Unlock your Potential with the RAC
The Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) is the industry-recognized credential for regulatory professionals ready to validate their expertise and demonstrate excellence. Developed by leading experts and grounded in applied practices, the RAC signals your readiness to drive global regulatory approaches and strategies. Beyond strengthening your professional standing, you join a global community dedicated to the safety and efficacy of healthcare products worldwide.
There are two RAC designations: one for pharmaceuticals (RAC-Drugs) and another for medical devices (RAC-Devices). Candidates may take one exam or both exams. All candidates who pass will be recognized by the RAC program and eligible to put RAC-Drugs or RAC-Devices after their names.
Review the following Candidate Guides for more information:
Eligibility Requirements
The RAC is for individuals employed in regulatory agencies, industry, consultancies, and other settings involved with the regulation of healthcare products.
Success on the RAC exam requires knowledge of the appropriate regulations and the ability to think critically about regulatory issues and challenges that occur throughout the healthcare product lifecycle.
You must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible to sit for an RAC exam:
- Baccalaureate or equivalent first university degree and a minimum of three years of regulatory or regulatory-related work experience.*
- Master’s degree and a minimum of two years of regulatory or regulatory-related work experience.*
- Doctorate degree and a minimum of one year of regulatory or regulatory-related work experience.*
- Minimum of ten years of regulatory-related experience* regardless of a formal degree.
* Regulatory-related experience may include quality assurance, quality control, clinical research related to the approval of health products or health product project management.
It really demonstrates a level of commitment to oneself and one's career, and as a hiring manager, it's definitely something I look for and something I'd encourage.
Important Dates and Fees
RAC exams are offered during specific testing windows each year. Review the current schedule and choose the exam that is best for you. Please note that transfer fees apply after the transfer deadline.
| Exam Window |
Application Deadline |
Exam Window Open Date |
Exam Window Close Date |
Transfer Deadline (without fee) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Thu, 12 February | Mon, 23 March | Fri, 24 April | Thu, 12 February |
| Summer 2026 | Thu, 9 July | Tue, 18 August | Fri, 11 September | Thu, 9 July |
| Autumn 2026 | Thu, 24 September | Mon, 2 November | Fri, 4 December | Thu, 24 September |
Exam Fees
| 2026 Pricing | Exam Fee for RAPS Member | $605 |
| Exam Fee for RAPS Non-Member | $760 | |
| Transfer Fee after Transfer Deadline | $285 | |
| Administrative Fee | $100 |
Save money by becoming a RAPS member. You must be a current member or have received a RAPS membership confirmation prior to submitting your RAC application to be eligible for the member rate. As a member, you also gain access to the member-only Credentialing Community.
Apply for the Exam
Ready to apply for your exam? Follow these instructions:
- Provide the name that exactly matches what is on your government-issued ID. You will not be allowed to test if the name on your application does not match your ID.
- Use an email with long-term access. Personal emails are often more effective than work emails. All communications about the exam, including scheduling and results, are electronic.
- Read and agree to abide by the RAPS Code of Ethics.
- A “thank you” email signifies application receipt. The RAPS Program Office will contact you for more information only if necessary.
How to Prepare
The RAC exams are rigorous, and a thoughtful study plan is key to success. Your preparation should reflect your experience, learning style, and familiarity with regulatory concepts. RAC holders report spending several months preparing to ensure they are ready for the complexity of the exam.
Start with your Knowledge Gaps
Download the complimentary study checklist to identify your strengths and to pinpoint areas needing more review.
Build a Custom Study Plan
There is no single approach that guarantees success. Create a plan and choose resources that will keep you consistent and focused throughout your preparation.
Schedule and Take Exam
Schedule Your Exam
After your application is approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from our testing partner, Pearson VUE. Please monitor your inbox and spam folder for this notification. Follow the instructions in that email to schedule the date of your exam and to select either an in-person test center or online remote-proctored option.
- Add [email protected] and [email protected] to your email safe list.
- Act fast: To maximize date, time, and location options, you should schedule your exam as soon as you receive the ATT email. Pearson VUE does not guarantee availability at their in-person testing centers.
- Search for Test Site Centers near you
Prepare for Exam Day
Follow all instructions from Pearson VUE to ensure a smooth experience. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring your ID exactly matches the name on your application and verifying your computer meets all system requirements if testing online. For additional details, please refer to the Candidate Guide.
Transfer or Withdraw Exam
Exam Scoring & Results
RAC exams are not scored immediately. After each testing window closes, exam data undergoes rigorous statistical review by a statistician and the exam committees to ensure the quality and fairness of the results.
- Timeline: You will receive an email with your results-typically within 12 weeks of the end of the testing window.
- Privacy: Results are only shared via email and only with you.
Display your RAC Badge
When you pass the exam, you will receive an email from Badgecert with instructions on how to display your official digital badge.
- Use: Add the badge to your professional profiles to show your achievement.
- Verification: The badge provides real-time verification so employers and colleagues can see your credential.
- Designations: Holders may use “RAC-Drugs” or “RAC-Devices” after their names.
- Maintenance: Designations cannot be used by individuals who fail to recertify.