Top 11 Research Administrator Certifications

Certifications can be a valuable asset for research administrators in the job market. They demonstrate that the individual has a clear understanding of research administration principles, practices, and processes. Certification also indicates that an individual is committed to professional development and lifelong learning. Having certifications may give a research administrator an edge when competing for jobs, as employers often look for individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and commitment to their field. Certifications also provide recognition from peers and colleagues, which can lead to increased credibility in the industry. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher pay.

The purpose of this article is to review and analyze the most beneficial certifications for Research Administrators, and explain how they can help further an individual's career in the field.

What are Research Administrator Certifications?

Research administrator certification is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise of individuals who manage research projects. This certification is designed to promote quality research administration and ensure accountability in the research process. Research administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of research projects, such as budgeting, tracking expenditures, and ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical standards. Certification provides assurance to employers that those with the certification have met rigorous standards for knowledge and skills related to research administration.

By having this certification, research administrators can demonstrate their qualifications for positions in organizations conducting research or evaluating funding proposals. Certification can also help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in government agencies or higher education institutions. Additionally, it can provide a boost in salary potential or open up new career opportunities. Finally, it can increase an individual's credibility in the field of research administration by demonstrating commitment to professionalism and excellence.

Pro Tip: Pursue research administrator certification to demonstrate your expertise and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Certification will also help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your earning potential.

Related: What does a Research Administrator do?

Top 11 Research Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Research Administrators today.

1. Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

A Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to manage research projects. The CRA credential is administered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).

The CRA certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in research administration and pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, budgeting, grants management, compliance and ethics. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To obtain the CRA certification, applicants must first submit an application along with their resume and proof of work experience. Once approved, applicants must register for the exam and pay a fee of $450 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CRA certification includes the application fee ($50 USD), registration fee ($400 USD), and examination fee ($450 USD).

2. Certified Professional Research Administrator (CPRA)

Certified Professional Research Administrator (CPRA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced research administrators. The CPRA credential is awarded by the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of research administration.

The CPRA certification program consists of a comprehensive examination that tests a candidate's knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of research administration. To be eligible for the CPRA credential, candidates must have at least three years of full-time experience in research administration or related fields.

The CPRA exam is offered twice each year, in April and October. Candidates must apply to take the exam at least six weeks prior to the test date. The cost for taking the exam is $500, which includes an application fee and all materials needed for taking the exam.

Candidates who successfully pass the exam will be awarded their CPRA credential. This credential is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements or retaking the examination every five years.

3. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

The Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The CCRP certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of clinical research professionals. It provides assurance to employers, sponsors, and regulatory authorities that certified individuals have met rigorous standards in their field.

To become a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), an individual must meet certain educational requirements, pass an examination administered by ACRP, and complete at least two years of relevant work experience. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices in clinical research.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CCRP certification process depending on how quickly you can complete the required steps.

To get started with the CCRP certification process, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of work experience. Once these documents are reviewed and approved by ACRP, applicants can register for the exam which is offered twice a year at designated testing centers around the world. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their CCRP credential which is valid for three years.

The cost of obtaining a CCRP certification varies depending on your country of residence and other factors such as whether you are an ACRP member or not. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $500 USD to apply for the exam plus any applicable fees for taking it at a testing center outside of your home country.

4. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional development of individuals who are involved in regulatory affairs. It is offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS).

The CRAP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in regulatory affairs, including two years of direct regulatory experience. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as regulations, compliance, quality systems, and product registration. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get the CRAP certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of their work experience and education. Once approved, they must then register for the exam and pay a fee which varies depending on the country where they are taking it. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from RAPS.

The cost for the CRAP certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

5. Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS)

Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Grants Management Association (NGMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in grants management. The CGMS designation signifies that the individual has attained a mastery of knowledge and skills in grant management, including grant writing, grant administration, financial management, and compliance.

The CGMS program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. To become certified at each level, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skill in grants management. Each level requires different levels of experience and expertise in grants management.

Level I: To qualify for the Level I certification, applicants must have at least one year of professional experience in grants management or equivalent training. The exam covers topics such as grant writing, budgeting and financial management, compliance requirements, project planning and implementation, reporting requirements, and evaluation techniques.

