I agree with Sandra's comments. The CRA is a more advanced and covers a broader range of topics than the DA program.
I would like to say, you don't have to do an "either/or" with these two programs, however. The SRA meetings, whether a local chapter, sectional or international meeting, can enable your staff to engage in the DA program AND obtain trianing for eventual CRA credentials. The DA program could be a good stepping stone program for eventual CRA certification.
Jennifer Morgan Shambrook, MHA
Associate Chair for Research Administration
Co-Director Division of Public Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
Medical University of South Carolina
67 President Street, Suite 504
Charleston, South Carolina 29425
voice: 843-792-0191
fax: 843-792-0048
email: xxxxxx@musc.edu
>>> xxxxxx@PHI.ORG 08/15/05 02:52PM >>>
Our institution is considering participating in a certification type program for our pre-award department management and staff. Based on a search of SRA sources, there seem to be two programs available: the Research Administrators Certification Council offers the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and the Society of Research Administrators offers the Departmental Administrator (DA). The following information is based on gleanings from the web as well as personal experience at an SRA conference.
- The CRA is independent study (with possibly a study session).
There is one level of study on a specified body of knowledge.
Attainment of the credential is based on a written exam that one either passes or fails.
The focus of study is on activities associated with research administration..
The intended participant is an individual involved in the conduct of research administration, both pre- and post-award.
The cost is $285 for the exam. I understand that organized study sessions may be available for extra money.
- The DA is series of courses on that are offered in conjunction with SRA annual conferences.
The series consists of DA 101, 201, and 301 with increasing levels of complexity.
One obtains the certificate by attending the specified seminars and then completing and submitting the course evaluation. Once all courses for a level have been completed, the certificate is issued.
The focus of study is on activities associated with the management of research administration as well as those involved in the conduct of research administration.
The intended participant is involved in both aspects of research administration - conduct and management.
The cost is included in the conference registration. If one needed to attend more than one conference to complete the coursework, then the cost would increase.
We're seeking information to help in our evaluation. Is this summary accurate? If not, what's missing? Are there other courses and, if so, who offers them and what do they cover? What are other points that you consider significant? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each as you see them? Does your organization feel that those who have completed either certification deserve additional compensation? If any of you are willing to share your experiences or thoughts we would appreciate it. Please feel free to respond to me outside of the listserve if that's easier.
Judith Lubina
Manager, Bid & Proposal
Public Health Institute
555 12th Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607-4046
direct tel: 510.285.5568
main tel: 510.285.5500
fax: 510.285.5501
xxxxxx@phi.org, www.phi.org
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