The following steps provide an outline of how to apply and successfully prepare for the RAC exam.

STEP 1: Find Out About the RAC

Find out about the RAC and review the Candidate Guide (468kb, pdf).

STEP 2: Choose Your Test

Choose one of the three exams offered (US, EU or Canadian) and review possible exam locations. Tests are administered during the April/May and October/November testing windows. The October/November testing window is October 1-November 30, 2008.

Registration for the October/November 2008 RAC exam is now open

STEP 3: Apply

Download Printable Application Form (pdf)

STEP 4: Create a Study Plan

Once you’ve signed up for the RAC examination, it’s time to develop a study plan. A good first step is to carefully review the appropriate content outline for the RAC examination you’re planning to take. The content outlines are provided for free and list all of the skills and tasks you need to do well on the RAC examination.

• RAC (US) Content Outline (42kb, PDF)
• RAC (EU) Content Outline (41 kb, PDF)
• RAC (CAN) Content Outline (32kb, PDF)

After reviewing the content outline, see RAPS' list of Reference Tools. The Self-Assessment Examinations (SAEs) provide an overview of the type and style of questions on the RAC examination, while the Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs series deliver a breadth and depth of RA information not found elsewhere. All of these items can be purchased online at the RAPS Bookstore. RAPS also has developed webcasts for the EU, Canadian, and US exams.

Please click here to see a demo of what the computer based exam will look like.

STEP 5: Register for Exam Site, Date and Time

You choose the site, date and time of your exam after your application has been accepted by RAPS. Watch for an e-mail from our test administrators (castleworldwide.com) with instructions. Get more information about exam dates and locations.

Candidate Guide

This booklet contains extensive information about the RAC program, requirements and important policies and dates.

• Candidate Guide (498kb, pdf)

Fees for the October/November 2008 Exam

A cancellation fee of $100 will be assessed on any cancelled application. No cancellations will be accepted after 8 September 2008 for the October/November Exam.

Eligibility Requirements

The RAC (US), (EU) and (CAN) Examinations are geared towards the regulatory affairs professional with three to five years of regulatory affairs experience. If you have never worked in RA and do not plan to, please evaluate whether these exams are right for you.

To be eligible for the RAC examination, you must meet at least one of two basic requirements:

• A Bachelor’s (baccalaureate) degree or its equivalent
• At least three years of regulatory experience

Click here for more information about the RAC.

Submission Guidelines

• The RAC Examination application must be fully completed by the applicant.
• Applications must be accompanied with payment in order to be processed. Payment details are on the application.
• Deadline dates for each exam testing window are listed below. All deadlines are postmark dates. For purposes of clarity, the term “postmark date” includes system date/time stamps for online, email and fax applicants. Applications will not be accepted after 11:59 pm (US Eastern Time) on the late-deadline date.
• Applicants will receive a written or email notification that their application is accepted within two weeks of application receipt. If applicants have questions regarding application receipt, please contact RAPS.

Deadlines

Two testing windows are offered annually. The chart below outlines the testing windows for each exam and the registration deadlines. Application confirmation will be sent to eligible candidates within two weeks of receipt of a completed application. Candidates will receive their exam site registration information around September 15. Applications that require additional documentation are considered incomplete until the information is received and processed. Incomplete applications are subject to a resubmission fee.

Withdrawing from Exam

• Candidates must submit a written withdrawal of their application by the late deadline date to receive a refund less a $100 nonrefundable processing fee.

• Candidates may transfer to the testing window immediately following the test window applied for (i.e., Oct/Nov 2008 may transfer to Apr/May 2009.)

• Candidates who do not submit a written notification of withdrawal by the late deadline date will not receive a refund but may take the next examination at the reapplication fee.

• Candidates who have a documented severe medical emergency to their person or a death in their immediate family may test during the next examination period. Appropriate documentation must be received at the RAC Program office within sixty (60) days after the RAC Examination date. Candidates may reschedule the exam once due to severe medical emergency. A fee of $79 applies to reschedule.

Exam Results

RAC examinations are scored by an independent testing agency. Candidates will be notified in writing of their results 3-4 weeks after the close of the testing window. Unsuccessful candidates will receive a summary report of their performance. No results will be reported over the telephone, by fax or email. Information on who has passed the RAC exam will only be posted on the RAPS website and RAPS online member directory after all candidates have been notified by mail about their results, approximately 2-3 weeks after test-takers receive their results in the mail.