Practice Test Geeks(CRA) Certified Research Administrator Practice Test
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Project Development and Proposal Preparation Flashcards

7 cards from real CRA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Project Development and Proposal Preparation flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of the Specific Aims page in an NIH R01 application?

    Answer: To concisely state the goals, objectives, and impact of the proposed research

    The Specific Aims page is a one-page summary of research goals, hypotheses, and expected outcomes that often determines whether reviewers read the full application favorably.

  2. Under the Uniform Guidance, which of the following costs requires prior written approval from the federal awarding agency before it can be charged to a federal award?

    Answer: Pre-award costs incurred before the award start date

    Pre-award costs require prior agency approval unless the sponsor has issued a blanket pre-award spending authorization, as they create financial risk if the award is not made.

  3. A foundation RFP requires a two-page project narrative. A research administrator notices the PI's draft is three pages. What is the correct course of action?

    Answer: Edit the narrative to meet the two-page limit before submission

    Failure to comply with page limits is a common reason for administrative withdrawal; the administrator must work with the PI to condense the narrative.

  4. Which of the following is the correct definition of 'effort' in the context of federal research grants?

    Answer: The proportion of total professional activity devoted to a sponsored project

    Effort is defined as the proportion of total professional activity—not clock hours—dedicated to a sponsored project, regardless of the total hours worked.

  5. A research team is collaborating with a for-profit company that will receive funds from the federal grant. The proper mechanism for this arrangement is a:

    Answer: Subcontract/subaward

    When a collaborating entity receives federal funds and performs a substantive portion of the programmatic work, a formal subaward is required regardless of whether the entity is for-profit or non-profit.

  6. A sponsor requires that the proposal be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The research administrator's institution is in the Pacific Time zone. What time must the proposal be submitted?

    Answer: 2:00 PM Pacific Time

    Eastern Time is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time, so 5:00 PM ET corresponds to 2:00 PM PT.

  7. Which section of a federal research proposal typically documents the applicant institution's experience, financial stability, and administrative infrastructure?

    Answer: Organizational Capability or Institutional Support

    The Organizational Capability section (sometimes called Institutional Capacity) demonstrates the institution's ability to manage the proposed project successfully.