How to Request an IRB Exemption

1. Review the categories of exempt research - does your study fall under one of the categories?
2. If you believe your study is eligible for exemption, fill out the Request for Exemption Form.
3. Send (2) copies of the form (one original, one copy) along with a copy of the grant, protocol, or description of study to the IRB Office. The IRB staff will assign an IRB number and will forward the request to one of the IRB Co-Chairs.
4. The IRB Co-Chair will determine if your study qualifies as an exemption.
5. If the Chair grants an exemption, you will receive a memo granting the exemption and referencing the part of the federal regulation that the exemption falls under.

If the Chair does not feel that your study qualifies for an exemption, you will receive a memo explaining why the chair is not granting the exemption and what steps need to be taken.