Top 10 Market Research Manager Certifications

Certifications for a market research manager in the job market are important for several reasons. First, certifications provide an employer with evidence of your knowledge and expertise in the field. This can be especially useful if you are a new or relatively inexperienced market research manager. Having certifications can also give you an edge over other potential candidates who do not have similar qualifications. Additionally, certifications provide evidence that you have taken the time to invest in yourself and your career by learning new skills and staying up-to-date on current trends and best practices in the industry. Finally, certifications may also give you access to specialized networks of professionals who can offer invaluable advice and resources as you progress in your career.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Market Research Managers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Market Research Manager Certifications?

Market research manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of market research methods, techniques and best practices. This certification is designed to help individuals increase their knowledge and skills in the field of market research, enabling them to become more effective in their roles as market researchers. It provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their expertise and gain recognition from employers and clients.

The primary benefit of earning a market research manager certification is the credibility it brings with it. Having this certification indicates that you have the experience and qualifications necessary to be successful in the field of market research. It also shows potential employers that you are well-versed in the latest industry trends and can provide valuable insights when conducting market research studies. Additionally, having a certification can open up new career opportunities, such as consulting or working with larger companies on more advanced projects.

Having a market research manager certification also helps improve your ability to analyze data effectively. With this certification, you will gain an understanding of how to interpret data accurately and make informed decisions based on your results. This type of knowledge is essential for any successful market researcher as it allows them to identify areas where further investigation is needed or potential opportunities for improvement within a company’s current strategy. Ultimately, this can lead to improved decision-making and better overall business performance.

Pro Tip: To become a certified market research manager, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of market research and the tools and techniques used in this field. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with industry best practices and regulations related to market research. Finally, seek out continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

Related: What does a Market Research Manager do?

Top 10 Market Research Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Market Research Professional (CMRP)

Certified Market Research Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of market research professionals. It is an internationally recognized credential that provides recognition for individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of market research.

The CMRP program is administered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time market research experience and passing an exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as survey design, data analysis, sampling techniques, and marketing research ethics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process to become certified. During this time, applicants must complete the application process, take and pass the exam, and submit any required documentation.

The cost to become certified depends on whether you are a member of MRA or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 for the application fee plus $495 for the exam fee. For members, there is no application fee but they still need to pay $495 for the exam fee.

2. Qualified Market Research Practitioner (QMRP)

Qualified Market Research Practitioner (QMRP) is a professional certification offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of market research. The QMRP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in market research, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge in practice.

It typically takes between six and twelve months to complete the requirements for the QMRP certification. During this time, applicants must complete two exams, one written and one oral, which cover topics such as research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, ethics and professional standards. They must also submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills in market research.

To become certified as a QMRP, applicants must first join the MRA as a Professional Member. This membership costs $100 per year. In addition to this fee, there is an application fee of $150 and an exam fee of $250 for each exam taken. Once all requirements are met and the applicant passes both exams with a score of 70% or higher, they will be awarded their QMRP certification.

3. Certified Professional in Market Research (CPMR)

Certified Professional in Market Research (CPMR) is a professional certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The CPMR program is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively conduct market research and analysis, interpret data, and make informed decisions.

The CPMR program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and covers topics such as survey design, sampling techniques, data analysis, report writing, and ethical considerations. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To get the CPMR certification, applicants must first complete the online course. After completing the course, applicants can register for the exam through the AMA website. Applicants must pay a fee of $399 to take the exam. Once they have passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their CPMR certification.

Overall, it takes approximately 20 hours to complete the online course and another three hours to take the exam. It costs $399 to take the exam and receive your CPMR certification.

4. Certified Qualitative Market Research Professional (CQMRP)

Certified Qualitative Market Research Professional (CQMRP) is a certification program offered by the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced qualitative researchers. The CQMRP credential demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in the field of qualitative market research.

To become certified, an individual must have a minimum of five years’ experience in qualitative research and pass an exam administered by QRCA. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, project management, ethics, and professional practice.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and can be taken at any time throughout the year. The cost for the exam is $395 for members of QRCA and $495 for non-members.

5. Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM)

Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM) is a professional certification that recognizes expertise in survey research. It is awarded by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in survey methodology. The CSM credential is highly sought after by employers looking for experienced professionals with expertise in survey design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

The process to become a Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM) involves completing an application form and passing an exam. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in survey research or related fields, such as marketing or public opinion research. They must also provide proof of their academic credentials and submit three letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to their qualifications.

The exam itself consists of two parts: the written portion, which tests knowledge of survey methodology; and the oral portion, which evaluates applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The written portion consists of multiple choice questions on topics such as sampling techniques, questionnaire design, data analysis methods, and ethical considerations. The oral portion requires applicants to answer questions about specific case studies or projects they have worked on in the past.

It typically takes four weeks for AAPOR to review applications and administer the exam. Once an applicant passes both portions of the exam, they will receive their CSM credential within six weeks.

The cost to become a Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM) varies depending on whether you are an AAPOR member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $595 for the application fee plus $350 for the exam fee.

6. Certified Online Research Professional (CORP)

Certified Online Research Professional (CORP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of online research professionals. This certification is offered by the Association of Online Research Professionals (AORP).

