Emory’s Office of Research Administration (ORA) CRA Study Program is a guided, self-study program designed to assist research administrators in preparing for the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam. The study program is designed to guide potential applicants through the comprehensive body of knowledge represented on the CRA exam. It is an opportunity for research administrators to share knowledge and expertise. It is not meant to be the sole source of preparation for the CRA, nor is it meant to be a guarantee that participants will pass the CRA exam. It is designed to introduce those interested in taking the CRA exam to the exam format and content areas so that participants can determine subject areas where additional study or experience is needed prior to taking the exam.
What is the CRA?
The CRA is a credential offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). Earning the Certified Research Administration (CRA) certification means that one has met the required qualifications and passed an exam on a wide body of knowledge in research administration, including collection and dissemination of information; legal requirements and sponsor interface; financial management; and general management. Learn more about the CRA, including application requirements, testing format/sites, recertification requirements, and required fees on the RACC website: http://www.cra-cert.org/
CRA Benefits
In addition to personal satisfaction, becoming certified may provide the following benefits:
- Professional recognition
- Validation of expertise
- Improved credibility with faculty, researchers, and other administrators
- Increased opportunities for professional advancement
- Identification as a subject matter expert
Participation in the CRA Study Program
A CRA Study Program is being held from January – April 2023. All sessions will be held on Fridays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET via Zoom. CRA Study Program participation requirements are as follows:
- Applicants must meet the following CRA exam eligibility requirements:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree and three (3) years of professional experience in research administration or sponsored programs administration 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 administration or sponsored programs administration 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 administration or sponsored programs administration in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funded organization.
- Applicants must have supervisor approval.
- The application must be completed and returned to Tricia Callahan (tricia.callahan @emory.edu) by Friday, January 6 @ 5:00 PM ET.
- To Apply, click here.
Session Dates/Times/Topics
| DATE | TIME | TOPICS |
| January 6 | By 5:00 PM ET | Applications due |
| January 13 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Overview of CRA requirements; Research Development |
| January 20 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Proposal Development, Review, and Certifications |
| January 27 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Proposal Submission and eRA |
| February 3 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Subrecipient Determination, Risk Assessment, and Monitoring |
| February 10 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Financial Considerations (Direct & Indirect Costs); Salary Cap |
| February 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Research Ethics and Compliance (COI, Export Control, RCR) |
| February 24 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Research Ethics and Compliance (IRB, IACUC, Biosafety) |
| March 3 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Award Negotiation and Acceptance |
| March 10 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Award Management (Advance accounts, Prior approvals, and Award actions) |
| March 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Award Management (Cost sharing, Compensation reporting, Financial reporting) |
| March 24 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Billing/Invoicing; Accounts receivable; Procurement and Closeout |
| March 31 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer |
| April 7 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Honorable Mentions, Q&A, and Wrap |
ORA Support
In support of building a cadre of research administration professionals, ORA will provide the $395 exam fee for oneinstance of the exam for ORA employees. To be eligible for the $395, applicants must:
- be an ORA employee
- have completed the 180-day onboarding period
- be accepted into the study cohort
- participate in all 14 study sessions
- register for the CRA exam
Questions
Direct questions about the CRA Study Program to Tricia Callahan (tricia.callahan @emory.edu).