X - Pass a Big Examination

Sorry this X letter is giving me fits. So I'm cheating and going with an X sound (exam).

A few years ago, while deciding what I could do to continue my education with my job, it was brought to my attention that there was an exam you could take to become a Certified Research Administrator. Normally this is done by people in a central administration office and not necessarily at the department level. But I sort of function at a higher level than most department administrators and I thought this might be a good idea.

I put it off for a couple of years but then I decided to go for it. I studied with a group. I went to an all day review session before a professional meeting. And then I took the test. 250 questions on all sorts of topics. Most of which I really don't handle (all that medical research is outside my knowledge base).

Best of all was I passed! And with that I get to put three little letters after my name on my email (CRA) and I never have to take the test again. As long as I keep up with continuing education (going to meetings counts!)

This was a big accomplishment and I'm glad I did it.