CRA Exam Preparation
Research Enterprise Services · Professional Development
CRA Exam Prep: Resource Hub
A centralized starting point for NU staff preparing to sit for the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam. Rather than building new study content from scratch, we’ve gathered background on the certification itself and pointed to the established external study programs that colleagues have used successfully.
The Credential
What Is the CRA?
Expand any section for details on the certification, eligibility, exam format, and recertification.
The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential is awarded by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). It demonstrates broad knowledge across research administration, including project development and administration, legal requirements and sponsor interface, financial management, and general management. RACC / CRA certification website
- Structured preparation for the CRA examination
- Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- Builds credibility and expertise in research administration
- Connects you with a national network of research administrators
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree + 3 years of professional research/sponsored-programs administration experience, or
- Associate’s degree + 5 years of the same experience, or
- No degree + 6 years of the same experience (requires a Petition Application)
- Offered twice a year: a May window and a November window
- Application due roughly two months ahead (March for May; September for November)
- Exam fee: $395
- 3.5 hours, 200 multiple-choice questions, via the Professional Testing Corporation at an approved site
Content breakdown
CRAs who passed in 2023 or later recertify every three years, either by retaking the exam or submitting a recertification application documenting 42 contact hours of relevant professional activity. The recertification fee is $235. Those certified before 2023 get one five-year cycle (80 contact hours) before moving to the standard three-year cycle.
External Programs
Where to Study: Established Programs
Several institutions run well-developed CRA study programs, and NU staff have used all three successfully. Rather than duplicate this work, we centralize access to them here.
Virginia Tech
CRA Study Team
A guided self-study cohort open to research administrators anywhere. Live weekly Zoom sessions run for 10 weeks (NSF/NIH foundations, financial administration, export controls, human subjects, final review). Sessions are recorded, with daily review emails. No cost; email [email protected] to enroll.
University of Colorado Boulder
CRA Study Group
A weekly study group for the two months before each exam window. Materials are organized around the exam’s four content areas and include slide decks, recorded workshops, and practice tests. To join, email [email protected].
Morgan State University
Test Prep Library
A deep, self-service library of PDF study chapters, each covering a specific topic with content and practice questions built in — from F&A costs and cost allowability to SBIR/STTR, NIH/NSF basics, export controls, and more. Strong for self-paced, topic-by-topic review.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Questions about preparing for the CRA exam? Reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Morgan Fielding
Associate Director (Training and Learning)
[email protected]
We also have a Microsoft Teams channel for staff preparing for the CRA exam. To be added, contact Morgan at the email above.