What is the CRA certification?

The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential is awarded by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). It validates expertise in managing sponsored research programs at universities, hospitals, and research institutions. The CRA designation is recognized across the United States as the standard professional credential for research administration professionals.

How many questions are on the CRA exam?

The CRA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items used for future exam development. Candidates are not told which questions are pretest items, so all 150 questions should be answered carefully. The exam is administered via computer-based testing at Prometric centers.

What topics are covered on the CRA exam?

The CRA exam covers five major domains: project development and administration, legal requirements and sponsor interface, financial management and budgeting, general management and operations, and professional development and ethics. Each domain is weighted differently, with financial management and project development typically carrying the largest portion of scored questions.

How long do candidates have to complete the CRA exam?

Candidates are given three hours to complete the CRA exam. This allows roughly 72 seconds per question across all 150 items. There is no penalty for guessing, so candidates should answer every question even if unsure. A short tutorial period before the exam does not count toward the three-hour testing window.

How do I register for the CRA exam through RACC?

Registration is completed through the RACC website at cra-cert.org. Candidates must submit an application verifying their education and experience, pay the examination fee, and receive an Authorization to Test letter. Once approved, candidates schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center and must sit for the exam within their assigned testing window.

How long is CRA certification valid before renewal?

CRA certification is valid for a five-year period from the date of passing the exam. To maintain the credential, certified professionals must earn continuing education points through approved activities such as attending conferences, publishing research administration articles, or completing relevant coursework. Alternatively, certificants may retake the exam to renew.

What format does the CRA exam use?

The CRA exam uses a multiple-choice format with four answer options per question. All questions are delivered via computer-based testing at Prometric centers. The exam uses a scaled scoring methodology rather than a simple percentage, and results are reported as pass or fail. Candidates receive a score report indicating performance by domain area.

What experience is required to qualify for the CRA exam?

RACC requires candidates to have a combination of education and research administration experience. Typically, a bachelor's degree plus three years of relevant experience qualifies, while a master's degree requires two years. Candidates without a degree may qualify with additional years of documented experience in sponsored programs administration at an eligible institution.

CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Test: Prep Guide

Free gatb practice test with questions and answer explanations. Prepare for the 2026 May exam with instant scoring and study guides.

CRA - Certified Research Administrator By Dr. Alexandra KimMay 7, 202661 min read

CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Test: Prep Guide

⏱️4 HoursTime Limit

📝200Questions

✅500Scaled Score

💵$395Exam Fee

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.

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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.

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.

CERTIFIED RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR REVIEW

CRA Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

How many questions did you answer correctly?

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct✓PASS

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

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✓Valid Photo ID
✓Admission Ticket
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✓Review Exam Guide
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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.

✅Pros

+Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
+Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
+Demonstrates commitment to professional development
+Opens doors to advanced career opportunities

❌Cons

−Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
−Certification fees can be $100-$400+
−May require continuing education to maintain
−Some employers may not require certification

CRA Questions and Answers

CRA Certification: Complete Guide to Certified Research Admi

CRA Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

CRA Job Responsibilities: Certified Research Administrator R

CRA Certification Requirements: How to Qualify and Apply

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.