How long does the IRB review process take?
Review of Exempt or Expedited protocols make take up to 21 working days. The review process for applications requiring Full review can take up to a month or longer to complete, depending on potential modifications, when the application is submitted, etc. If a protocol is tabled at a full board meeting, approval may take two or more months. Substantive revisions must usually be reviewed at the next regularly scheduled IRB meeting. Most applications require revisions upon initial review. You should include sufficient time in your research plan to allow for any IRB-required changes to the research application. Many revisions can be considered by the chair or a subcommittee of the full IRB.
