I have worked in research administration for more than 12 years after receiving a bachelor's degree.  Encouraged by Spanky, Jennifer and Chuck, I studied for about six months and passed the CRA exam last March.  I agree with  John Sikes, it is a very challenging exam.  I am glad I did the work -- my life has changed since passing it.  However, the one thing no one has mentioned in this conversation is that we must maintain that high level of expertise to maintain the CRA status.  The first thing you're told when you get your CRA certificate is when you have to re-certify.  Whether or not someone was grandfathered in at the beginning, the certification is only valid for five years.  Don't those grandfathered have to pass the exam to maintain their certification?

Victoria Henry, CRA
Houston Advanced Research Center

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