The CORP certification requires successful completion of a two-part examination process, which includes a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as online research methods, ethics, privacy, data analysis, and report writing. The oral exam focuses on demonstrating proficiency in the areas covered in the written exam.

In order to be eligible for the CORP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in online research or related fields. Applicants must also submit proof of their education and experience when they apply for the certification.

The cost of obtaining the CORP certification varies depending on whether or not applicants are members of AORP. For non-members, the cost is $1,200 USD; for members, it is $900 USD. The entire process usually takes about three months to complete from start to finish.

7. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to effectively perform business analysis tasks.

It takes approximately three months of preparation time to become CBAP certified. The preparation process includes studying for the exam, completing practice exams, and attending a review course if desired.

To become CBAP certified, applicants must have at least 7500 hours of experience in business analysis work over the past 10 years. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers six domains of business analysis knowledge: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring; Elicitation & Collaboration; Requirements Life Cycle Management; Strategy Analysis; Requirements Analysis & Design Definition; and Solution Evaluation.

The cost for becoming CBAP certified varies depending on where you take the exam. The IIBA charges $325 USD for members and $450 USD for non-members to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking review courses or purchasing study materials.

8. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively practice analytics in their respective fields. The CAP certification is offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), a professional organization dedicated to advancing analytics and operations research.

The CAP certification program consists of an online exam that tests candidates' knowledge of analytics principles, techniques, and best practices. The exam is divided into four sections: analytics foundations, data analysis, modeling/simulation, and decision optimization. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in each area to pass the exam.

The CAP exam takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates are given three attempts at passing the exam within a 12-month period. If all three attempts are unsuccessful, candidates must wait one year before attempting the exam again.

To apply for the CAP certification program, applicants must submit an online application form along with supporting documents such as proof of education or professional experience in analytics. After submitting the application form, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program and can then register for the online exam.

The cost of registering for the CAP certification program varies depending on whether you are an INFORMS member or non-member. For members, registration costs $395 USD; for non-members it costs $495 USD.

9. 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 have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. The PCM certification demonstrates that an individual has obtained a comprehensive understanding of marketing concepts, principles, and practices.

The PCM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as market segmentation, product positioning, pricing strategies, digital marketing, customer relationship management, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the PCM certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in marketing or related fields. Applicants must also be members of the AMA and agree to abide by its Code of Ethics.

The cost for the PCM certification exam is $395 for AMA members and $495 for non-members. The fee includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help prepare for the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official PCM certificate from the AMA.

10. International Institute of Business Analysis’s Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA).

The Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) is an internationally recognized certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of business analysts, who are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify opportunities for improvement within a company.

To earn the CCBA certification, applicants must have at least three years of documented business analysis experience within the last seven years. Additionally, they must have completed a minimum of 900 hours in each of two knowledge areas: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring and Enterprise Analysis. Applicants must also pass a three-hour exam that covers topics such as requirements elicitation, requirements management & communication, solution assessment & validation, and stakeholder engagement.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CCBA exam. During this time, applicants should familiarize themselves with IIBA’s BABOK Guide (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge), which outlines best practices for business analysis professionals. Applicants may also choose to take an online course or attend a classroom training session to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CCBA certification varies depending on whether you choose to take an online course or attend a classroom training session. The IIBA charges $125 USD for its online course and $200 USD for its classroom training sessions. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the CCBA exam; it currently costs $325 USD per attempt.

Overall, obtaining the CCBA certification can be quite expensive but it is worth it if you are serious about becoming a successful business analyst. The certification will give you credibility in your field and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Do You Really Need a Market Research Manager Certificate?

Yes, a market research manager certificate can be beneficial to those looking to pursue a career in the field. The certificate helps demonstrate that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in their role as a market research manager. It is also a great way for employers to evaluate potential candidates and make sure they are qualified for the position.

The market research manager certificate can also provide invaluable networking opportunities. Many of the courses offered by universities or professional organizations offer students an opportunity to meet and interact with other professionals in the field. This can be extremely valuable when it comes time to look for job openings or apply for promotions within the company.

Finally, having a market research manager certificate will give you an edge over other candidates who do not have one. The certification shows potential employers that you are committed to your profession and have taken steps to further your education and improve your skillset. This can go a long way in helping you secure a job or promotion in this competitive field.

In conclusion, while there is no guarantee that having a market research manager certificate will ensure success, it certainly gives job seekers an advantage over those who don’t have one. Therefore, if you are serious about pursuing a career in market research, obtaining such certification would be highly beneficial.

Related: Market Research Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Market Research Manager Certifications

1. What is a Market Research Manager Certification?

A Market Research Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that verifies a professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of market research.

2. How do I obtain a Market Research Manager Certification?

The most common way to obtain a Market Research Manager Certification is by taking an approved course or program from an accredited educational institution or professional organization.

3. What topics are covered in a Market Research Manager certification program?

Topics covered in a Market Research Manager certification program typically include research design, survey development, data analysis, project management, and report writing.

4. Is there an exam associated with the certification?

Yes, most programs require passing an exam in order to obtain the certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining this certification?

Most programs do not have any formal prerequisites; however, some may require applicants to have certain educational qualifications or work experience in the field of market research prior to applying for the certification.