The NURAP Continuing Education Subcommittee is proud to offer Certified Research Administrator (CRA) study sessions every year to members of the Northwestern community who are interested in gaining a broad knowledge of research administration and/or preparing to take the CRA exam.
If you like to learn more of what the CRA Study sessions are all about, please navigate to the Orientation folder using this link.
To join the NURAP CRA listserv, send an email to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu. In the body of the email type “SUBSCRIBE NURAP_CRA FirstName LastName”. Leave the subject blank and do not include a signature in the body of the email.
| What are the CRA study sessions? | The Continuing Education Subcommittee offers CRA study sessions every other year to participants on both campuses interested in learning more about the different aspects of research administration. Each study session covers a different research administration topic and is presented by a Northwestern content expert. The study sessions typically run for 15-17 weeks and cover topics included on the CRA exam. Study sessions typically occur weekly for 1 hour. The content experts base their presentations on sections of the “Guide to Managing Federal Grants for Colleges and Universities,” also known as “The Guide.” This serves as the primary reading material for the exam. Participants are given reading materials from the guide each week. |
| When and where are the CRA study sessions offered? | The CRA study sessions are offered "live" via Zoom every other year from January-May. The sessions are recorded and can be accessed at any time. The next live Zoom sessions start in January 2023. |
| What is CRA certification? | Earning CRA certification means that an individual has met the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) eligibility requirements and has demonstrated a level of knowledge necessary for a person to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator. |
| What topics are covered on the CRA exam? | The exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test of 250 questions (4 hours) at an authorized testing location. The exam covers: • Collection and Dissemination of Information 44% • Legal Requirements and Sponsor Interface 20% • Financial Management 21% • General Management 15% |
| Why become a CRA? | There are many reasons to become a CRA including: expanding your level of expertise, professional development and recognition, career advancement, and personal growth to name a few. |
| Are there other CRAs at Northwestern? | A full list of CRAs is provided here. You can narrow by organization for a complete list of Northwestern’s CRAs. |
| Can I attend the study sessions without taking the exam? | Yes. You do not have to take the exam in order to attend the study sessions. Attending the study sessions will provide a great opportunity to increase your research administration knowledge no matter how much experience or time you currently have. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend all or any of the study sessions. Please be sure you are on the NURAP CRA listserv (please note this is different than the NURAP listserv). |
| Can I participate in the sessions and/or utilize the materials if I don’t work at Northwestern? | Generally, the materials and sessions are only available to Northwestern employees. There are some exceptions; please contact NURAP for additional information. |
| How much does the exam cost? | As of 2023 the exam fee is $395. |
| Are there any scholarships offered? | In the past NURAP has offered exam scholarships during the CRA study session cycles. Scholarships consist of varying levels of financial support. Scholarship announcements will be made via the NURAP CRA listserv. |
| What are the qualifications needed to sit for the exam? | Per the RACC guidelines: Candidates applying to sit for the Certified Research Administrator examination must meet these requirements: Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree and three (3) years of professional experience in research or sponsored programs administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization; OR Associate’s degree and five (5) years of professional experience in research or sponsored programs administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization; OR No degree and six (6) years of professional experience in research 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. Visit RACC website for additional information. |
| What are the re-certification requirements? | To maintain your CRA designation you will be required to recertify every three (3) years. You will need to complete a recertification application which describes your activities over the last three years in research administration. You will be responsible for tracking your contact hours which can include participation in workshops/conferences, presentations given, writing articles, etc. Currently, the number of contact hours needed for recertification is 42. The recertification fee is $195 and the late application period fee is $295. Visit RACC website for additional information. |
| How many times I can take the exam? | The exam is held twice per year (May and November). There is currently no limit for taking the exam. |
| What options/materials are available to me if I want to take the CRA exam when no study sessions are offered? | All of the CRA study session materials (readings, PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, and practice tests) are on SharePoint and available to NU employees at any time. Please contact NURAP to gain access. |
| What are the upcoming test dates? | 2023 Examination Schedule Certified Research Administrator • May 13-27, 2023, Application Deadline: 4/12/2023 by 11:59pm EST • November 4-18, 2023, Application Deadline: 10/4/2023 by 11:59pm EST |
| How can I be notified about upcoming study sessions? | All CRA study session communications are sent through the NURAP CRA listserv. To join, send an email to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu. In the body of the email type “SUBSCRIBE NURAP_CRA FirstName LastName”. Leave the subject blank and do not include a signature in the body of the email. You can also email NURAP to be added to the NURAP CRA listserv. |
If you have further questions, please reach out to the Continuing Education Subcommittee Chair at NURAP@northwestern.edu.