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 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
- Sheronda N. Anthony, SOM: Basic Science RAS
- Francesca Bardi, RGC
- Tricia Callahan, ORAO
- Kimberly Caroline, SOM-PEDs
- Sherly Castillo, SOM-DOM
- Gina Critchet, SON
- James Dixon, SOM-DOM
- Jamila Edwards, SPH
- Amaya Fields, ABOSS
- Shantisa Fulgham, SOM-PEDs
- Tasha Gilson-Durham, SOM-DOM
- Leigh Goodson Moody, SOM-PEDs
- Mark Granados, SOM-CAMP
- Lindsay Grasser, SOM-DOM
- Tegegne Hailegebrale, RGC
- Yoko Hammond, EPC
- Amber Hardie, SPH
- Stacy Holloway, ORA
- Lori Howard, ABOSS RAS
- Muriel Industrious, SOM-DOM
- Davion Johnson, RGC
- Xiaowen Ma, RGC
- Darlene McDaniel, ECAS
- LaSonya McGraw, SOM-DOM
- Winny Migletz, RGC
- Ashley Miller, SOM-Speciality & Hospital
- Brian Miller, RGC
- Maria Millstein, RGC
- Bryan Owens, RGC
- Melissa Petrusky, ECAS
- Erica Pitts, SPH
- Mariana Popa, SPH
- Barry Prine, OSP
- Carlos Salinas, RGC
- Deborah Snyder, RGC
- Dawit Solomon, SPH
- Teresa Sussman, OSP
- Chad Tyson, SPH
- Kathy Vaughn, SOM-RAD
- Tatiyana Weaver, SOM-DOM
- Natasha Williams-Brown, SPH
- Lisa Wilson, ORAO
- Robert Yohnka, SOM-HSS
- Sidnee Young, SOM-DOM
- Kristin Cox, SOM-DOM
- Lindsay Grasser, SOM-DOM
- Tamaira Lyons, SPH
- Francesca Bardi, RGC
- Becky Rogers, SOM: Basic Science RAS
Fall 2025 RACC Study Program
The Fall 2025 RACC Study Program will focus on the body of knowledge required for the CRA, CPRA, and CFRA examinations. Review sessions will be held from August 11 - October 13, 2025. All sessions will be held on Mondays from 3:00 – 4:15 PM ET via Zoom.
RACC Study Program participation requirements are as follows:
- Applicants must meet the following exam eligibility requirements:
- Bachelor's or advanced degree and three (3) years of professional experience in research administration (pre-award experience for the CPRA, post-award experience for the CFRA) 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 (pre-award experience for the CPRA, post-award experience for the CFRA) 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 (pre-award experience for the CPRA, post-award experience for the CFRA) 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 2025 application must be completed and returned to Tricia Callahan by July 31, 2025 @ 5:00 PM ET.
Fall 2025 Session Dates/Times/Topics
DATE | TIME (ET) | TOPICS |
07/31/2025 | By 5:00 PM | Applications due |
08/11/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Overview of CRA requirements; Research Development |
08/18/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Proposal Development, Review & Submission, JIT Information |
08/25/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Financial Considerations Part I |
09/01/2025 | Labor Day Observed | |
09/08/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Financial Considerations Part II |
09/15/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Federal Award Types, Federal Agencies, Federal Publications |
09/22/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Award Review & Set Up |
09/29/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Award Management |
10/06/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Post Award Requirements |
10/13/2025 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM | Compliance |
References
Questions
Direct questions about the RACC Study Program to Tricia Callahan.