CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Test: Prep Guide

CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Test: The Certified Research Administrator designation is the gold standard for professionals in research…

CRA - Certified Research AdministratorBy Dr. Alexandra KimApr 7, 202661 min read
CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Test: Prep Guide
⏱️4 HoursTime Limit
📝200Questions
500Scaled Score
💵$395Exam Fee
📊MCQScoring
🖥️CBTFormat
🔄5yrRenewal
🏢PTCCenters
📍Int'lBased
🩺RACCLicensure
💻YesComputer
🎓RequiredDegree

The Certified Research Administrator designation is the gold standard for professionals in research administration. It validates your expertise in project development, legal requirements, financial management, and general management of sponsored projects.

Certified Research Administrator Cra - Certified Research Administrator study guide

CRA Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the CRA - Certified Research Administrator exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

CRA Communication & Stakeholder Management

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CRA Research Contracts and Agreements

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CRA Resident Rights & Advocacy

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CRA Exam Flashcards

Quick review for the Certified Research Administrator exam

📜What is the Bayh-Dole Act?

A law allowing universities to elect title to inventions made with federal funding.

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💰What determines allowable costs?

Costs must be reasonable, allocable, and consistently treated (Uniform Guidance).

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👥What is the purpose of an IRB?

To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects in research.

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🐁What is the role of IACUC?

To oversee the care and use of animals in research and teaching.

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📊What is Effort Reporting?

A method to certify that salary charges to sponsored awards reflect actual work performed.

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CRA Exam Study Guide

Our comprehensive Certified Research Administrator study guide covers essential information about the exam structure and content. This CRA review section answers common questions aspiring administrators have.

What is the Certified Research Administrator CRA exam?
The CRA exam is a professional certification test administered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) to validate expertise in research administration.
Who is eligible for the CRA certification?
Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in research administration, or an associate degree with five years of experience.
Why become a Certified Research Administrator?
Earning your CRA certification demonstrates professional commitment, enhances credibility, and can lead to higher salary potential in the field of research administration.
What does the CRA exam cover?
The CRA exam covers four main domains: Project Development and Administration, Legal Requirements, Financial Management, and General Management.

CRA Test Format

The Certified Research Administrator exam is structured around the CRA body of knowledge, covering four primary domains. Understanding this structure is crucial for your CRA exam prep.

🏗️Project Development30%

Focuses on finding funding, proposal preparation, and submission.

FundingSourcesProposalWritingBudgetsSubmission
  • Topics: Grant seeking, RFP analysis, budget development.
  • Questions: Approx. 60 questions.
⚖️Legal Requirements25%

Covers regulations, compliance, and ethical considerations.

ComplianceEthics
  • Topics: Federal regulations, human subjects, animal welfare.
  • Questions: Approx. 50 questions.
💰Financial Management25%

Involves managing sponsored funds, reporting, and auditing.

AccountingAuditsReportingCostSharing
  • Topics: Allowable costs, invoicing, financial reports.
  • Questions: Approx. 50 questions.
👔General Management20%

Addresses administrative and operational management.

ProcurementPropertySafety
  • Topics: Facilities management, procurement, personnel.
  • Questions: Approx. 40 questions.
💻Electronic Admin / Integrated

Electronic research administration systems and tools.

GrantsCommonsFastLaneDatabases
  • Topics: Electronic submission portals, data management.
  • Questions: Integrated across domains.
🏥Clinical Research / Integrated

Specifics of clinical research administration.

ClinicalTrials
  • Topics: Trial management, patient privacy, regulations.
  • Questions: Integrated across domains.
💡 CRA Study Tips

Focus on the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) as it forms the backbone of federal research administration regulations. Use a Certified Research Administrator study guide to structure your review.

CRA Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correctPASS

Certified Research Administrator Salary

💰

$82,000

Median Annual Salary

🌱Entry Level
$55,000
$4,583/mo0-2 Years
🌿Associate
$68,000
$5,666/mo2-5 Years
🌳CRA Certified
$82,000
$6,833/mo5+ Years
🎓Senior Admin
$95,000
$7,916/mo8+ Years
🏛️Director
$110,000+
$9,166+/mo10+ Years

How to Become a Certified Research Administrator

The path to CRA certification involves a combination of education, experience, and passing the CRA exam. Here is your roadmap to becoming a certified research administrator.

🎓
Step 1

Education

A Bachelor's degree is required (or Associate's with more experience). A research administration degree is helpful but not mandatory.
💼
Step 2

Experience

Acquire at least three years of professional experience in research administration (or five years with an Associate's degree).
📝
Step 3

Apply

Apply for the CRA exam through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
🏆
Step 4

Certify

Use a Certified Research Administrator study guide and take a CRA practice test.

CRA Certification Costs

Understanding the investment for becoming a Certified Research Administrator is important. The total CRA exam cost includes application fees and potential study material expenses.

💵$395Application Fee Standard exam fee
📚$50-$150Study Materials Books & guides
💻$0-$200Prep Courses Optional training
🔄$195Retake Fee If exam is failed
📅$225Renewal Fee Every 5 years

Expect to invest between $450 and $700 total for your CRA certification, including the exam fee and preparation materials.

Research Administrator - Certified Research Administrator study guide

CRA Testing Contacts

For official information regarding the CRA exam, contact the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).

🌐

RACC Website Official

Board

Website: cra-cert.org

Services: Registration, Renewal

Contact: Via form

🏢

PTC Testing Test

Provider

Website: ptcny.com

Services: Scheduling, Centers

Contact: Support team

📧

Email

Support General Inquiries

Website: info@cra-cert.org

Services: Certification help

Contact: Email

📱

Phone

Direct Line

Website: 212-356-0660

Services: Urgent questions

Contact: Mon-Fri

CRA Test Day Checklist

Ready to Pass the CRA Exam?

Join thousands of research administrators who have successfully used our resources to achieve their Certified Research Administrator designation. Start practicing today!

CRA Renewal Requirements

⏱️

Renewal Period Every

5 Years

📚

Contact Hours

80 Hours

💵

Recertification Fee

$225

Keep track of your continuing education hours in research administration to ensure a smooth renewal process for your CRA certification.

CRA Exam Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Alexandra KimPhD Professional Studies, CPLP, CPTD

Certified Professional Development Expert & Niche Certification Advisor

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

Dr. Alexandra Kim holds a PhD in Professional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). With 17 years of corporate training and professional certification advisory experience, she helps professionals navigate specialized, emerging, and cross-industry certification programs.