100+ Free CRA Practice Questions

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Fluorescein sodium is excreted from the body primarily via the:

Kidneys (urine)

Skin (sweat only)

Bile and feces

Respiratory system (exhaled)

to track

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Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CRA Exam

150

Written Exam Questions

2 hours

488 nm

FA Excitation Wavelength

520–530 nm emission

8–12 s

Choroidal Flush Timing

OPS FA blueprint

$590

Non-Member Exam Fee

OPS BOC 2026

3 years

Recertification Interval

15 CECs required

805/835 nm

ICG Wavelengths

Excitation/emission

The CRA written exam has 150 questions in 2 hours, plus practical and image-review components. Topics span FA/ICG physics, phase timing, retinal disease patterns, camera systems, and safety. Eligibility requires active ophthalmic imaging employment and qualifying work example submission. Recertification is every 3 years with 15 CECs. The OPS BOC has administered this credential since 1979 with NCCA accreditation.

Sample CRA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CRA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which retinal layer is primarily responsible for converting light into electrical signals?

A.Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

B.Photoreceptor layer (rods and cones)

C.Inner plexiform layer

D.Ganglion cell layer

Explanation: Rods and cones (photoreceptors) are the light-sensitive cells that perform phototransduction, converting photons into neural signals. The RPE supports photoreceptors but does not itself perform primary light detection.

2The fovea centralis is the area of highest visual acuity because it contains a high density of:

A.Rods only

B.Cones only

C.Rods and cones equally

D.Ganglion cells only

Explanation: The fovea is a cone-dense pit at the center of the macula. Rods are absent from the foveal center. This cone concentration provides maximum color vision and visual acuity.

3The choroid is a vascular layer located between the:

A.Cornea and iris

B.Iris and lens

C.Retina and sclera

D.Vitreous and retina

Explanation: The choroid lies between the retina (inner) and sclera (outer), supplying the outer retinal layers including photoreceptors via the choriocapillaris.

4Which structure forms the blood–retinal barrier on the outer side of the retina?

A.Bruch's membrane

B.Inner limiting membrane

C.Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

D.Choriocapillaris endothelium

Explanation: The RPE's tight junctions form the outer blood–retinal barrier. This barrier prevents free diffusion of dye and fluid between the choriocapillaris and outer retina.

5The optic disc is the site where:

A.The fovea is located

B.Retinal nerve fibers exit as the optic nerve

C.Retinal arteries first divide

D.The macula is centered

Explanation: The optic disc is the exit point of all retinal ganglion cell axons forming the optic nerve. It has no photoreceptors, creating a physiological blind spot.

6The vitreous humor occupies which compartment of the eye?

A.Anterior chamber

B.Posterior chamber

C.Between iris and lens

D.Between lens and retina

Explanation: The vitreous humor fills the large posterior segment of the eye between the posterior lens surface and the retina, providing structural support.

7The macula lutea derives its yellow color from the presence of:

A.Hemoglobin

B.Xanthophyll pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin)

C.Melanin in the RPE only

D.Fluorescein accumulation

Explanation: Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids concentrated in the macula, filtering short-wavelength blue light and protecting photoreceptors.

8Bruch's membrane is located between the:

A.RPE and choriocapillaris

B.Photoreceptors and RPE

C.Inner nuclear layer and IPL

D.Ganglion cell layer and nerve fiber layer

Explanation: Bruch's membrane is a thin extracellular matrix sheet between the RPE basal lamina and the choriocapillaris. It plays a role in AMD pathogenesis.

9The central retinal artery is the primary blood supply to which retinal layers?

A.Outer retina including photoreceptors

B.Inner retinal layers (GCL through INL)

C.Choroid and RPE

D.All retinal layers equally

Explanation: The central retinal artery (a branch of the ophthalmic artery) supplies the inner retinal layers from the ganglion cell layer to the inner nuclear layer. The outer retina relies on the choroidal circulation.

10In fluorescein angiography, the inner blood–retinal barrier is formed by tight junctions between:

A.RPE cells

B.Retinal vascular endothelial cells

C.Müller cells

D.Pericytes

Explanation: Tight junctions between retinal capillary endothelial cells form the inner blood–retinal barrier, preventing fluorescein from leaking into the retina under normal conditions.

