you want. However, our research has shown that most professionals taking the tests can expect to complete each section in 30 minutes or less.
What if I want to change my answers while I’m taking the test? Can I go back to a question during my session?
Within the Basic and Advanced tests, you may go back and review or change your answers as often as you wish before submitting your entire set of test responses.
How do I know which questions I answered incorrectly?
You will receive feedback on your performance in each section of the test.
Do I get any type of feedback on the test other than finding out if I pass or fail and which questions I got wrong?
CCC offers consulting services with regulatory and legal experts. If you choose, you can review with them your questions about the test.
If I fail the test my first time around, do I have to re-register and pay a fee a second time to try it again?
No – your registration allows you up to three attempts at passing the RCT, within a period of one year.