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The RAC is the only globally recognized professional credential for those involved with the regulation of healthcare products. Both the RAC exams and the criteria for maintaining the credential are developed, managed and administered by the Regulatory Affairs Certification Board (RACB) with support from the RAC Program Office at RAPS.
The RAC exams test both regulatory knowledge and critical thinking ability in applying regulatory knowledge to the healthcare product lifecycle. Once the RAC credential has been earned by passing a rigorous exam, it must be maintained through continuing education and professional development.
A complete list of those who passed RAC exams in autumn 2012 is published online in RAPS’ Regulatory Focus.
“Having the RAC credential demonstrates to employers, colleagues, clients and others, a real commitment to the regulatory profession as well as essential professional competency,” said RAPS Executive Director Sherry Keramidas, PhD, FASAE, CAE. “RAPS’ research indicates that many employers recognize the value of the credential as RAC holders in the US earn an average of nearly 10% more than their counterparts without the RAC.”
RAPS offers an online salary calculator, available at www.RAPS.org/salary, which takes into account the RAC credential as one important factor affecting compensation for regulatory professionals.
RAC candidates may sit for any of four versions of the exam: the RAC (US) covering US regulations, the RAC (EU) covering European regulations, the RAC (CAN) covering Canadian regulations and the RAC (Global), which focuses on knowledge of regulatory functions throughout the healthcare product lifecycle, with reference to global standards commonly used in global harmonization or alignment initiatives by regulatory authorities around the world. All four RAC exams are intended for regulatory professionals with at least three to five years of regulatory experience.
Of the 338 professionals who passed one of the exams this past autumn, 265 earned the RAC (US); 35 earned the RAC (Global); 27 earned the RAC (EU); and 13 earned the RAC (CAN), for a total of 340 credentials earned. Two professionals earned multiple RAC credentials during this exam period.
Registration for the spring 2013 RAC exam period, 1 April–31 May, is currently open through 8 March. More information is available online at www.raps.org/rac/apply-for-the-rac.aspx.
