The ACOR Certification & Education Series (ACES) is an education and certification program developed by the Administrative Committee on Research and co-sponsored by the Office for Research Protections. The ACES program is designed to give Research Administrators at every level the necessary skills and expertise to support faculty in research. The program will provide essential tools for every step of the research support process – from proposal development to project management to compliance.

The application window for 2025-2026 is June 2, 2025 to June 16, 2025. Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2025/26 cycle. Accepted applicants will be notified by email by the end of July.

ACES is only open to Penn State employees (supervisor approval needed). The program is limited to 60 participants. Participants are selected primarily based on the need for their current role.

Due to the increasing demand for ACES and our desire to keep the course available to those with the most need, we do not maintain a waitlist.

The virtual ACES course includes seventeen educational modules and four assessments (2 per semester). The modules will be delivered over two semesters, beginning in the fall and ending in the spring. Each semester will include two assessments. Individuals who pass all four assessments with an 80% or higher will be awarded the Penn State Certified Research Administrator certification. A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of spring semester.

The course topics provide in-depth knowledge about the award process from pre-award to post-award for grants and contracts. Even if your position is specific to either pre- or post-award, you must complete the entire course: not just the portion most relevant to your position.

Before applying to ACES, please note the following:

• Attendance for all 33 sessions is required. You are only allowed to miss two class days per semester. Please check the class schedule prior to enrolling to determine your availability. If you have other commitments that require you to miss more than one class per semester, please do not sign up for the 2025-26 session.
• Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ACES will be offered remotely for the year via Zoom.
• The cost for 2025-2026 is $800. Departments/units will be billed in December.