Level II: To qualify for the Level II certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in grants management or equivalent training. The exam covers more advanced topics such as strategic planning for grants programs, risk assessment and mitigation strategies for grants programs, resource allocation methods for grants programs, performance measurement techniques for grants programs, and ethical considerations when managing grants programs.

Level III: To qualify for the Level III certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in grants management or equivalent training. The exam covers highly advanced topics such as developing innovative approaches to grant-making processes; designing comprehensive systems to manage large-scale multi-year projects; assessing organizational capacity to manage complex projects; leading cross-functional teams; managing relationships with external stakeholders; developing policies to ensure compliance with legal requirements; leveraging technology to improve efficiency; and evaluating outcomes from funded projects.

It typically takes about three months to complete all three levels of the CGMS program after which you will receive your CGMS certificate from NGMA upon successful completion of all exams.

The cost to take all three exams is $1125 USD ($375 per exam).

6. Certified Research Compliance Officer (CRCO)

A Certified Research Compliance Officer (CRCO) is a professional who has demonstrated expertise in the field of research compliance. They are responsible for ensuring that research activities conducted by their organization comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. CRCOs are certified by an independent certification body after completing a rigorous training program and passing an exam.

The length of time it takes to become a CRCO varies depending on the certification body offering the program. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the training and pass the exam. The cost of becoming a CRCO also varies depending on the certification body offering the program, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 USD.

In order to become a CRCO, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements set by your chosen certification body. These requirements usually include having at least three years of experience working in research compliance or related fields such as healthcare compliance or regulatory affairs; having completed relevant coursework; and/or having obtained advanced degrees in relevant fields. Once these requirements have been met, you can then apply for the certification program offered by your chosen certification body.

Once accepted into the program, you will be required to complete all of its components including online courses, webinars, workshops and exams. Upon successful completion of these components and passing of the final exam with a satisfactory score, you will be awarded your CRCO certification.

7. Certified Institutional Review Board Professional (CIRBP)

A Certified Institutional Review Board Professional (CIRBP) is a professional who has completed specialized training in the ethical and regulatory aspects of conducting clinical research. CIRBPs are responsible for ensuring that all clinical research conducted within their institution meets the highest standards of ethical practice, as established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other relevant organizations.

The certification process typically takes two to three months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level and availability of study materials. To become a CIRBP, applicants must first pass an exam administered by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). This exam covers topics such as research ethics, regulations, and best practices. After passing this exam, applicants must then complete a series of online courses offered through AAHRPP or another approved provider. Finally, applicants must submit documentation demonstrating their experience in clinical research and/or related activities to AAHRPP for review and approval.

The cost to become a CIRBP varies depending on which educational provider is chosen for the training courses; however, most providers charge between $2,000-3,000 USD for the entire certification process.

8. Clinical Trials Manager Certification (CTMC)

Clinical Trials Manager Certification (CTMC) is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who manage clinical trials. This certification is offered by the Society for Clinical Trials (SCT), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in clinical trial design, conduct, analysis, and reporting.

The CTMC program is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals who manage clinical trials. It includes topics such as study design, protocol development, data management, regulatory compliance, budgeting and contracting, monitoring and auditing, project management, and ethics. The program consists of three components: a written exam; an oral exam; and a practical project.

The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering the core topics listed above. The oral exam consists of 10 questions related to the candidate’s experience in managing clinical trials. The practical project requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to develop a research plan for a specific clinical trial.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three components of the CTMC program. Candidates must successfully pass each component before they can be certified as a Clinical Trials Manager.

The cost for the CTMC program varies depending on whether you are an SCT member or non-member. For SCT members, it costs $1,100 USD for all three components; for non-members it costs $1,400 USD for all three components.

9. Clinical Data Management Certification (CDMC)

Clinical Data Management Certification (CDMC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of clinical data management. It is administered by the Clinical Data Management Association (CDMA), an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the profession of clinical data management.

The CDMC program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as data collection, validation, analysis, reporting, and archiving. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, database design, and statistical methods. The practical assessment tests an applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CDMC program. During this time, applicants must complete both parts of the exam and submit all required documentation for review by the CDMA board of directors. Once approved, applicants are officially certified as Clinical Data Managers (CDMs).

