Understanding Curricula, Groups, and Stages in CITI Program

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In the CITI Program Learning Management System (LMS), training content is organized using a three-level structure: Curricula, Groups, and Stages. This structure allows institutions to assign the correct training to the right learners while maintaining accurate reporting and historical records.

 

This article explains what each level represents and why names can be edited while system ID numbers remain unchanged.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Content Structure

CITI Program content is organized in the following hierarchy:

Curriculum → Group → Stage

Each level serves a distinct purpose and contains unique system identifiers (IDs) used by the LMS.

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Curriculum

What is a Curriculum?

A Curriculum is the highest-level container in the LMS. It represents a broad training area or compliance category.

Common examples include:

  • Human Subjects Research
  • Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Animal Care and Use
  • Conflict of Interest

Curricula help organize related training requirements and are often the first level learners see during enrollment.

 

Key Characteristics

  • Contains one or more Groups
  • Controls high-level settings, such as reporting options and expiration reminders
  • Used in reporting and administrative configuration

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Group (course)

What is a Group?

A Group exists within a curriculum and is a specific training track. Groups are also commonly referred to as courses. The Group name is often used as the course name.

Common examples include:

  • Biomedical Researchers
  • Social/Behavioral Researchers
  • IRB Members
  • Students or Staff

Groups are tied to enrollment questions to determine access to training.

 

Key Characteristics

  • Always associated with a single curriculum
  • Can contain more than one Stage

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Stage

What is a Stage?

A Stage represents the actual course requirement within a group.

Common examples include:

  • Basic / Initial Training
  • Refresher Training
  • Continuing Education
  • Role-specific requirements

Stages contain the modules learners must complete, along with passing scores and completion rules.

Circular diagram showing Stage 1 Basic Course progressing through Stages 2, 3, and 4 refresher courses, then looping back to Stage 1.

 

Key Characteristics

  • Exists within a specific group
  • Contains training modules, passing grade, and expiration

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Names vs. IDs

  • Name: Customizable
  • ID: System assigned and not editable

The ID ensures that completions remain correctly linked, even if the name changes.

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Why Are IDs Static While Names Can Be Edited?

Each curriculum, group, and stage is assigned a unique system ID when it is created. These IDs are used by the LMS to:

  • Preserve historical completion records
  • Support reporting and audits
  • Maintain transcript accuracy
  • Ensure system stability during updates or integrations

 

CITI Program course structure showing Human Subjects Research, Biomedical Research group, Basic Course, and four modules.

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For additional assistance, contact the CITI Program support desk by clicking on the Support tab and filling out the email request form. Please provide as much information as possible to assist us in assigning your case to the correct technician.

Phone support is also available by calling 888.529.5929 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time).

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