FAQs

IPC

  • Do specialty certifications need to be renewed every three years?

    Specialty certifications are permanent for Insights Association members in good standing, with no renewal process or fee.

  • Does earning all 5 specialty certifications equal the IPC Principal certification?

    No, as the specialties overlap in the topics they cover. Each specialty covers three different MRCBOK (Market Research Core Body Of Knowledge) topics. The IPC Principal covers all 13 MRCBOK topics.

  • If one qualifies for all the specialty certification options, does one automatically qualify for IPC?

    Specialty certification options have no minimum requirement for years of industry experience and no testing requirement. General certification requires both.

  • What if I was formerly a PRC certificate holder, but I let it drop?

    If you are a member in good standing, contact IA to have your certification reinstated at no charge; you will be an IPC Principal for the next three years and are then subject to the same streamlined renewal process as anyone else.

  • Where can I learn more details about MRCBOK?

    At the MRII website – both here and here.  

  • Why are fees for companies lower than those for individuals?

    One benefit of company membership is that IA benefits are available to all company employees, including Insights Professional Certification. As we expect many employees from member companies to earn IPC, the lower rates for company members constitute a volume disount. Companies pay far higher dues than individuals.

Membership

  • Can companies/individuals based outside the U.S. join the association?

    Yes, the Insights Association has a growing international membership and many of our benefits, resources and educational opportunities are available online.

  • Can corporate research departments join?

    Yes. Corporate research departments can join as organizational members and receive associated benefits.

  • Can I choose my own chapter?

    Members may choose which of the chapters to join. If your office is on the east coast, but you spend most of your time traveling to the west coast, you can choose the chapter that fits best. You can also purchase additional chapter memberships for a small fee.

  • Can members use the Association's logo?

    Company members of the Insights Association are welcome to use the Insights Association logo for use on websites or in publicity materials in adherence with the Association's guidelines and terms of use.

  • Can people from countries outside the U.S. join the association?

    Yes, MRA has a growing international membership and many of our benefits, resources and educational opportunities are available online.

  • Does the Insights Association offer educational opportunities?

    Yes! We produce live webinars that are free to members in addition to providing weekly industry updates and a quarterly Alert! magazine. As a member, you will enjoy discounts to many marketing research events (including conferences!). Our archived webinars on a magnitude of topics are also available to members to be viewed at any time. Our regional chapters provide local education opportunities as well.

    The Insights Association's education is PRC approved and is designed to help you grow your business and career.

  • How do I change my contact information?

    You can update your contact information and profile by logging in and editing your profile.

  • I am thinking of joining the Insights Association. Which membership is right for me?

    Whether you want to join as an individual or extend benefits to your entire company, we offer a membership option that will connect you to the profession, help you manage your business and keep you educated on the latest industry developments. For more information, visit the Be a Member page.You can also contact us at 202.800.2545 or email membership@insightsassociation.org.

  • Is Alert! magazine free to members?

    Yes, Alert!, the official magazine of the Marketing Research Association, is mailed free to members on a quarterly basis. Archived issues can be viewed online. Alert! provides marketing researchers with the insights, methods, skills, technologies and tools they need to succeed in today’s profession.

  • What is the difference between organization and individual membership?

    Membership in the Insights Association can be Organization or Individual based. Organization memberships include a set of business benefits similar to what was available from CASRO, geared towards supporting company growth and profitability. Individuals not affiliated with an Organizational member may join as an Individual member and gain access to benefits focused on the person and his/her growth, similar to the prior MRA offering. All employees of Organization members will automatically have access to individual member benefits.

  • What is the purpose of the association’s Board of Directors?

    The Marketing Research Association is governed by a Board of Directors, accountable to the membership. The board will balance oversight with strategic insight with the highest priorities being to assess and respond in our members' best interest to association strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

  • What is the purpose of the association’s Board of Directors?

    The Insights Association is governed by a Board of Directors, accountable to the membership. The board will balance oversight with strategic insight with the highest priorities being to assess and respond in our members' best interests.

GDPR

  • My company is small do I have to comply with GDPR?

    Probably yes! You may have heard that the GDPR has an exemption for companies with fewer than 250 employees BUT there is a caveat! The GDPR still applies to businesses under 250 employees if that small company carries out processing that is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, the processing is not occasional, or the processing includes special categories of data.

  • When does GDPR come into effect?

    May 25, 2018

General

  • How is research executed?

    Marketing researchers adhere to a systematic and objective process to identify problems, collect and analyze appropriate data and present conclusions. Researchers belonging to professional organizations adhere to guidelines such as MRA's Code of Marketing Research Standards and Bylaws, which governs acceptable interview practices and all members must abide by the Code. MRA members will never ask leading questions or try to sell products or services to respondents.

  • What is the nature of research?

    Marketing research functions in two ways. It identifies key characteristics and attributes of a product or service through individual interviews or group discussions (qualitative research) and it analyzes these attributes by statistical analysis of answers given in a structured set of questions such as a survey or questionnaire (quantitative research). The specific research problem determines whether to employ one or both modes.

  • Where is research implemented?

