Texas A&M Sponsored Research Services has compiled resources to assist those in preparing for the Certified Pre-Award Certified Research Administrator (CPRA) Exam. This exam is offered by the Research Administrators’ Certification Council. Go to the RACC website for an Introduction to earn the designation of CPRA.

The RACC Candidate Handbook (CPRA) provides the instructions and information to sit for the exam.   Review the handbook for the eligibility requirements. The exam is computer-based and is composed of 200 multiple choice questions of which 175 count toward a candidate’s score and 25 are pilot questions.

Resources for preparing for the Certified Pre-Award Certified Research Administrator (CPRA) Exam resources are free to view and use on demand. Your feedback and comments are welcomed. Please email us at ansrs4U@tamu.edu with questions or feedback.

Live virtual meetings will be held in order to facilitate discussion around the topics and information covered in the study materials. Sessions may include insights by successful CPRAs and experts in the field of research administration, and will allow the opportunity for study participants to ask questions about the study material.

Upcoming virtual meetings are scheduled for the below dates:

  • December 16, 2025 – Proposal Development and Sponsors – Click HERE to register
  • January 13, 2026 – Cost Principles and Math – Click HERE to register
  • February 11, 2026 – Regulations and Legislation – Click HERE to register

Spring RACC Exam Schedule

  • Application Deadline: January 14, 2026 11:59 p.m. Eastern
  • Exam Window: February 14-28, 2026

Study Guides and Handouts

SESSIONRECORDINGRESOURCES
Introduction to the CPRAVideoSlides
Proposal DevelopmentVideoSlides & Questions
Animal Welfare Rules and RegulationsVideoSlides & Questions
Biohazards in ResearchVideoSlides & Questions
Contracting and Federal Acquisition RegulationsVideoSlides & Questions
Cost Principles and BudgetingVideoSlides & Questions
Cost Sharing and Program IncomeVideoSlides & Questions
Export Controls COI RCRVideoSlides, EC Questions, & FCOI Questions
Federal Compliance RegulationsVideoSlides & Questions
Human Subjects ResearchVideoSlides & Questions
Intellectual PropertyVideoSlides & Questions
NIHVideoSlides & Questions
NSFVideoSlides & Questions
Proposal Budgeting CalculationsVideoSlides
Research Administration BasicsVideoSlides & Questions

Disclaimer Note: CPRA, Certified Pre-award Research Administrator certification is copyrighted by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). These materials are intended to provide resources for those preparing to take the CPRA exam and for those just wanting to learn more about research administration. These materials are not endorsed by RACC. There is no guarantee that using these materials will help you pass the exam. These materials do not contain any inside information on the content of the exam beyond what is available on the RACC website.