The designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) means that an individual has met the Research Administrator Certification Council eligibility requirements and has demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental information necessary for a person to be a professional research or sponsored program administrator.

The benefits of certification are many. Those who have attained CRA status and those seeking qualified research administrators have cited various reasons for certification:

   • The CRA designation provides documented evidence that an individual has been examined by an independent professional organization and found to have the basic knowledge essential to fulfill the responsibilities of a research or sponsored programs administrator.
   • The CRA indicates that an individual has taken the time and effort, beyond just job experience, to learn the Body of Knowledge, thus exhibiting a significant commitment to working in this profession.
   • Employing CRA's provides credibility for your organization, both internally and externally.

Candidates must (1) possess a Bachelor's degree, plus 3 years of substantial involvement in research or sponsored programs administration either in a sponsoring or recipient organization or the equivalent in a self-funding organization, (2) possess an Associate's degree plus 6 years experience or (3) possess 8 years experience in research administration.

Candidates must pass a written examination developed by the Council and administered by the Professional Testing Corporation. The examination is based on the Council's Body of Knowledge, which reflects basic information in a wide range of subject areas that a research or sponsored programs administrator must know  to handle the demands and responsibilities of the profession.