Second Annual Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Study and Support Group
Back by popular demand, we are excited to announce the second annual Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Study and Support Group at Boston University!
The 2025 inaugural cohort of this study group resulted in 11 new CRAs, almost doubling the total number of CRAs at Boston University! We would like to continue the success of this program in 2026.
What is a CRA?
The Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) formed in 1993 as an independent non-profit organization. RACC certifies that an individual, through experience and testing, has the fundamental knowledge necessary to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator and has earned the designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) after passing the exam.
Why should I join this study and support group?
By creating a cohort of individuals with a shared goal of learning the fundamentals of professional research administration, you will find a supportive group to help you learn the CRA’s body of knowledge. The body of knowledge covers a broad understanding of the entire research enterprise and will expose you to new roles and functions in the University that you may not be aware of. This study group will save you time gathering materials, provide you with a supportive community, and also give you the time and space to learn the content. Even before you take the exam, you will likely discover that you gained more insights into your job and the work of others in the community than you initially expected.
The exam is designed to assess your understanding of the body of knowledge. Standardized tests can be intimidating. It’s important to remember that this is not an assessment of how well you perform your work. Committing to the study group and taking the exam will deepen your understanding of research administration even if you do not pass the exam the first time. By learning the content over a period of 10 weeks, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in your daily routines which will help prepare you for the exam. There is no expectation that everyone must pass the exam to participate in the study group.
We hope the study and support group will also offer the following benefits:
- Shared Learning: You’ll gain new insights and knowledge from both the structured study and from the experiences of others in the group.
- Emotional Support: Being part of a support group can provide a sense of community and understanding, especially if you’re dealing with challenges that others have faced too.
- Motivation and Accountability: Regular meetings and interactions with group members can help keep you on track with your goals and commitments.
- Networking: You can build valuable connections with like-minded individuals who share your interests or experiences.
- Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with a group allows you to see issues from different viewpoints, enriching your understanding and problem-solving skills.
Why should I become certified?
Earning the designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) signifies that an individual has met the requirements of the Research Administrators Certification Council’s (RACC) eligibility requirements and has demonstrated a level of knowledge necessary for a person to be a professional research administrator.
The benefits of certification are many:
- Professional recognition
- Personal satisfaction
- An indicator of expertise
- Increased opportunities for employment
- Advancement opportunities
- Increased credibility with customers
- Serve as role model to others
CRA Exam Eligibility Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of professional experience in research administration
- Associate’s degree and 5 years of professional experience in research administration
- High school diploma/GED and 6 years of professional experience in research administration
Are you interested? Please complete this online form to learn more.
Once you register, you will receive a Zoom link for an informational session on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10am. There you can ask questions to see if the CRA exam is right for you and decide if you are ready to commit to this 10-week study group starting February 2026 to prepare for the May 2026 exam.