3Rs Certificate Course

This fully virtual, self-paced training is designed to elevate understanding and application of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—across your organization. 

What to Expect

Although most animal research professionals have learned about the 3Rs briefly, they may lack a deep understanding of the concepts and how to apply them. This is likely caused by a lack of specific, standardized, and accessible training in the 3Rs (refine, reduce, replace) which causes difficulty in implementation. Therefore, the 3RsC created a 3Rs certificate course to accelerate understanding, recognition, and implementation of the 3Rs.


This fully virtual, self-paced training is designed to elevate understanding and application of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—across your organization. This course is hosted by CITI Program, the trusted standard in research ethics, compliance, and safety training. 


The course consists of 5 one-hour modules on:

  • Introduction & History of the 3Rs
  • Replacement
  • Reduction
  • Refinement
  • Applications & Related Topics.



The course is North American-centric and refers to US & Canadian guidelines. The target learner is anyone working with research animals, including students, scientists, technicians, IACUC members, veterinarians, or anyone interested in the 3Rs. Each module ends with a 10-15 question quiz to test learner knowledge.

Why engage with the 3Rs Certificate Course

  • Comprehensive, in-depth, & actionable 3Rs training already taken by over 500 learners to foster integrity & professional advancement in the responsible conduct of animal research.

  • Accessible, dynamic, & engaging educational content for all stakeholders

    from students, technicians, managers, researchers, review body members,

    and more.

  • Track, measure, & benchmark learners’ course progress to meet your

    organizational goals for supporting replacement, reduction, and refinement.
  • What if I have a question directly for CITI Program (the host website)?

    You can reach out to sales@citiprogram.org if you have any questions about the course. Depending on the question, their sales team can then connect with others within CITI Program accordingly.

  • Who from my institution should I contact about purchasing the course?

    CITI Program administrators are typically the decision-makers at institutions regarding course additions. Administrators’ roles vary across institutions but they often include Animal Care and Use Program or IACUC administrators, IACUC chairs, administrators in research integrity offices, etc. If you are interested in the course but unsure who to speak to at their institution about getting the course added, you can reach out to sales@citiprogram.org.

  • How much will the course cost?

    Depending on your organization's current relationship with CITI and the 3Rs Collaborative, there are a few different pathways to access the course:


    For organizations that already subscribe to CITI, the 3Rs Certificate Course can be added to your existing subscription for an annual fee of:

    • $750 per site for for-profit institutions
    • $675 per site for non-profit institutions

    Not sure if your organization already subscribes to CITI? Search by your organization name on this webpage. Current subscriber, but not sure who oversees adding courses onto your CITI subscription? Reach out to sales@citiprogram.org


    For organizations that do NOT subscribe to CITI, but are members of the 3Rs Collaborative, the 3Rs Certificate Course can be added as a standalone option for an annual fee of:

    • $1000 per site for for-profit institutions
    • $850 per site for non-profit institutions

    Not sure if your organization is a 3RsC member? Check out this page. Want to join the 3Rs Collaborative? Learn more about becoming a member here.


    For organization that NEITHER subscribe to CITI nor are members of the 3Rs Collaborative, there are two options:

    • Group Independent Learners: Organizations can purchase a set of independent learner courses directly for $99.73 per person.
    • Institutional Subscription: Organizations can establish a base subscription with CITI (which ranges in cost from $4000-$5500) and then add the 3Rs Certificate Course for an additional $675-750 per year (see above).
  • How does the yearly subscription work? Can my institution cancel at any time?

    The annual subscription can be cancelled at any time.



  • What can I do if I have more questions about the course details or content?

    Click here to watch a brief presentation with an overview of the course by our Executive Director, Megan LaFollette.