About the CRA Exam

The CRA credential validates competency in fundus photography and retinal angiography. The certification requires submission of qualifying work examples and successful completion of three examination components: written (150 MCQ, 2 hours), practical, and image review. Topics cover fluorescein and ICG angiography principles, retinal anatomy, disease pattern interpretation, camera systems, and patient safety. Recertification is required every 3 years via 15 continuing education credits.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours (written); plus practical and image-review components

Passing Score

OPS BOC scaled passing standard

Exam Fee

$285-590 (Ophthalmic Photographers' Society Board of Certification (OPS BOC))

CRA Exam Content Outline

~40%

FA & Fundus Photography

Sodium fluorescein 500 mg IV, 488 nm excitation, 520–530 nm emission, phase timing (choroidal 8–12 s, arterial 10–15 s, venous 30–60 s), filter pairs, artifact recognition, pre-injection control frames, stereo photography

~20%

ICG Angiography & Advanced Imaging

ICG 805/835 nm NIR wavelengths, protein binding, choroidal imaging, hot spots, plaques, OCTA principles, fundus autofluorescence, DICOM and archiving

~25%

Disease Pattern Interpretation

AMD wet/dry, CNV types, CSCR, diabetic retinopathy NPDR/PDR, BRVO/CRVO, BRAO/CRAO, choroideremia, ROP, sickle cell retinopathy, VHL, birdshot, APMPPE, MCP, angioid streaks

~15%

Camera Systems, Safety & Workflow

Topcon/Zeiss/Optos/Heidelberg systems, infection prevention, adverse reaction management (nausea, anaphylaxis, extravasation), epinephrine first-line, patient consent and instructions, recertification requirements

How to Pass the CRA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: OPS BOC scaled passing standard
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (written); plus practical and image-review components
Exam fee: $285-590

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CRA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize FA phase timing: choroidal flush 8–12 s, arterial 10–15 s, AV 11–18 s, venous 30–60 s

2Know the 488 nm excitation / 520–530 nm barrier filter pair for FA and 805/835 nm NIR for ICG

3Understand the five FA hyperfluorescence patterns: leakage, staining, pooling, window defect, transmission

4Learn the two FA hypofluorescence patterns: blockage vs. filling defect (ischemia)

5Study disease-specific FA patterns: CSCR smokestack, CME petaloid, CNV lacy network, APMPPE dark-then-bright

6Review ICG advantages for choroidal imaging: protein binding, NIR penetration, PCV polyp detection

7Know the standard sodium fluorescein dose (500 mg IV), excretion route (renal), and urine discoloration duration (24–36 h)

8Understand anaphylaxis management: IM epinephrine first-line, O2, IV fluids, antihistamines adjunct

9Practice image quality troubleshooting: corneal fluorescence artifact, specular reflection, focus technique

10Review OPS BOC recertification: 15 CECs every 3 years, 5 from official OPS/BOC sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OPS CRA certification?

The Certified Retinal Angiographer (CRA) is a professional credential awarded by the Ophthalmic Photographers' Society Board of Certification (OPS BOC) since 1979. It validates competency in fundus photography and fluorescein/ICG retinal angiography. The BOC is NCCA-accredited. Certification requires qualifying work examples plus three exam components: written, practical, and image review.

What are the CRA eligibility requirements?

Candidates must be actively employed in an ophthalmic imaging role and submit work examples (fundus photographs and angiograms) that meet OPS BOC standards, along with a professional recommendation. OPS membership is encouraged but not required.

How many questions are on the CRA written exam?

The CRA written exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options. Candidates have 2 hours to complete it. The written exam is one of three components; the full certification also includes a practical exam and an image-review component.

What topics are covered on the CRA exam?

The CRA exam covers fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (principles, phase timing, filter pairs, interpretation), ICG angiography, retinal disease patterns (AMD, diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, CSCR, and others), camera systems, pharmacology, image management, and patient and workflow safety.

How much does the CRA exam cost?

The CRA exam fee for non-OPS members is $590, which includes a 1-year OPS membership. Retesting fees are $285 per component. OPS member fees are lower. Contact OPS BOC for current fee schedules.

How long is CRA certification valid?

CRA certification is valid for 3 years. Recertification requires accumulating 15 continuing education credits (CECs) within each 3-year interval, with at least 5 CECs from official OPS or OPS BOC-approved courses and workshops.

How should I prepare for the CRA exam?

Study the OPS CRA Program Guide and focus on FA/ICG physics, phase timing, interpretation patterns (leakage, staining, pooling, window defects, blockage), retinal disease FA findings, and camera operation. Gain hands-on experience with fundus cameras and angiographic interpretation. Practice image review with real case series. Plan for 8–14 weeks of structured study.