CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Test: Prep Guide
Free Certified Research Administrator practice test 2026 with 850+ questions. Pass on your first try! Study guide, flashcards & tips included.
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.
Project Development Quiz
Free CRA practice test covering project development and proposal preparation. Master essential Research Administrator skills for your certification.
Contracts & Agreements Quiz
CRA exam questions focusing on research contracts and agreements. Prepare for the Certified Research Administrator exam with these legal scenarios.
Financial Management Quiz
CRA certification practice test for financial management of sponsored programs. Test your knowledge of budgeting and allowable costs.
Regulatory Compliance Quiz
Free CRA test questions on regulatory compliance and ethics. Ensure you understand human subjects and animal welfare regulations.
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.
START CRA PRACTICE TEST💰What determines allowable costs?
Costs must be reasonable, allocable, and consistently treated (Uniform Guidance).
GET CRA EXAM PREP👥What is the purpose of an IRB?
To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects in research.
REVIEW CRA QUESTIONS🐁What is the role of IACUC?
To oversee the care and use of animals in research and teaching.
ACCESS CRA STUDY GUIDE📊What is Effort Reporting?
A method to certify that salary charges to sponsored awards reflect actual work performed.
PRACTICE CRA TEST NOWCRA 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.
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
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Certified Research Administrator Salary
$82,000
Median Annual Salary
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.
- 1Obtain a Degree - A Bachelor's degree is required (or Associate's with more experience). A research administration degree is helpful but not mandatory.
- 2Gain Professional Experience - Acquire at least three years of professional experience in research administration (or five years with an Associate's degree).
- 3Submit Application - Apply for the CRA exam through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
- 4Prepare for the Exam - Use a Certified Research Administrator study guide and take a CRA practice test.
- 5Schedule Exam - Book your testing appointment during one of the two annual testing windows.
- 6Pass the CRA Exam - Achieve a scaled score of 500 or higher on the Certified Research Administrator exam.
- 7Maintain 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 Testing Contacts
For official information regarding the CRA exam, contact the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
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.