The cost of obtaining the CDMC varies depending on where you take the exams and how much preparation you need to do beforehand. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD for both parts of the exam plus any applicable fees or taxes.

In addition to obtaining certification through the CDMA program, there are other organizations that offer certifications in clinical data management such as AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) and ACDIS (Association for Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists).

10. Project Management Professional in Clinical Research (PMPCR)

Project Management Professional in Clinical Research (PMPCR) is an advanced certification program designed to help clinical research professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage clinical research projects. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as project management methodology, risk management, budgeting, communication, and quality assurance.

The PMPCR certification program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's availability and commitment. The program consists of three main components: online coursework, hands-on experience, and a final exam. The online coursework includes topics such as project management principles, project planning and scheduling, risk management, budgeting and finance, communication strategies, quality assurance processes, and regulatory compliance. The hands-on experience component involves working with a mentor who can provide guidance throughout the process. Finally, the final exam is taken at an approved testing center in order to receive the PMPCR certification.

In order to get certified as a PMPCR professional you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of clinical research experience or one year of project management experience in clinical research. You must also pass the PMPCR exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering all aspects of project management in clinical research.

The cost for obtaining the PMPCR certification varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD including course fees and exam fees.

11. Quality Assurance Professional in Clinical Research (QAPCR).

Quality Assurance Professional in Clinical Research (QAPCR) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional development of individuals working in the clinical research industry. The program is designed to provide an understanding of quality assurance principles and practices, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage quality assurance activities.

The QAPCR certification is offered by the Society for Quality Assurance (SQA). To obtain this certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in clinical research or related fields, such as clinical trials management or data management. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as regulatory compliance, risk management, and quality system design.

The entire process typically takes about three months from start to finish. Once an individual has met all requirements for eligibility, they can submit their application online. Once the application is approved, they will be sent an invitation letter with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and location.

The cost of obtaining the QAPCR certification varies depending on whether you are a member of SQA or not. For non-members, it costs $350 USD for the written exam fee plus any applicable taxes. For members of SQA, there is a reduced fee of $250 USD plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Research Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and his or her career goals. For some, a research administrator certificate may be an important step in achieving their professional objectives, while for others it may not be necessary.

For those who plan to pursue a career in research administration, the certificate can be a valuable asset. It demonstrates knowledge of the field, as well as specialized skills related to managing research projects and programs. A certificate also provides evidence of a commitment to professional development and continuing education. In addition, having a research administrator certificate can open up new job opportunities or allow for increased responsibilities within an existing organization.

On the other hand, there are those who may not need a research administrator certificate to achieve their career goals. If they have already obtained a degree in an applicable field and have relevant work experience, they may already have the necessary qualifications for success in the industry without further certifications.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a research administrator certificate depends on their individual circumstances and desired career path. For some people, having this certification is beneficial; however, it may not be necessary for everyone’s success in this field.

Related: Research Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Research Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is a research administrator certification?

A1. A research administrator certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of research administration. It provides a professional standard and serves as an indicator of knowledge and experience in the area of research administration.

Q2. Who needs to get certified as a research administrator?

A2. Research administrators are expected to have knowledge and skills across multiple areas, including compliance, grants management, contract management, financial management, and more. Therefore, it is important for anyone working in this field to obtain certification to ensure they have the necessary qualifications for their job.

Q3. How do I become certified as a research administrator?

A3. To become certified as a research administrator, you must pass an exam offered by one of the certifying organizations, such as the Society for Research Administrators International (SRAI). You must also meet certain requirements related to education and experience before taking the exam.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a research administrator?

A4. Becoming certified can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions, improve your professional credibility and help you stay up-to-date with current trends in the field of research administration. It can also open up opportunities for networking with other professionals in your field and provide access to resources that can help you further develop your skills in this area.

Q5 How much does it cost to become certified as a research administrator?

A5 The cost varies depending on which certifying organization you choose - SRAI charges $500 USD per exam attempt while other organizations may charge different amounts - but generally speaking it will cost several hundred dollars to obtain certification as a research administrator