CertificationApplication Information
Application Information
Following is an outline of how to apply and successfully prepare for the RAC exam.

STEP 1: Find Out About the RAC
Learn about the RAC and review the Candidate Guide (PDF).


STEP 2: Choose Your Test
Choose one of the four exams offered (US, EU, CAN, or GS) and review possible exam locations.


STEP 3: Apply

» Register Online

» Downloadable Application (PDF format)

If you are experiencing problems registering online, please fax your application to 1 301 770 2924.


STEP 4: Create a Study Plan
Once you have registered for the RAC examination, it is time to develop a study plan. A good first step is to carefully review the appropriate content outline for the RAC examination you plan to take. The content outlines are provided at no charge and list all of the skills and tasks you need to do well on the examination.
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.

» View a demo of the computer based exam.


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 email from our test administrators (castleworldwide.com) with instructions.

» Get more information about exam dates and locations.


STEP 6: Read and Understand the Cancellation Policy
Candidates who submit written notification of their intent to withdraw from the examination must do so no later than the late registration deadline and will receive a refund, minus a $100 nonrefundable processing fee. The final registration deadline for the 2010 October/November exam is 8 September. Candidates who do not submit written notification by the final registration deadline will not receive a refund.

» Read the full cancellation/withdrawal policy

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

» Candidate Guide (PDF)

Fees for the October/November 2010 Exam
Application Fees By August 15 By 8 September
RAPS Member $325 (US) $375 (US)
Nonmember $510* (US) $560* (US)
 
Reapplication Fees
RAPS Member $225 (US) $275 (US)
Nonmember $410* (US) $460* (US)
 
*includes one year of RAPS membership (membership may be waived)


A cancellation fee of $100 (US) will be assessed on any cancelled application. No cancellations will be accepted after 8 September 2010 for the October/November Exam.


Eligibility Requirements
The RAC (US), (EU), (CAN) and (GS) examinations are geared toward the regulatory professional with three to five years of regulatory experience. If you have no regulatory experience and do not plan to work in the field, 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


Submission Guidelines
  • The RAC examination application must be fully completed by the applicant.
  • Applications must be accompanied by payment in order to be processed. Payment details are on the application.
  • Deadlines 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 confirmation that their application has been 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 2010 testing windows for each exam and their registration deadlines. Confirmation will be sent to eligible candidates within two weeks of receipt of a completed application. Candidates will receive their exam site registration information approximately two weeks prior to the opening of the testing window. Applications that require additional documentation are considered incomplete until the information is received and processed. Incomplete applications are subject to a resubmission fee.

Testing Window Early Registration Deadline Final Deadline
1 April-31 May 2010 15 February 2010 8 March 2010
1 October-30 November 2010 15 August 2010 8 September 2010


Withdrawing from Exam
  • Candidates must submit a written withdrawal of their application by the late deadline date to receive a refund of their application fee, minus a $100 nonrefundable processing fee.
  • Candidates may transfer to the testing window immediately following the test window for which they applied (i.e., October/November 2010 may transfer to April/May 2011.)
  • Candidates who do not submit a written notification of withdrawal by the final deadline date will not receive a refund but may take the next examination after paying the reapplication fee.
  • Candidates who have a documented, severe personal medical emergency 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 60 days after the RAC Examination date. Candidates may reschedule the exam once due to severe medical emergency. A $79 (US) fee applies to rescheduling.

Exam Results
RAC examinations are scored by an independent testing agency. Candidates will be notified in writing of their results three to four 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 or by fax. 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 two to three weeks after candidates receive their results in the mail.