    Marketing research takes place in many modes and in many places: Personal interviews, surveys within stores or other venues, focus groups at research facilities, surveys executed by telephone, mail, or online in panels; all are valid venues depending upon the research design and goals.

  • Who uses research?

    In addition to business manufacturers of consumer and industrial goods, users of marketing and opinion research reside in government agencies, political parties, hospitals, non-profit and religious groups, academia, the legal profession, and the media.

  • Why do research?

    Research has always played a crucial role in the products, programs, social service programs, and laws that affect our daily lives that we all use. Companies are very responsive to what they learn from research and products are changed to meet the needs of the American public.

PRC

  • Can I take the exam online?

    The PRC exam is available online. You must register for the online exam at least 48 hours in advance.

  • Do I need to be a member to apply for Certification?

    No. Any marketing research professional who meets the established criteria may apply for Professional Researcher Certification. There are reduced application and renewal fees for members.

  • How do I prepare for the exam?

    The PRC exam is a self-study exam and does not require a prescribed curriculum. Candidates may choose their own method of preparing for the exam; however, a study bibliography is included in the PRC Exam Guidelines and online to provide candidates with suggested resources for exam preparation.

    The PRC Certification department does not endorse or sponsor any review courses for the PRC Certification exam.

  • How do I schedule an exam?

    Once your Professional Researcher Certification application has been approved, you will receive an email with the exam registration link and PRC Exam Guidelines. You will have 12 months to sit for the exam. The PRC exam is available online. For more information regarding the PRC exam please view the exam page.

  • How long does it take to receive notice of acceptance or denial?

    Candidates will receive notice of acceptance or denial in two to three weeks after submitting the complete application.

  • How many hours of continuing education is required to apply for PRC?

    A total of 12 industry-related education hours within the two preceding years are required at time of application. Conferences, seminars, webinars, etc., must be added to your record. Supporting documents may also be uploaded.  

  • I have been in the profession for many years. Why should I be certified?

    The benefits of a Certification program are both industry-wide and individual. For the individual, it is a means of differentiating oneself, a "badge" of competence in the given areas and an assurance that the individual is current in knowledge and experience. For the profession/industry as a whole, it provides a vehicle for developing a pool of well-trained, competent marketing researchers, thereby improving both perceived and substantive standards.

  • What are the fees associated with acquiring Certification?

    Application & Exam Fee*

    Without exam exemption:

    Insights Association Member: $350
    Non-Member: $450

    With exam exemption:

    Insights Association Member: $200
    Non-Member: $300

    *Prices include a $200 Insights Assoication member/$300 non-member nonrefundable application fee.

  • What happens if I fail the exam?

    Candidates, who fail to achieve a passing score, must retake the entire test. Candidates may retake the test within six months from the date of notice of exam results. One exam retake is included in the application fee. An additional $25 fee applies to additional exam retakes.  

    A candidate who fails the exam may apply for an exam appeal within 30 calendar days from the date of notice of exam results.  If the grade of fail is upheld, the candidate will receive a partial copy of the examination. An appeal process is in place.

  • What is considered a passing grade on the exam?

    A candidate must earn a score of 75 or above in order to pass the exam. Otherwise, he/she may elect to retake the exam. One retake is included with the application fee.

  • What is PRC?

    The Professional Researcher Certification program (PRC) is designed to recognize the qualifications and expertise of marketing and opinion research professionals. The goal of PRC is to encourage high standards within the survey profession to raise competency, establish an objective measure of an individual's knowledge and proficiency and to encourage professional development. Achieving and maintaining PRC validates the knowledge of the market research industry and puts researchers in a select group of like-minded professionals. It's a visible badge of distinction, demonstrating for all your professional skill, commitment and dedication. The PRC program began in February of 2005.

  • What is the experience requirement to apply for PRC?

    Because PRC indicates to the public your ability to conduct marketing research, the PRC Board requires you to have experience in the survey and opinion process. Three years of relevant experience is required.

  • What will I receive when I am certified?

    Applicants who have met the criteria for Certification and have passed the exam will receive a Professional Researcher Certification certificate and the use of the PRC logo for marketing purposes.

  • Will I be required to take an exam?

    Yes, candidates are required to pass an exam. The exam is made up of 100 multiple choice and true/false question that are based on skill level and practical knowledge. Individuals who pass the Principles of Marketing Research Program administered by the University of Georgia will receive an exam exemption.

    If the exam is waived, the application fee is reduced to $200 Insights Association members / $300 non-members. The application fee is non-refundable.

About Us

As the leading voice, resource and network of the marketing research and data analytics community, the Insights Association helps its members create competitive advantage. All our revenue is invested in quality standards, legal and business advocacy, education, certification and direct support to enable our members to thrive in an evolving industry and drive business impact.

The 2019 IA Code of Standards and Ethics for Marketing Research and Data Analytics may be found here.

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About Our Members

Our members are the world's leading producers of intelligence, analytics and insights defining the needs, attitudes and behaviors of consumers, organizations and their employees, students and citizens. With that essential understanding, leaders can make intelligent decisions and deploy strategies and tactics to build trust, inspire innovation, realize the full potential of individuals and teams, and successfully create and promote products, services and ideas. 

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1156 15th Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 800-2545