Research administrators earn national certification

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University has among the highest number of certified research administrators (CRA) in the state, with nine active who have studied and passed the rigorous exam.

“The CRA credential shows a dedicated effort to study, and pass, a comprehensive body of knowledge,” said Dan Nordquist, director of WSU’s Office of Grant and Research Development (OGRD). “This reinforces my confidence in the high-quality research administrators here at WSU.”

Six have received the CRA with the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) in the last 17 months: Glynis Hull, WSU Spokane; and Danielle Anthony, Maureen Bonnefin, Thomas Busch, Carrie Johnston and Sara Kinser, WSU Pullman. Margaret (Peggy) Bowe, WSU Vancouver; Erin-Kae Rice and Kim Small, WSU Pullman, earned their CRAs within the last five years.

There is a growing trend across the nation for research administrators to be certified. To earn the CRA, one must demonstrate through experience and testing a level of knowledge necessary to be a professional research or sponsored program administrator.

The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and Society of Research Administrators support the recognition and provide opportunities at their meetings for members to attend review sessions to prepare for the exam.

In 2013, the OGRD sponsored an all-day review session for anyone interested in taking the exam. Ninety research administrators attended from WSU and the University of Idaho.

“I encourage all research administrators to consider getting their CRA,” said Nordquist, who is past national president of the NCURA.

RACC also oversees certification for certified pre-award research administrators and certified financial research administrators.