Exempt
Typical timeline: 1–3 weeks
Minimal-risk research fitting a federal exempt category (45 CFR 46.104) — such as anonymous surveys or analysis of de-identified data.
Exempt review guideNavigate IRB Approval — From Protocol to Clearance
Clear, calm, practical guidance for graduate students and researchers preparing an IRB application. Templates, walkthroughs, and answers to the questions nobody explains.
A free, independent educational resource. Not affiliated with any university, IRB, or federal agency — and not a commercial IRB service. Just the information researchers actually need.
Know your review category
Expedited
Typical timeline: 2–6 weeks
Minimal-risk research reviewed by a single IRB member rather than the full board (45 CFR 46.110).
Expedited review guideFull Board
Typical timeline: 4–10 weeks
Greater-than-minimal-risk research, or research with vulnerable populations, reviewed by the convened IRB committee.
Full board review guideFeatured guides
How to write your IRB protocol
A section-by-section walkthrough of a typical IRB protocol, with plain-language examples and common mistakes.
Writing informed consent forms
All 45 CFR 46.116 required elements, annotated examples, and guidance on reading level and structure.
CITI training: what to expect
Which modules you need, how long it takes, and how to prepare so you pass on the first try.