The review of a protocol application typically takes a week to ten days.   If revisions are required, the process may require more time.  On rare occasions, the entire membership of the IRB may need to discuss a protocol at its monthly meeting before making a final decision.

Research can begin after the IRB approves the project or exempts it from further review.  To avoid delay in the commencement of your research and attendant problems, students in particular, should therefore plan to submit their protocol as early in the semester as possible.  Because the IRB may not be available over the summer and during holidays, protocols should be submitted well in advance for projects to be carried out during these times or during the first few weeks of the semester.