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.

What is the passing score for the CRA?

The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam is scored on a 200–800 scale, and the passing score is 500. (Verified Oct 18, 2026 against ptcny.com.)

How much does the CRA cost?

The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam application fee is US $395, which includes testing center fees and is paid by credit card. (Verified Oct 18, 2026 against Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro.)

When is the next CRA testing window?

The next Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam testing window runs from November 7 to November 21, 2026. (Verified Oct 18, 2026 against Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro.)

CRA Practice Test

Updated October 2026

Oct 22, 202612 min read

Facts verified Oct 18, 2026 against Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro

⏱️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. Practice with the free Certified Research Administrator practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (9 questions with answer explanations).

CRA: upcoming dates and official changes

Nov 7, 2026 – Nov 21, 2026: The next Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam testing window runs from November 7 to November 21, 2026. (Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro)
Apr 7, 2027: Applications for the May 8–22, 2027 Certified Research Administrator (CRA) testing window are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on April 7, 2027. (Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro)

Facts verified Oct 18, 2026 against Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam has up to 200 multiple-choice questions, of which 175 are scored and 25 are unscored pilot questions. (ptcny.com)
The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam is scored on a 200–800 scale, and the passing score is 500. (ptcny.com)
The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam application fee is US $395, which includes testing center fees and is paid by credit card. (Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro)
There is no limit on retakes of the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam, but each attempt needs a new application and fee. (ptcny.com)
The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential is valid for three years after passing the exam. (ptcny.com)
To renew, a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) earns 42 research-administration contact hours over three years or retakes and passes the exam. (ptcny.com)
The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam is computer-based and taken at Prometric test centers during a two-week testing window. (ptcny.com)
To sit for the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam, candidates need a bachelor's degree and 3 years of research administration experience, an associate's degree and 5 years, or 6 years with no degree. (Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro)
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam results are emailed about one month after the testing window closes, not at the test center. (ptcny.com)

CRA Exam at a Glance

Item	Detail	Official source
Number of questions	200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored, 25 pilot)	ptcny.com
Passing score	500 on a 200–800 scale	ptcny.com
Exam fee	$395 USD (includes testing center fees)	Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro
Retake policy	Unlimited retakes; new application and fee each time	ptcny.com
Validity	3 years	ptcny.com
Renewal	42 contact hours every 3 years, or retake the exam	ptcny.com
Delivery	Computer-based at Prometric test centers during a two-week window	ptcny.com
Eligibility	Bachelor's + 3 yrs, associate's + 5 yrs, or no degree + 6 yrs of research administration experience	Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro
Score release	By email about one month after the testing window closes	ptcny.com
Registration deadline	April 7, 2027 (for the May 8–22, 2027 window)	Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro
Testing window	Nov 7–21, 2026	Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC); exam administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Pro

Free Certified Research Administrator Study Tools

Interactive Certified Research Administrator resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

CRA Project Development and Proposal Preparation 1 — 9 questions with answer explanations
Certified Research Administrator flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
Certified Research Administrator study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
Certified Research Administrator cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

Certified Research Administrator Cra - Certified Research Administrator study guide

CRA Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the CRA - Certified Research Administrator exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

CRA Communication & Stakeholder Management

CRA Exam Questions covering Communication & Stakeholder Management. Master CRA Test concepts for certification prep.

CRA Emergency Preparedness & Safety

Free CRA Practice Test featuring Emergency Preparedness & Safety. Improve your CRA Exam score with mock test prep.

CRA Facility Operations & Maintenance

CRA Mock Exam on Facility Operations & Maintenance. CRA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

CRA Financial Management & Budgeting

CRA Test Prep for Financial Management & Budgeting. Practice CRA Quiz questions and boost your score.

CRA Financial Management of Sponsored Prog...

CRA Questions and Answers on Financial Management of Sponsored Programs. Free CRA practice for exam readiness.

CRA Intellectual Property & Technology Tra...

CRA Mock Test covering Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer. Online CRA Test practice with instant feedback.

CRA Medication Management Oversight

Free CRA Quiz on Medication Management Oversight. CRA Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

CRA Professional Standards & Ethics

CRA Practice Questions for Professional Standards & Ethics. Build confidence for your CRA certification exam.

CRA Project Development and Proposal Prepa...

CRA Test Online for Project Development and Proposal Preparation. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

CRA Quality Assurance & Continuous Improve...

CRA Study Material on Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

CRA Quality Assurance Programs

Free CRA Test covering Quality Assurance Programs. Practice and track your CRA exam readiness.

CRA Regulatory Compliance and Ethics

CRA Exam Questions covering Regulatory Compliance and Ethics. Master CRA Test concepts for certification prep.

CRA Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework

Free CRA Practice Test featuring Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework. Improve your CRA Exam score with mock test prep.

CRA Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

CRA Mock Exam on Regulatory Compliance & Licensing. CRA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

CRA Research Contracts and Agreements

CRA Test Prep for Research Contracts and Agreements. Practice CRA Quiz questions and boost your score.

CRA Resident Rights & Advocacy

CRA Questions and Answers on Resident Rights & Advocacy. Free CRA practice for exam readiness.

CRA Staff Management & Training

CRA Mock Test covering Staff Management & Training. Online CRA Test practice with instant feedback.

FREE CRA EXAM QUESTIONS

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.

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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.

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.

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CRA CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP

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.

Research Administrator - Certified Research Administrator study guide

CRA PRACTICE TEST ONLINE

FREE CRA PRACTICE QUESTIONS

CRA Test Day Checklist

✓Valid Photo ID
✓Admission Ticket
✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
✓Review Exam Guide
✓Leave Electronics
✓Dress Comfortably
✓Hydrate Well
✓Positive Mindset

📄Free CRA Practice Test PDF

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.

✅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

Sample Certified Research Administrator Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free Certified Research Administrator practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

Which documentation practice is most important for communication & stakeholder management in the CRA field?
- A. Recording only successful outcomes
- B. Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records
- C. Documenting only when legally required
- D. Using informal notes instead of official records

Answer: B. Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records

Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records is crucial for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance in communication & stakeholder management.

Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Quality Assurance Programs?

A. Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
B. Strictly adhering to the same procedure in every situation
C. Using the most advanced technology available regardless of need
D. Minimizing documentation to focus on practical work

Answer: A. Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances

Evidence-based protocols provide a foundation of proven practices, but effective Certified Research Administrator professionals must also adapt their approach based on specific circumstances and individual case needs within Quality Assurance Programs.

Under the Bayh-Dole Act, what must a contractor do if it decides not to retain title to a federally funded invention?

A. Destroy all records related to the invention
B. Notify the federal agency and allow the government to obtain title
C. License the invention exclusively to a domestic entity
D. Publish the invention details within 60 days

Answer: B. Notify the federal agency and allow the government to obtain title

If a contractor elects not to retain title, it must notify the funding agency, which then has the right to obtain patent rights.

To prevent medication errors in clinical trials, the site SOP should specify that investigational product dispensing is performed by:

A. Any qualified study staff member after training
B. Only a licensed pharmacist or qualified designee per state law
C. The Principal Investigator personally
D. A sponsor representative during site visits only

Answer: B. Only a licensed pharmacist or qualified designee per state law

State pharmacy laws and GCP require that investigational drug dispensing be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Take the full Certified Research Administrator practice test

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

How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

cra-cert.org — Fees, registration deadline, test dates, eligibility · verified Oct 2026
ptcny.com — Test delivery, exam format, passing score, renewal, retake policy, score release, score validity · verified Oct 2026