The Research Administrators Certification Council was formed in 1993 as an independent non-profit organization. The Council is composed of active certified research administrators whose role is to certify that an individual, through experience and testing, has the fundamental knowledge necessary to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator. The Council is a private, independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers a voluntary program for the certification of individuals who meet the requirements established by the Council. The Council is composed of volunteer individuals committed to the continuing improvement of the research administration profession and to assisting in the education and training of individuals who wish to become proficient in this field. Through the Body of Knowledge and the certification process, the Council provides those entering the field with a training guide and a goal by which they can measure themselves as professionals. The Council consists of representatives from a variety of settings, including institutions of higher education, hospitals, private businesses, research institutes and foundations, governmental organizations, national professional organizations, and private educational and research consulting firms.