Hi,

I couldn't help getting in on this discussion. I was in a postaward grants
accounting environment at a different institution when I started seeing job
postings that required the CRA. My former institution wasn't especially
supportive but I decided to pursue it for my own benefit and paid for all
of the expenses on my own.

I agree with Joanne that it was definitely money well spent. I studied on
my own, took a review class a month before the exam, and passed the exam in
Oct 2005. It was a very rewarding experience for me (both personally and
professionally) and I'm really glad that I did it. It was definitely a
confidence booster. I would strongly encourage others to go for it. It
helps you become more knowledgeable in all areas of grants management which
makes you a better resource for your department and your institution
(regardless of whether your officials think it does or not).

My new job didn't require the CRA but I'm sure that my having the
credential was a plus when it came to selecting me for the position.

Joyce M. Davies, CPA, CRA
Senior Manager, Financial Services
Ohio University's Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs
The Ridges, Building 22, Rm 108
Athens, OH 45701

(P)740-597-2578
(F)740-593-4398
xxxxxx@ohio.edu

--On Wednesday, March 28, 2007 11:21 AM -0500 "Palmer, Joanne"
<xxxxxx@TXSTATE.EDU> wrote:

>
>
> Hello,
>
>
>
> I have recently received the CRA Certification (October) while at a
> different institution in which I personally paid for every expense
> involved.  ….  Money well worth spending…. A suggestion is to create
> an "Electronic Study Group" of others studying for the test as
> well… some great support and information can be exchanged in this
> manner.  But ultimately it is your commitment level to knowledge &
> learning.
>
>
>
> Professional Benefit of the CRA:  It has opened some doors for me.  Gives
> me credibility when talking with campus PIs & staff.  A great foundation
> for the career being pursued in this unique field.  New Found familiarity
> w/ resources and OMB's is a great foundation.
>
>
>
> Personal Benefit of the CRA:  The CRA has opened some doors for me but it
> also gave me a confidence in having knowledge related to this field.
> Just the exercise of studying for the exam was a HUGE learning experience
> as I was mostly knowledgeable about Post-Award Texas State Regs.  The
> experience itself has opened awareness of the many facets of RA as well
> as the many resources.
>
>
>
> I am now encouraging/mentoring 5 fellow staff members at a new
> institution.
>
>
>
> All I can say is Go For It…. It is well worth the time, money, and
> effort…. Just put in the commitment.
>
>
>
> Joanne Palmer, MBA, CRA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
>
> From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf
> Of Sandra Nordahl
> Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 10:33 AM
> To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
> Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] CRA Certification
>
>
>
> I agree with Lee!   It will take awhile for the CRA to become recognized,
> but the fact that continuing education in our field is a requirement is
> also a good thing.  Best "current" practices are always a good thing!  It
> is very easy to become "outdated" in our profession because of the ever
> changing environment.
>
>
>
> Sandra
>
>
>
> Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA
>
> Manager, Sponsored Research Administration
>
> San Diego State University Research Foundation
>
> 5250 Campanile Drive
>
> San Diego, CA  92182-1934
>
> 619.594.4172 (voice)
>
> 619.582.9164 (fax)
>
> e-mail:  xxxxxx@foundation.sdsu.edu
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
>
> From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf
> Of Folk, Lee
> Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:26 AM
> To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
> Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] CRA Certification
>
> I respectfully disagree with Charlie!  My employer supported me in
> getting my CRA by sending me to a CRA review session, paying my travel
> expenses to get to Dallas to take the exam, & paying for the exam.  He
> wanted a CRA in our OSP office & sees it as an asset in dealing with our
> faculty.  I got my CRA a little over a year ago & am supposed to receive
> a promotion because of it.  (Yes, it's been a while, but remember this is
> a small state university - slow & poor!)    In addition to that, the
> personal satisfaction has been very rewarding.  It has boosted my
> confidence & I have had the joy of mentoring others who are going to take
> the exam.  Mentoring - it just doesn't get any better than that!
>
>
>
> Even though there may be a long way to go to get the CRA recognized as a
> job requirement, I have already seen job openings where it was required.
> In fact, there was one last Feb that wanted someone with "a CPA or CRA".
> I like that.  Of course, it's not for everyone.  Only you can decide
> what's right for you.
>
>
>
> Lee
>
> Ms Lee Folk, CRA, MS-UHCL Class of '93 and '00
> Research Admin Accountant
> Office of Sponsored Programs
> University of Houston-Clear Lake
> 2700 Bay Area Blvd, MS 44    Ph 281-283-2138
> Houston TX 77058-1098        Fax 281-226-7122
> e-mail:    xxxxxx@uhcl.edu
>
> "Hope is a choice."      Wendy Schlessel Harpham
>
> __________________________________________________
>
> From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf
> Of Charlie Hathaway
> Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 9:33 AM
> To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
> Subject: [Possible Spam: 11%] Re: [RESADM-L] CRA Certification
>
> My institution is a medical school that, perhaps like yours, has
> historically been concerned almost exclusively with NIH funding.  And our
> research administrative system has evolved in its own way.  I have never
> heard anyone mention the term "CRA".   If by recognition, you mean
> personnel policies that take the certification into account, the answer
> is no.  Of course, I'm sure that if an employee or applicant presented
> certification, people might learn what it means and take it into
> consideration.  But experience, conventional degrees, and personality
> will continue to get most attention.
>
> Charlie
>
> At 09:20 AM 3/28/2007, you wrote:
>
>
> What are the pros/cons of CRA Certification? Does your institution
> recognize the certification? If not, why?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Robin
>
> **************************************
> Robin Dewey
> Research Grants Manager
> Department of Medicine Administration
> University of Rochester Medical Center
> 601 Elmwood Avenue
> Box MED, Room 3-3236
> Rochester, NY 14642
> Phone: 585-275-6253
> Fax: 585-756-4968
> xxxxxx@rochester.edu
>
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