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Certified Research Administrators (CRA) Exam Information

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The Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) offers three exams: Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) & Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA). This Reference Guide focuses on the CRA only; interested parties can find information on all three exams at www.cra-cert.org.

Why take the CRA Exam?

Passing the CRA provides independent confirmation that you have a basic level of knowledge of research and sponsored programs administration. It gives personal and professional satisfaction, and the ability to demonstrate to yourself and others your commitment to the profession.

When and how can I take the CRA exam?

There are two testing periods, one in May and another in November of every year. To take the exam, you must apply at the Research Administrator’s Certification Council’s CRA website www.cra-cert.org.

  • The exam fee is $395, which must be paid by the employee or the employee’s campus/department.

What is the CRA exam like?

The exam consists of computerized multiple-choice questions. To learn more about the exam composition and length visit Exam Composition and Length (cra-cert.org)

The Certified Research Administrator® Examination will be weighted in approximately the following manner:

I. Collection and Dissemination of Information 44%

II. Legal Requirements and Sponsor Interface 20%

III. Financial Management  21%

IV. General Management 15%

What are the CRA exam requirements?

  1. Bachelor’s degree (or advanced degree) and three (3) years of professional experience in research administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization; OR
  2. Associate degree and five (5) years of professional experience in research administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-fund organization; OR
  3. No degree and six (6) years of professional experience in the research administration or sponsored programs administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization.

*  If you do not have the required experience for your level of education, you may petition for a waiver to take the exam. To do so, access the examination Petition on RACC’s website HERE. 

Note: The CRA® designation is awarded for a period of three (3) years, at which time a CRA® must recertify for an additional three (3) years by one of two methods:

  1. Earning 42 contact hours of education credits during the preceding 3 years, related to Research Administration and submitting an online CRA recertification application.
  2. Re-taking and passing the CRA® examination. 

Before applying for the CRA exam:

  • Review exam schedule and application deadlines
    • If the exam window is in May – Apply by April – Start studying in March
    • If the exam window is in November – Apply by October – Start studying in September
  • Review the Body of Knowledge from RACC
    • Focus on your areas of concern within the Body of Knowledge
    • The recommended amount of study time correlated with a passing grade is 40-60 hours in total
    • Create a personal study plan and schedule
  • Join a study group
  • Invite another member of the study group to study with you in an area of shared interest

  • Consider purchasing a study guide from Amazon
  • The RF periodically invites an outside speaker to host a study group