A longstanding and respected industry credential, Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) is a distinctive indicator of dedication to the research practice. The PRC mark highlights your awareness of the highest ethics and standards, a commitment to remaining abreast of new techniques and technologies, and is an objective measure of your knowledge and proficiency. Regardless of your age or career stage, PRC tells clients and peers alike that you are actively engaged in today's marketing research and analytics work and do so with integrity.

There’s never been a better time to start or resume your path to PRC – Check out what’s new in the program:

• TAKE CONTROL: Just launched, our sophisticated online system enables all participants to easily manage their activity – tracking credits and getting recertified could not be easier. The system automatically tracks all aspects of an individual PRC’s account, including continuing education credits which expire on a rolling basis. Detailed account status is now reported and managed in real time.

• MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN CREDITS: Exciting new conferences and webinars are being added to the Insights Association calendar all the time. Credits also may be earned for attendance at past CASRO and MRA conferences and webinars, and via agreements with AAPOR, PMRG, and certain college programs, including MRII at the University of Georgia.

Seeking a tangible way to engage and motivate the researchers in your company? Let the PRC program be the framework for your continuing education/staff training program. Individuals actively involved in PRC consider it a valuable, distinguishing credential that bolsters their standing in the profession. Encouraging continuous learning and a commitment to integrity, this is an important program for all in the marketing research community in the U.S. and around the world. Get involved today!

The Path to PRC

1. Create an Insights Association Account – This will enable you to log the 12 industry-related education hours required to take before taking the PRC Exam. These education credits must be accrued within two years prior to taking the test. You will get credit for any approved conference sessions and webinars by simply clicking on the PRC hyperlink created for the session. You may track your credits in real time in the PRC system. You don't need to be a member of the Insights Association to create this account.

2. Qualify for the Exam – Once you have accrued the requisite 12 education credits, you may wish to prepare for the exam in a number of ways. New: The Insights Association has sponsored a PRC Test Prep Online Course to provide a comprehensive primer for the PRC exam. Note: Individuals who pass the Principles of Marketing Research Program administered by the University of Georgia are eligible for an exam exemption.

3. Schedule Your Exam – The PRC exam is available online and during any Insights Association conference. You must register for the online exam at least 48 hours in advance and at least three weeks prior to an Insights Association conference. 

4. Pass the PRC Exam – Congratulations! You are now authorized to create a PRC profile for yourself on this site, include PRC after your name and utilize the PRC logo/mark online. 

5. Maintain Your PRC – Don’t let your hard work go for naught and see your mark of distinction disappear. To remain certified, you must accrue 20 credit hours of continuing education every two years. With the new PRC tracking system, this could not be easier!