Top 11 Market Research Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important way for market research analysts to demonstrate their qualifications and knowledge. They serve as a marker of expertise and can help employers differentiate between candidates who have the necessary skills and those who do not. Certifications also help employers gauge the level of experience and knowledge a candidate has in the field, allowing them to make better hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can give potential employers a sense of trust in the analyst’s abilities, which can be critical in establishing relationships with clients. Finally, certifications can provide evidence of continuing education and career development, which are both important aspects of staying competitive in the job market.

The purpose of the article is to review and explain how certifications can help Market Research Analysts advance their careers.

What are Market Research Analyst Certifications?

Market research analyst certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in market research. This certification is offered by a variety of organizations, such as the Association for Research Professionals (ARP) or the Market Research Society (MRS). In order to become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that assess their knowledge of market research techniques and principles.

The purpose of obtaining market research analyst certification is to demonstrate expertise in the field and provide employers with a measure of assurance that the individual is qualified to work in this area. The certification can help individuals gain access to more competitive job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition from employers. It can also be used as a way for professionals to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, having this credential may open doors for new career opportunities or promotions within existing roles. Finally, it can be beneficial when networking with other professionals in the field as it serves as proof of expertise and commitment to one’s professional development.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research which market research analyst certification is right for you. There are a variety of certifications available, and each one has its own set of requirements and specialties. Make sure that the certification you choose will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.

Related: What does a Market Research Analyst do?

Top 11 Market Research Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Market Research Analysts today.

1. Certified Market Research Professional (CMRS)

Certified Market Research Professional (CMRS) is a credential offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of market research. The CMRS certification is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery in the areas of research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

The CMRS certification process involves a rigorous examination that tests an individual’s knowledge of market research principles, methods, and techniques. To become certified, applicants must pass the written examination administered by MRA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as survey design, sampling methods, data analysis techniques, and report writing.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete the entire CMRS certification process from start to finish. During this time period, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with their resume and a fee for processing. Once approved for the exam, applicants must register for it online or at an MRA office location near them. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from MRA within 8-10 weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CMRS certification varies depending on how long it takes to complete the process. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for all associated fees including registration fees for the exam itself as well as any additional materials needed to prepare for it such as study guides or practice tests.

2. Certified Professional in Market Research (CPMR)

Certified Professional in Market Research (CPMR) is a certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate the highest level of expertise and competence in market research. The CPMR designation is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and ethical practices.

The CPMR program consists of two components: a written exam and an oral interview. To qualify for the CPMR certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in market research or related fields, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must complete the AMA’s online Certified Professional in Market Research course prior to taking the exam.

The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as survey design, sampling methods, data analysis techniques, qualitative research methods, and report writing. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any AMA-approved testing center. The cost of the exam is $395 USD for AMA members or $495 USD for non-members.

The oral interview is conducted by a panel of three experienced market researchers who assess the applicant’s knowledge and skills through a series of questions about their professional experience and background. The interview typically lasts between one and two hours and can be scheduled at any AMA-approved location. There is no fee for taking the oral interview.

Once both components have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their CPMR certification within six weeks of completing their application process.

3. Qualified Market Research Practitioner (QMRP)

Qualified Market Research Practitioner (QMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Market Research Society (MRS). It is designed to recognize and reward market research professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience and skill in the field. The QMRP certification demonstrates that an individual has met the rigorous standards set by MRS for practitioners in the market research industry.

How long does it take to get it?

The QMRP certification process typically takes between 8-12 months to complete, depending on an individual's prior experience and knowledge. The process includes completion of three stages: pre-requisites, training and assessment.

How to get it?

In order to become certified as a Qualified Market Research Practitioner, individuals must first meet certain pre-requisites. These include having at least two years of relevant work experience in the market research industry, or having completed an approved MRS educational program such as the Professional Diploma in Market Research or the Advanced Diploma in Market Research. Once these pre-requisites are met, individuals may apply for admission into the QMRP program. Upon acceptance into the program, individuals will be required to complete a series of training courses covering topics such as data analysis, research design, sampling techniques and survey writing. Once all coursework is completed successfully, individuals will then be eligible to take an online assessment exam which tests their knowledge and skills related to market research practice. Upon successful completion of this exam, individuals will receive their QMRP certification from MRS.

How much does it cost?

The cost of becoming a Qualified Market Research Practitioner varies depending on whether or not you need to complete any additional training courses or assessments beyond those required for pre-requisite eligibility. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from £500 - £2,000 depending on your specific circumstances.

4. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have a deep understanding of business analysis principles and practices. The CBAP certification is intended for experienced business analysts who have worked on multiple projects in different areas of the organization.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers six core knowledge areas: business analysis planning and monitoring, enterprise analysis, requirements management and communication, solution assessment and validation, requirements analysis and design definition, and underlying competencies. Applicants must also meet certain experience and education requirements to be eligible for the exam.

The exam takes three hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $325 to $400 USD.

In order to maintain their CBAP certification, individuals must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years by participating in activities such as attending conferences or workshops, teaching classes or courses related to business analysis topics, or writing articles or books related to business analysis topics.

5. Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM)

Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals with advanced knowledge and skills in survey research methodology. The certification is issued by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).

To become a CSM, applicants must have at least five years of experience in survey research, including design, implementation, data analysis and reporting. They must also pass an exam administered by AAPOR. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and an oral examination.

The written test covers topics such as questionnaire design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, data analysis and reporting. The oral examination focuses on the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge of survey research to practical situations.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the requirements for the CSM certification. Applicants should plan on spending at least six months studying for the written exam and another six months preparing for the oral exam.

The cost of becoming a CSM varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the United States, it typically costs around $1000 to register for the exams and pay all associated fees. This does not include any additional costs associated with studying or taking practice tests prior to taking the actual exams.

6. Certified Qualitative Research Professional (CQRP)

Certified Qualitative Research Professional (CQRP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of qualitative research. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence and knowledge in the field.

The CQRP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to design, execute, and interpret qualitative research studies. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam which covers topics such as research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and reporting results. The exam is administered by the Qualitative Research Certification Board (QRCB).

The process of becoming certified takes approximately 6-8 months depending on the applicant’s experience and preparation for the exam. Applicants must first submit an application form and pay a fee of $250 USD before they can take the exam. After submitting their application, applicants will be given access to study materials and resources to help them prepare for the exam. Once they have completed their preparation, they can register for the exam through QRCB's website.

The CQRP certification costs $250 USD for the application fee plus $450 USD for the examination fee. The total cost of becoming certified is $700 USD.

7. Certified Quantitative Research Professional (CQRP)

Certified Quantitative Research Professional (CQRP) is an international certification program designed to recognize quantitative research professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Quantitative Research (IAQR).

The CQRP program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Senior. To qualify for each level, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and experience in quantitative research through a rigorous assessment process.

To become certified at the Associate level, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as data collection, analysis techniques, and research design. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $150 USD.

To become certified at the Professional level, applicants must submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their expertise in quantitative research. This portfolio should include examples of data analysis projects they have completed and any relevant publications or presentations they have made on the subject. The portfolio will be evaluated by IAQR's panel of experts and applicants must pass an oral examination before being awarded the certification. The cost for this level is $250 USD.

Finally, to become certified at the Senior level, applicants must demonstrate extensive experience in quantitative research through a written application detailing their accomplishments in the field. They must also pass an oral examination administered by IAQR's panel of experts before being awarded the certification. The cost for this level is $400 USD.

Overall, it typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of CQRP certification depending on how quickly you can prepare your portfolio and take the exams/oral examinations required for each level.

8. American Marketing Association’s Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

The Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) is a professional certification offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). It is designed to recognize marketing professionals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of marketing. The PCM credential is awarded to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in areas such as strategic planning, customer insights, analytics, digital and social media, and brand management.

To obtain the PCM credential, applicants must pass an online exam that covers all aspects of marketing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit a resume and provide proof of at least three years' experience in marketing or related fields.

The cost for the PCM certification varies depending on the applicant's membership status with AMA. For non-members, the fee is $399; for members, it is $299. There are no additional fees associated with taking or passing the exam. Once certified, applicants will receive a digital badge that can be shared on their resumes and other professional materials.

The PCM certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. After three years, applicants must retake the exam to maintain their certification status.

9. Chartered Market Analyst (CMA)

Chartered Market Analyst (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). It is designed to provide financial professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze financial markets, make investment decisions, and manage portfolios. The CMA program consists of two parts: Part 1 covers topics such as financial reporting, economics, corporate finance, investments, and portfolio management; Part 2 focuses on quantitative methods, performance measurement and analysis, and risk management.

The CMA program typically takes 12-18 months to complete. Candidates must pass two exams in order to become certified. The first exam covers topics from Part 1 of the program while the second exam covers topics from Part 2. To be eligible for the CMA program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in accounting or finance.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on where you take the exam. In the United States, it costs approximately $1,000-$2,000 for both parts of the exam. Additionally, there are other fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and study materials fees.

