Unlocking the Value of Research Administrator Certification

Value of Research Administrator Certification: What it Can Mean to You

WHAT IS CERTIFICATION? Obtaining certification means that an individual has met the eligibility requirements of the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) and has demonstrated achievement of an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, and regulations for administering research.

WHAT IS RESEARCH ADMINISTRATORS CERTIFICATION COUNCIL(RACC)? The Council is a private, independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers a voluntary program for the certification of individuals who meet the requirements established by the Council. www.cra-cert.org

Benefits of Certification Indicator of expertise and knowledge Personal and Professional Satisfaction Demonstrate Commitment to the profession Serve as a role model to others

SRS - Financial Benefit The VPR and SRS Leadership strongly supports certification After Receiving Certification SRS will reimburse employee for the cost of the exam Provide a salary increase of $2,500/year SRS will do this for one certification. The employee can choose which certification

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA? Bachelor degree and 3 years of professional experience in research administration either in sponsoring or recipient organization - OR Associate degree and 5 years of experience - OR 6 years of experience (petition required)

CODE OF ETHICS perform my duties with honesty, diligence, and responsibility conduct myself free of personal and professional conflicts or the appearance of impropriety remain mindful as a steward of the funds I assist in requesting and managing have been provided fundamentally for the public good be prudent in the use and protection of sensitive information/data act in good faith promoting ethical integrity in all of our actions in public forums, maintain respectful communication about others in the profession

WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DOES RACC OFFER? Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA) Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE Certified Research Administrator - May 16 - 30, 2020 Application Deadline: April 15, 2020 - November 7 21, 2020, Application Deadline: October 7, 2020 Certified Pre-award Research Administrator - February 8 22, 2020, Application Deadline: January 8, 2020 - August 15 29, 2020, Application Deadline: July 8, 2020 Certified Financial Research Administrator - March, 21 April 4, 2020, Application Deadline: February 19, 2020 - September 19 October 3, 2020, Application Deadline: August 19, 2020

Exam Details 250 multiple choice questions based on the Body of Knowledge test content outline Total testing time of four hours Computerized and taken at testing centers - local testing center at TAMU General Service Complex

CRA DOMAINS 30% Project Development and Administration Legal Requirements and Sponsor Interface Financial Management General Management 30% 25% 15%

CPRA DOMAINS 25% Research Partnership and Funding Project Development and Proposal Submission Budget Design and Development 30% 30% Award and Preaward Compliance Considerations 15%

CFRA DOMAINS 30% 30% 25% 15% Governing Framework Project Costs Reporting Fiscal Compliance examination

What is on the Exam? See RACC Body of Knowledge Handbook Annotated with Resources

Study Resources Z:\SRS\Training\2020 Spring CRA Review Body of Knowledge Crosswalk Presentations CRA Study Guide Uniform Guidance Study Guide NIH Study Guide NSF Study Guide

Study Resources Regulation and Compliance Acronyms and definitions Sample questions Quizlet https://quizlet.com practice exams in the search field enter Certified Research Administrator VT-CRA k_denise Search the web for material

Additional Resources Form a study group On-line Practice Test 75 questions ($60.00) Body of Knowledge review sessions offered by the RACC - $225 Join the RESADM L mailing list (list serve) http://www.hrinet.org

Managing Expectations Self-guided study program Broad topics- not always in the weeds Must study on your own Identify Weak areas Responsible for your own success

Test Taking Strategies Attend sessions Study on own time Identify and focus on weak areas Use various methods for studying Take a few days off to study MOST CORRECT/BEST ANSWER Pay attention to detail how the questions are worded Don t go crazy with the follow up flag

Benefits of a Study Group The sum of the whole is greater than the individual part Facilitates discussion and dialogue on topics that may not be part of everyday job Utilizes the expertise of all members of the group Provides a support system

After the Exam 4-8 weeks Receive a letter in the mail Website http://www.cra-cert.org/

Recertification Certification is good for 5 year period Continuation education required Include a list of educational activities Taken or taught Provide 3 questions for use on a future examination The number of contact hours of education needed for recertification is 80.

Recertification Educational activities may include teaching, serving on professional journal or newsletter review boards, writing articles, serving on boards of relevant national associations, participating in workshops and seminars, as well as academic courses at an undergraduate or graduate level. Academic credits will be considered as contact hours. A recertification fee will also be due at the time the recertification application is filed.

Questions/ Parting Thoughts You can do it! When you are ready to make the commitment - Go for it! It is worth it.