RACC Study Program


Emory's Office of Research Administration (ORA) RACC Study Program is a guided, self-study program designed to assist research administrators in preparing for the Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) exams offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).

The study program is designed to guide potential applicants through the comprehensive body of knowledge represented on the exams. It is an opportunity for research administrators to share knowledge and expertise. It is not meant to be the sole source of preparation for an RACC examination, nor is it meant to be a guarantee that participants will pass their exam. It is designed to introduce those interested in taking an RACC exam to the exam format and content areas so that participants can determine subject areas where additional study or experience is needed before taking an exam.


What is a RACC Certification?


The Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) offers three unique certifications:

  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
  • Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA)
  • Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)

Earning a 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 RACC certifications including application requirements, testing format/sites, recertification requirements, and required fees on the RACC website.

RACC Website

RACC Credential 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 
  • Amaya Fields, ABOSS                                                      
  • 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, RGC
  • Xiaowen Ma, RGC
  • LaSonya McGraw, SOM-DOM
  • Brian Miller, RGC
  • Maria Millstein, RGC
  • Melissa Petrusky, ECAS
  • Mariana Popa, SPH
  • Barry Prine, OSP
  • Carlos Salinas, RGC
  • Deborah Snyder, RGC
  • 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, SOM-DOM
  • Tamaira Lyons, SPH

  • Becky Rogers, SOM: Basic Science RAS

Fall 2024 RACC Study Program

The Fall 2024 CRA Study Program will focus on the body of knowledge required for the CRA examination. Review sessions will be held from August 12 - October 21, 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 RACC Fall 2024 application must be completed and returned to Tricia Callahan by Friday, July 26, 2024 @ 5:00 PM ET.

Fall 2024 Session Dates/Times/Topics

DATE

TIME (ET)

TOPICS

July 26

By 5:00 PM

Applications due

August 12

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Overview of CRA requirements; Research Development

August 19

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Proposal Development, Review & Submission, JIT Information

August 26

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Federal Award Types, Federal Agencies, Federal Publications

September 2

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Labor Day Observed

September 9

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Financial Considerations Part I

September 16

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Financial Considerations Part II

September 23

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Compliance

September 30

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Award Review & Set Up

October 2

CRA Application Due

October 7

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Award Management

October 14

3:00 - 4:15 PM

Post Award Requirements

October 21

3:00 - 4:15 PM

NIH/NSF Review

November 2-16

 CRA Test Window



Questions

Direct questions about the CRA Study Program to Tricia Callahan.