To get started on your path to becoming a CMA you should register for an ICMA approved course provider such as Gleim or Wiley CPAexcel. These providers offer courses that will help you prepare for both parts of the exam as well as practice exams that can help you gauge your progress throughout your studies. After registering for a course provider you will need to purchase study materials which can range from $150-$400 depending on which provider you choose. Once you have completed all of your studies and passed both parts of the exam you will then be able to apply for certification with ICMA and become a Chartered Market Analyst (CMA).

10. International Institute for Analytics’ Analytics Certification Program

The International Institute for Analytics (IIA) offers an Analytics Certification Program that provides a comprehensive overview of the analytics industry. The program is designed to help individuals gain an understanding of the fundamentals of analytics and how to apply them in their organization. It covers topics such as data analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, and visualization.

The program consists of two parts: the Core Content and the Advanced Content. The Core Content is designed to provide a basic understanding of analytics concepts and techniques, while the Advanced Content focuses on more advanced topics such as big data, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing. Each part is divided into four modules that can be completed at your own pace.

To get certified by IIA, you must complete both parts of the program within 12 months. After completing all eight modules, you will receive a certificate from IIA confirming your completion of the program.

The cost for the Analytics Certification Program is $1,495 USD. This includes access to all eight modules plus additional resources such as webinars and office hours with IIA faculty members.

11. SAS Global Certification Program for Data Science and Advanced Analytics

The SAS Global Certification Program for Data Science and Advanced Analytics is a comprehensive program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in the field of data science and advanced analytics. The program consists of three certification levels: Base, Advanced, and Professional.

To get the Base certification, individuals must pass the SAS Certified Big Data Professional exam. This exam covers topics such as big data fundamentals, data preparation, data exploration, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling. It takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete this exam. The cost of taking the exam is $180 USD.

To get the Advanced certification, individuals must pass the SAS Certified Predictive Modeler Using SAS 9 exam. This exam covers topics such as predictive modeling techniques, model selection and validation methods, and model deployment and monitoring best practices. It takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete this exam. The cost of taking the exam is $180 USD.

To get the Professional certification, individuals must pass both the Base and Advanced exams as well as a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. The capstone project requires applicants to develop a predictive model using real-world data sets provided by SAS Institute Inc., analyze its results, and present their findings in a report or presentation format. It takes approximately 6 weeks to complete this project depending on how much time an individual can devote to it each week. The cost of taking this project is $200 USD plus any additional fees associated with procuring datasets from third parties if needed for the project.

Overall, getting all three certifications through the SAS Global Certification Program for Data Science and Advanced Analytics will take approximately 10 weeks to complete (including time spent studying for exams) and cost $560 USD ($180 + $180 + $200).

Do You Really Need a Market Research Analyst Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A market research analyst certificate is not a requirement to become a successful market research analyst. However, if you are looking to gain an edge in the job market and demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to the profession, then obtaining a market research analyst certificate may be beneficial.

There are many different types of certificates available that can provide you with specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as data analysis, survey design, and report writing. These certificates may also include courses on topics such as customer segmentation, marketing strategy, and competitive intelligence. By completing these courses, you can gain a better understanding of the industry and how it works.

In addition to providing you with specialized knowledge and skills, having a certificate can also give you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers may view candidates who have completed a course or program as more qualified than those without one. Furthermore, having a certificate may give employers confidence that they are hiring someone with the necessary skills and qualifications to do the job successfully.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a market research analyst certificate depends on your current career goals and desired outcomes. If you believe that having a certification will help you stand out from other applicants or give potential employers more confidence in your abilities, then it could be worth pursuing one. However, if you feel confident about your skillset without one, then there is no need for it.

Related: Market Research Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Market Research Analyst Certifications

1. What are the most popular market research analyst certifications?

Answer: The most popular market research analyst certifications include the Certified Market Research Professional (CMRS) from the American Marketing Association, the Certified Research Analyst (CRA) from the Institute of Business Analysis, and the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) from the International Institute of Business Analysis.

2. How long does it take to become a certified market research analyst?

Answer: It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all necessary coursework and requirements to become a certified market research analyst.

3. How much do market research analysts earn?

Answer: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Market Research Analyst is $59,844 per year in the United States. Salaries range from $37k - $90k depending on experience and location.

4. What skills are required for a career as a Market Research Analyst?

Answer: Skills needed for a career as a Market Research Analyst include strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, data analysis and interpretation abilities, problem solving abilities, ability to work with large datasets, knowledge of statistical software programs such as SPSS or SAS, and understanding of market trends and consumer behavior.

5. What type of job can I get with my market research analyst certification?

Answer: With your certification you may be qualified to work in roles such as Market Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst or Consultant in industries such as consumer goods or pharmaceuticals.