Certified Research Administrator Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
Achieving your Certified Research Administrator CRA credential demonstrates mastery in managing sponsored programs and compliance. This comprehensive CRA certification guide provides free resources to help you succeed.
Whether you are a seasoned research administrator or new to the field, our Certified Research Administrator exam prep tools, including practice questions and study tips, are designed to boost your confidence and performance.
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.
Free CRA Practice Tests
Prepare effectively with our specialized Certified Research Administrator practice test modules. Each CRA practice exam focuses on a specific domain of the CRA body of knowledge to ensure comprehensive preparation.
CRA Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the Certified Research Administrator exam
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. |
| How many questions are on the CRA exam? | The Certified Research Administrator exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge across the CRA body of knowledge. |
| How long is the CRA exam? | Candidates are given a total of 4 hours to complete the CRA test, allowing approximately 1.2 minutes per question. |
| Is the CRA exam computer-based? | Yes, the CRA exam is a computer-based test administered at professional testing centers or via live remote proctoring. |
| What is the passing score for the CRA exam? | The passing score for the CRA certification exam is a scaled score of 500 out of a possible 800. |
| How do I register for the CRA exam? | You can register for the CRA exam through the RACC website by submitting an application and proof of eligibility. |
| What is the CRA exam fee? | The application fee for the Certified Research Administrator exam is typically $395, which covers the cost of the examination. |
| When can I take the CRA exam? | The CRA test is offered during two testing windows annually, usually in May and November. |
| Where can I find CRA testing centers? | CRA testing is available at Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) centers worldwide and through online proctoring. |
| When will I get my CRA exam results? | Unofficial CRA exam results are often available immediately after completing the computer-based test, with official confirmation sent later. |
| What happens if I fail the CRA exam? | If you do not pass the CRA certification exam, you can retake it during the next testing window by paying a re-examination fee. |
| How is the CRA exam scored? | The CRA exam uses a scaled scoring system where raw scores are converted to a scale ranging from 200 to 800. |
| Does my CRA certification expire? | Yes, CRA certification is valid for five years and requires recertification through continuing education or re-examination. |
| What is the average Certified Research Administrator salary? | The average Certified Research Administrator salary ranges from $75,000 to over $95,000 annually, depending on experience and location. |
| Does CRA certification increase salary? | Yes, professionals with CRA certification often earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts in research administration roles. |
| What jobs can I get with a CRA credential? | With a CRA credential, you can pursue roles such as Senior Research Administrator, Grant and Contract Officer, and Director of Sponsored Programs. |
| Is the CRA exam worth it? | Absolutely. The CRA exam validates your skills and opens doors to advanced career opportunities in university and clinical research administration settings. |
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.
Focuses on finding funding, proposal preparation, and submission.
- Topics: Grant seeking, RFP analysis, budget development.
- Questions: Approx. 60 questions.
Covers regulations, compliance, and ethical considerations.
- Topics: Federal regulations, human subjects, animal welfare.
- Questions: Approx. 50 questions.
Involves managing sponsored funds, reporting, and auditing.
- Topics: Allowable costs, invoicing, financial reports.
- Questions: Approx. 50 questions.
Addresses administrative and operational management.
- Topics: Facilities management, procurement, personnel.
- Questions: Approx. 40 questions.
Electronic research administration systems and tools.
- Topics: Electronic submission portals, data management.
- Questions: Integrated across domains.
Specifics of clinical research administration.
- Topics: Trial management, patient privacy, regulations.
- Questions: Integrated across domains.
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
Estimate your CRA exam performance based on practice questions.
Certified Research Administrator Salary
Earning your CRA certification can significantly impact your earning potential in research administration.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $4,583 | 0-2 Years |
| Associate | $68,000 | $5,666 | 2-5 Years |
| CRA Certified | $82,000 | $6,833 | 5+ Years |
| Senior Admin | $95,000 | $7,916 | 8+ Years |
| Director | $110,000+ | $9,166+ | 10+ Years |
Professionals with Certified Research Administrator status often qualify for leadership roles and higher pay bands within university research administration offices.
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.
- Obtain a Degree - A Bachelor's degree is required (or Associate's with more experience). A research administration degree is helpful but not mandatory.
- Gain Professional Experience - Acquire at least three years of professional experience in research administration (or five years with an Associate's degree).
- Submit Application - Apply for the CRA exam through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
- Prepare for the Exam - Use a Certified Research Administrator study guide and take a CRA practice test.
- Schedule Exam - Book your testing appointment during one of the two annual testing windows.
- Pass the CRA Exam - Achieve a scaled score of 500 or higher on the Certified Research Administrator exam.
- Maintain Certification - Complete 80 contact hours of continuing education every five years for renewal.
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.
Expect to invest between $450 and $700 total for your CRA certification, including the exam fee and preparation materials.
CRA Career Opportunities
Explore diverse career paths in research administration with your CRA credential.
CRA Testing Contacts
For official information regarding the CRA exam, contact the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
Check university job boards and professional society websites like NCURA and SRA International for Certified Research Administrator jobs listings.
CRA Test Day Checklist
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Join thousands of research administrators who have successfully used our resources to achieve their Certified Research Administrator designation. Start practicing today!
START CRA PRACTICE TESTCRA Renewal Requirements
To maintain your Certified Research Administrator credential, you must demonstrate continued competence in the field. CRA certification renewal ensures you stay current with regulations and best practices.
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
You can find CRA testing locations by checking the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) website. They offer testing centers worldwide for the Certified Research Administrator exam.
Yes, the RACC offers a live remote proctoring option, allowing you to take the CRA exam from your home or office computer, provided you meet technical requirements.
RACC CRA refers to the Certified Research Administrator credential awarded by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
The CRA exam is challenging as it covers a broad range of topics. Using a Certified Research Administrator study guide is highly recommended for success.
Yes, you need a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of research administration experience, or an Associate's degree and 5 years of experience to qualify for the CRA test.
The best method is to review the CRA body of knowledge, take a Certified Research Administrator practice test, and join study groups.
The standard application fee for the Certified Research Administrator exam is $395. Late fees may apply if registering after the deadline.
You need a scaled score of 500 to pass the CRA certification exam. The exact number of correct questions varies based on exam difficulty.
Yes, Certified Research Administrator salary data shows that certified professionals typically earn more and have better leverage during negotiations.
Yes, you can retake the CRA test in the next testing window. A re-examination fee of $195 is usually required.