Certified Research Administrator Preparation (CRA PREP)

**PAUSED**

Due to a change in roles and workload, the Spring 2024 CRA PREP session will not be offered at UArizona. We plan to return for the Fall 2024 session in August.  If you are interested in taking the CRA Exam in May 2024, I've listed the 2024 application deadlines and testing windows below, as well as links and information on some *FREE* resources offered by other institutions to assist you with your studying and preparation.

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The Certified Research Administrator Preparation (CRA PREP) program is a guided self-study program provided by Research Compliance Training+ to members of the University of Arizona community who wish to expand their knowledge of and skill in research administration and for those who are interested in taking the CRA certification exam sponsored by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). This program and the certification exam focus on various topics relevant to the role of research administrators. The CRA PREP program is offered at no cost to University of Arizona participants to encourage professional development and growth and build institutional excellence and capacity. In order to participate, individuals should meet the RACC eligibility requirements.

Quick Links:

• Certification Overview
• Body of Knowledge
• Spring 2024 Information
• Fall 2023 Sessions

Certification Overview

Much like other professional certifications, the designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) indicates that an individual has met the governing institution's eligibility requirements and has demonstrated a specified level of knowledge and mastery necessary to be a professional in the field of research administration.

The CRA, CPRA, and CFRA are awarded to qualified candidates upon successfully passing the corresponding exam. Once certified, the credential remains active for three years, after which it may be renewed by demonstrating sufficient information and documentation of your continued participation or employment in the field or retaking the certification exam. 

Benefits of Certification:

• Knowledge and skills growth
• Increased efficiency
• Personal satisfaction
• Professional credibility
• Increased opportunities for employment
• Advancement opportunities
• Competitive advantage
• Increased credibility with clients
• Serve as a mentor/role model for others

Increasingly, employers are including CRA certification amongst their preferred qualifications for many research administration related roles!

Qualifications and Credentials:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
• Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA)
• Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)

The eligibility requirements for taking any of the three exams are: 

1. Bachelor's degree (or advanced degree) and three 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's degree and five years of professional experience in research administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization; OR
3. High school diploma or GED and six years of professional experience in research administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization.

Please note: 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, please submit an application stating your experience in the field of research and sponsored programs administration, along with two letters of reference from colleagues affirming you have years and breadth of experience needed to understand the Body of Knowledge. Petition applications must be received at least five business days prior to the exam application deadline. 

Body of Knowledge

The CRA Body of Knowledge focuses on four domains of research administration as outlined below:

Spring 2024 Information

Due to a change in roles and workload, the Spring 2024 CRA PREP session will not be offered. We plan to return for the Fall 2024 session in July/August.

If you are interested in taking the CRA Exam in May 2024, I've listed the 2024 application deadlines and testing windows below, as well as some *FREE* resources offered by other institutions to assist you with your studying and preparation.

Resources:

• VA Tech CRA Study Team - Free 10-week CRA study team hosted by Virginia Tech. Live study sessions Wednesdays via Zoom from 2-4pm EST. Sessions recorded and posted to secure site for study team members. Spring session begins March 6! To gain access to course materials and study sessions, email cra@vt.edu.

• UC Boulder CRA Study Group - Free CRA study group hosted by University of Colorado Boulder. Spring sessions begin in March. They maintain a google site with links to past sessions and materials. To get on the contact list, email ocgtraining@colorado.edu. 

• NYC Research Administration Demonstration (RAD) Series - Free resource hosted by New York University to provide information/knowledge sharing for all research administrators. Series of online sessions throughout the year.

Fall 2023 Session Materials and Recordings