My approach back in 2010:
(1) Attended a Body of Knowledge review session (put on by RACC), to get familiar with the content areas
(2) Took a practice test cold (unofficial, on actual paper- before the online tests/resources were around!), to highlight my weak areas
(3) Mapped out a 4-month study plan leading up to test date, focusing heavily on those areas I scored lowest in practice test.
(4) Gathered 2 colleagues into a study accountability group (they were also planning to sit for the exam that cycle), which met weekly. I was post-award at the time, and my buddies were in pre-award; compliance. That made us a fairly well-rounded little pod, and it helped to have those different perspectives from each other's real-world experience to discuss and think-through difficult/unfamiliar concepts.
For those specialist RAs anxious about the scope of the CRA exam, I think it's doable to pass if you commit to intentional and targeted studying! But, if you prefer to focus on your specific area of expertise, you could certainly consider pursuing the pre-award or financial focused credentials: CPRA (pre-award); CFRA (financial)
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Cira Mathis, CRA, PMP
Manager, Internal Programs
University Sponsored Research
Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2021 08:29
From: Simon Helton
Subject: What's your best CRA prep tip?
I know the next exam period isn't until November, but seeing how many folks we have here who are certified research administrators got me wondering: What's your best CRA exam prep tip? Any other advice you'd give people interested in getting certified?
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Simon Helton
He/him
Community Manager
Cayuse
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