CRS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a primary method of data collection in quantitative research? → Surveys and questionnaires
2. Which of the following best defines data fabrication in scientific research? → Making up data, results, or findings and recording or reporting them as real
3. Which type of data storage is most appropriate for the long-term preservation of research data? → Institutional repositories or certified data archives
4. What is the role of a Sponsor in a clinical trial as defined by federal regulations? → To take responsibility for initiating, managing, and financing the trial
5. The Belmont Report established which three core ethical principles for human subjects research? → Respect for persons, beneficence, and justice
6. What does 21 CFR Part 11 regulate in the context of clinical research? → Electronic records and electronic signatures
7. Honorary (gift) authorship violates research integrity primarily because it: → Misrepresents who actually contributed to the research and undermines accountability
8. Under 21 CFR Part 50, which of the following is required before a subject can participate in a clinical trial? → Informed consent
9. Under 42 CFR Part 93, which of the following is explicitly excluded from the definition of research misconduct? → Honest differences in the interpretation of data
10. What is the primary purpose of a Data Use Agreement (DUA) in research? → To specify the permitted uses and protections governing a shared dataset
11. Which step follows data collection? → Data analysis
12. What does the NIH Data Sharing Policy primarily require of funded researchers? → That researchers make final research data available for sharing where appropriate
13. What is the recommended minimum data retention period for records from a federally funded research project? → 3 years after the close of the project
14. What does data triangulation improve? → Research validity
15. What does HIPAA stand for, and why is it relevant to research data? → Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
16. Which research method involves observing subjects in their natural environment? → Naturalistic observation
17. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for grant proposal writing in CRS practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
18. How is an adverse event (AE) defined in a clinical trial? → Any undesirable medical occurrence in a participant, regardless of causality
19. Under GCP guidelines, which party is responsible for verifying that a clinical investigator is qualified to conduct a trial? → Sponsor
20. Which of the following is a best practice for securing sensitive research data? → Using encryption and role-based access controls
21. Which US regulation addresses financial conflicts of interest for investigators in federally funded research? → 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart F
22. In the context of CRS certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing statistical analysis & software? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
23. What does validity in research refer to? → Accuracy of measurement
24. What is metadata in the context of research data management? → Structured information that describes, explains, or provides context about a dataset
25. What is the primary purpose of a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) in a clinical trial? → To independently review accumulating safety and efficacy data
26. What does open access publication mean? → Free online access
27. Which medium is commonly used for disseminating findings? → Academic journals
28. Why is peer review important before dissemination? → To verify and improve quality
29. What is the importance of descriptive statistics? → Summarize and describe data
30. Under HIPAA, a 'limited dataset' is best described as: → A dataset with direct identifiers removed but some indirect identifiers retained