Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Exam & Credentials
The CRA exam and CRA practice test are offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
Note: As of July 1, 2025, references to the Uniform Guidance in all RACC exams and
practice tests will reflect the revised guidance.
The CRA is offered twice a year (May and November). The exam fee is $395 which must
be paid by the employee or OSP.
You will want to complete the online application for examination as soon as you know when you want to sit for the exam. After applying and being approved to sit for the exam, you will receive Scheduling Authorization via email. This will allow you to schedule your exam during the testing window (of approximately 2 weeks) at various locations, including the University of Utah. Exams are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis so an early application means early authorization. Scheduling your exam, once you have authorization, should be done as soon as possible to maximize your chances of testing at your preferred location at the preferred time.
CRA Reimbursement for OSP Employees
OSP will reimburse the exam fee for OSP staff members who pass the CRA exam and successfully recertify. (Other University employees should check with their departments regarding reimbursement and qualifications). To qualify for OSP reimbursement, staff must have:
- A Bachelor's degree and 3+ years OSP experience (eligibility to sit for the exam)
- Director level approval
Studying for Certification
For fall 2021, there was a 91.25% pass rate. Studying more than 31 hours gave test takers a 96% chance of passing. Its important to study on your own and identify your personal areas of weakness and focus on those.
VT CRA Study Team
Virginia Tech offers zoom study sessions that begin around March and August of each year. Please contact cra@vt.edu to express interest in being a member of an upcoming cohort.
Be sure to check out the Recording Archive at the bottom of the CRA Study Team site, which are accessible anytime.
CRA Body of Knowledge
The CRA® Body of Knowledge can be viewed in the Content Outline section of the most recent handbook.
The Body of Knowledge information provided by the VT CRA Study Team will delve into the CRA content outline.
CRA Candidate Handbook for RAs
This Handbook contains necessary information about the Certified Research Administrator® Examination. Please see the most recent version.
VT CRA Study Team Recording Archives
Week 1: program overview and fundamentals of the cra
week 2: Uniform guidance
week 3: conflict of interest and subject protections
week 4: National Science foundation
week 5: national institutes of health
week 6: animal subjects and export controls
week 7: federal contracting and subawards
week 8: uniform guidance
week 9: export controls and final review
Recertification
At the end of each five-year period (3 years during and after 2023), recertification will be required in order to continue to use the CRA® designation.
Recertification applicants must include information on their continued participation/employment in the field, a list of educational activities either taken or taught, and 3 questions for use on a future certification examination.
One must document the attainment of a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education OR activities without CEUs which are equivalent to retain certification.