This is such a helpful email, thank you Sue! 

Hello, I organize a study group at the University of Michigan called aiM Higher. 

 

We begin the study sessions 10 weeks before the exam and meet on a weekly basis.  Moderators (CRAs from our institution) discuss a topic from the BOK (typically topics that VA Tech does not do).  On the introduction day we bring in a panel of individuals who recently took the exam to share their experience.  We also go over managing expectations.  Most individuals need to spend more time outside of the weekly sessions to study, and attending the study group by no means guarantees an individual will pass.

 

We encourage the group to view the VA Tech webinars, I used to work with this program.  Last fall they were live but this spring I believe they’re available online only.  There are also CRA-A-DAYs I distributed daily for the VA Tech program.

 

Here is the U of M’s aiM Higher website:  https://orsp.umich.edu/tools-resources/navigate-professional-development-and-training/aim-higher-cra-study-group

 

I would not recommend studying much earlier than 10 weeks:  any earlier and you may get fatigue, any later and you will not have enough time.

 

Organize a group of others (3-10) who would like to study for the exam if you can; that way you learn from other areas of expertise.  After all, it’s unlikely one individual has the broad depth and knowledge of the CRA.  See if you can bring in the RACC to do the Body of Knowledge.  http://www.racc-cert.org/cra-body-of-knowledge/, you should have a minimum of 10 I believe.  Or attend one close to your area.

 

If you go to NCURA or a similar RA conference attend sessions with topics that you need to brush up on.  I also highly recommend quizlet, but be careful as some information is outdated.  If you can it’s best to develop your own quizzes, with the help of others in your group.  Also there is an online practice quiz on the RACC website.  It will give you the feel of taking a timed exam, but it won’t tell you which questions you got wrong -- only which areas to study.

 

So choose as many different ways as possible to study, the more modalities the better, especially for adult learners.

 

Also be prepared for what to expect when you take the exam.  It is a rigorous four hour exam and you cannot take anything into the exam room, save your apparel (for the most part).  Be sure you arrive on time, you may not be able to start the exam late.  I highly recommend driving out to the facility before you take the exam.   (One recent CRA shared her horror story that her car broke down on the way to the exam.  She ended up UBERing there and passed!)   If you need to take a break during the exam the clock still ticks, so avoid too much caffeine beforehand J. 

 

I also co-authored a paper on the CRA, I’ll send along if you wish.

 

Finally, when you pass, become a role model for others and earn your contact hours.  I always say life begins after you have the CRA.

 

Best of luck to you!  --  Sue

 

 

 

Sue A. Kelch, CRA, B.A.

 

Research Senior Financial Specialist

Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology

University of Michigan

1150 W. Medical Center Drive

4609A Medical Science II

Ann Arbor, MI  48109-5616

734-764-8112 (p)

734-764-0014 (f)

 

 

From: Research Administration List <xxxxxx@LISTS.HEALTHRESEARCH.ORG> On Behalf Of Laura Buchmann
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2020 2:10 PM
To: xxxxxx@LISTS.HEALTHRESEARCH.ORG
Subject: [RESADM-L] Preparation for CRA exam

 

External Email - Use Caution

Hi all,

 

I am considering taking the CRA exam and looking for suggestions on how to prepare for it.  Some of the resources I’ve found include the Virginia Tech online program, RACC practice exams, Quizlet, and of course the CRA Body of Knowledge.  Has anyone found a useful textbook or any other means to prepare for the test that you would recommend?  Would love to take the test in May but not sure that gives me enough time to prepare.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated!!

Laura

 

Laura A. Buchmann
Grant Operations Specialist
Research Services | School of Nursing
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
180 University Ave.| Ackerson Hall, Rm. 218
Newark, NJ 07102 | Tel: (973) 353-5302
Email: xxxxxx@sn.rutgers.edu

 

 

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