CRA Study Program


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.

RACC Website

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

Emory CRAs

Emory University Staff who have earned RACC credentials.

  • Vaneita Adams, SOM-HSS
  • Jill Allen, SOM-HSS                                                   
  • Tricia Callahan, ORAO                                              
  • Kimberly Caroline, SOM-PEDs                                
  • Sherly Castillo, SOM-DOM                                      
  • Gina Critchet, SON 
  • Jamila Edwards, SPH                                                       
  • Tasha Gilson-Durham, SOM-DOM  
  • Leigh Goodson Moody, SOM-PEDs                                                                       
  • Mark Granados, SOM-CAMP                                  
  • Lindsay Grasser, SOM-DOM                                   
  • Yoko Hammond, EPC                                                
  • Stacy Holloway, ORA                                                
  • Davion Johnson, ORAO
  • Xiaowen Ma, RGC
  • LaSonya McGraw, SOM-DOM
  • Brian Miller, RGC
  • Maria Millstein, RGC
  • Melissa Petrusky, ECAS
  • Barry Prine, OSP
  • Carlos Salinas, RGC
  • Deborah Snyder, ORAO
  • Teresa Sussman, OSP    
  • Chad Tyson, SPH
  • Kathy Vaughn, SOM-RAD             
  • Natasha Williams-Brown, SPH
  • Lisa Wilson, ORAO                       
  • Robert Yohnka, SOM-HSS
  • Sidnee Young, SOM-DOM

  • Lindsay Grasser

  • Becky Rogers

Spring 2024 CRA Study Program

The Spring 2024 CRA Study Program is being held from January 22 - April 15, 2024. All sessions will be held on Mondays from 3:00 – 4:15 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 CRA Spring 2024 application must be completed and returned to Tricia Callahan by Friday, January 12, 2024 @ 5:00 PM ET.

Spring 2024 Session Dates/Times/Topics

DATE

TIME (ET)

TOPICS

January 12

By 5:00 PM

Applications due

January 22

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Overview of CRA requirements; Research Development

January 29

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Proposal Development, Review & Submission, JIT Information

February 5

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Federal Award Types, Federal Agencies, Federal Publications

February 12

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Financial Considerations Part I

February 19

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Financial Considerations Part II

February 26

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Agreement Mechanisms and Certs & Reps

March 4

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Award Review & Acceptance

March 11

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Award Management

March 18

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Regulatory Compliance and Research Ethics

March 25

3:00 - 4:15 PM

NIH/NSF Review

April 1

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Post Award Requirements

April 8

3:00 - 4:15 PM

General and Human Resource Management

 April 15 (optional)

3:00 - 4:15 PM

 Game Day and Quiz Review



Questions

Direct questions about the CRA Study Program to Tricia Callahan.