There are a lot of firms out there that say they can conduct market research for you. How can you tell if they are actually experts in their field?
There are many things to look for, including years of experience and client references. When you are choosing a research partner, another thing to ask is whether or not any of the firm’s team members have received the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC). Offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA) since 2005, the Professional Researcher Certification program provides an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the market research field.
What it takes to achieve this certification
The Professional Researcher Certification program encourages high standards and on-going professional development. To receive this designation an individual must:
- Have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the survey and opinion process
- Complete at least 12 hours of industry-specific continuing education courses within the two-year period prior to submitting the certification application
- Successfully pass an exam that measures both skill level and practical knowledge in the market research field
- Agree to abide by the MRA’s Code of Marketing Research Standards
Renewal is required every two years, and requires completion of at least 20 industry-related education hours, including at least two in legal issues.
What this certification means to you
Market researchers who have received the Professional Researcher Certification are the top practitioners in their field. They’ve gone “above and beyond” to stay up-to-date on legal issues and research methodologies, passed an exam proving their competency, and pledged to abide by an extensive and very detailed set of ethics and standards.
Congratulations to Don Vivrette, MacKenzie’s Founder and CEO
Don recently completed the Professional Researcher Certification process! Don – who received his MBA from the University of Southern California and is also a certified public accountant – is both proud and excited to add the PRC designation to his professional titles. From now on he won’t “just” be Don Vivrette; he’ll be Don Vivrette, MBA, CPA, PRC.
