Welcome to Clinical Research Exam Prep!
Read below to learn more about the clinical research field, potential careers, and prep offered.
ACRP, SOCRA and RAPS: What are Clinical Research Exams, and which one should you take?
So you’re thinking about a career in clinical research? Start here.
Clinical research is where science meets people. It’s also a team sport—with specialists who keep studies ethical, compliant, and moving. If you’ve wondered where you might fit (or what each path pays), this guide covers the big four: Regulatory Affairs (RA), Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs—including nurses in CRC roles), and Investigators (PIs/Sub-Is). You’ll also see why certifications can tilt the odds in your favor—and how to compare them at the end.
At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a comparison tool that lets you pick any two clinical research exams (ACRP, SOCRA, RAPS) and see them side-by-side on cost, prerequisites, renewal, topics, and more—handy when deciding which one to take first.
For more information about the different Clinical Research Societies or learn about the differences between CRO vs. Sponsor check out the blog page!
Regulatory affairs (RA): the rule-keepers and road-openers
What they do: RA pros live at the intersection of science, policy, and strategy. They design submission pathways, interface with FDA/EMA and other authorities, maintain labeling/claims, and keep products compliant across geographies.
Where you’ll work: pharma, med-device, diagnostics, digital health, CROs, consultancies.
What it pays (US): averages land around the low-$100Ks, with many roles falling in the ~$87K–$143K band for specialist-level positions; senior tracks rise from there.
Why pick RA? If you enjoy systems-level thinking, writing, and cross-functional problem-solving, RA can be a fast escalator. RAPS’ global compensation report shows a highly educated, in-demand field with clear advancement ladders.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA): the study’s “eyes and ears”
What they do: CRAs monitor sites, verify data against source, coach teams on Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and flag risks before they become findings.
Travel? Often—though risk-based and remote monitoring have changed the mix.
What it pays (US): national averages sit around the low-$110Ks, with common ranges ~$87K–$148K depending on level and industry.
Why pick CRA? If you like autonomy, pattern-spotting, and helping sites succeed, CRA is a great way to learn the entire trial lifecycle up close.
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC): the study’s heartbeat
What they do: CRCs run the day-to-day at research sites—consenting participants, scheduling visits, managing samples, capturing data, handling drug/device accountability, and staying audit-ready.
What it pays (US): averages hover around the low-$70Ks nationally; entry tiers (CRC I) often start in the mid-$60Kswith growth into the $90K+ range at experienced levels and larger centers.
Why pick CRC? If you want patient contact and data rigor, CRC is a rewarding, hands-on pathway (and an excellent springboard to CRA, regulatory, or study management).
Nurses as CRCs: RNs/BSNs working in CRC roles typically command higher ranges given clinical scope—recent aggregates place clinical research nurse coordinator averages around the low-$100Ks.
Investigators (PIs / Sub-Is): clinical leadership & oversight
What they do: Physicians and other doctoral-level clinicians who take legal and ethical responsibility for the conduct of a study at a site—ensuring participant safety, data integrity, and compliance while leading the team.
What it pays (US): highly variable by specialty and setting; national snapshots place Principal Investigator averages near ~$200K with wide dispersion.
Why pick PI/Sub-I? If you love clinical decision-making, mentoring teams, and translating protocols into real-world care, the PI track pairs medical practice with research impact. PI’s are physicians and therefore require a valid medical license (MD or DO).
Do certifications actually help? (Short answer: yes.)
Beyond learning, credentials can boost your visibility, interview rate, and earnings.
- ACRP (CCRC/CCRA/CP/CPI): In ACRP’s latest workforce updates, certified professionals report more responsibility, more advancement opportunities, and recognition via promotions/bonuses/salary increases.
- SOCRA (CCRP): In SOCRA’s salary survey, 78% of respondents reported a salary increase tied to professional certification.
- RAPS (RAC/RCC/FRA): RAPS’ Global Compensation & Scope of Practice Report documents robust compensation ladders and shows greater RAC prevalence at senior levels, a strong signal that the credential aligns with advancement.
How to think about ROI
- If you’re site-based (CRC/Research Nurse) aiming to move up or pivot to monitoring, CCRC/CCRA/CP can shorten the path.
- If you’re policy-minded or already in RA, RAC is widely recognized by hiring managers and increasingly shows up as “preferred” in job posts. (Payscale’s slice of RAC holders also shows strong mid-career earning power across RA titles.)
Picking your lane (fast cues)
- You enjoy policy + writing + strategy → Regulatory Affairs
- You like site travel + coaching + solving operational puzzles → CRA
- You want patient interaction + data ownership → CRC (RN track can pay more)
- You want clinical leadership + oversight → Investigator (PI/Sub-I)
💡 Salary reality check: location (Boston, SF Bay Area, Raleigh-Durham), sponsor vs. CRO vs. health system, therapeutic area (e.g., oncology), and your certifications can move ranges up or down. Always benchmark locally.
Ready to choose a certification?
Use the comparison tool to pick any two clinical research exams (ACRP, SOCRA, RAPS) and see them side-by-side on cost, prerequisites, renewal, topics, and more—handy when deciding which one to take first.
For more information about the different Clinical Research Societies or learn about the differences between CRO vs. Sponsor check out the blog page!