Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

What is the minimum number of members required for an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

1. 3 members with diverse expertise

2. 5 members with various backgrounds

3. 7 members specializing in research ethics

4. 10 members from the community

The correct answer is: 5 members with various backgrounds

The minimum number of members required for an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is five. This standard is established by federal regulations to ensure that the board has a sufficient diversity of expertise, perspectives, and backgrounds to review research involving human subjects comprehensively. A five-member board can effectively consider the ethical implications of proposed studies, including assessing risks, benefits, and the rights of subjects. Having members with various backgrounds is crucial because it enhances the IRB's ability to evaluate research proposals from multiple viewpoints, thus promoting comprehensive ethical reviews. This diversity can include members with experience in research, ethics, law, and community representation, ensuring that all relevant considerations are addressed in the review process. The other options do not meet the regulatory requirement: a three-member board, while it might function in some contexts, does not fulfill the minimum standard needed for adequate diversity and expertise in reviews. Seven or more members may be ideal for larger institutions or complex studies, but they exceed the minimum requirement. A ten-member composition is not necessary and might be impractical for smaller organizations. Therefore, five members with various backgrounds is the correct answer to align with regulatory expectations.