Top 10 Market Researcher Certifications

Certifications for a market researcher are important because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Having certifications gives potential employers assurance that you have the skills necessary to complete the job effectively. Certifications also show that you take your profession seriously and are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and practices in market research. They can help you stand out from other applicants, as employers often prefer to hire professionals with proven experience and qualifications. Additionally, certifications may open up opportunities for advanced positions or higher salaries, as employers recognize that certified individuals have a higher level of expertise than those without such credentials.

This article reviews the top certifications for Market Researchers and explains how they can help to advance a market researcher's career.

What are Market Researcher Certifications?

Market researcher certification is a professional credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in conducting market research. It is typically achieved through an accredited program of study, such as a college or university course, or through a professional association. Market researchers who have earned certification are recognized for their ability to apply best practices to the design and implementation of market research projects.

Market researcher certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the field of market research and serve as evidence of their qualifications and expertise. For employers, having certified employees can help ensure that market research projects are conducted properly and efficiently, with fewer mistakes. Certification also provides a way for employers to evaluate the qualifications of potential hires when recruiting for market research positions. Finally, it can provide a way for experienced practitioners to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry by completing continuing education courses.

Pro Tip: When considering a market researcher certification, look for programs that offer hands-on training and practice opportunities. This will help you gain the necessary skills to become an effective market researcher and give you the confidence to apply your knowledge in the real world.

Related: What does a Market Researcher do?

Top 10 Market Researcher Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Market Researcher (CPMR)

Certified Professional Market Researcher (CPMR) is a professional certification offered by the Insights Association, a leading global trade association for the market research and insights industry. The CPMR certification is designed to recognize professionals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct effective market research and insights activities.

To become certified as a CPMR, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in the field of market research or insights, as well as pass an exam administered by the Insights Association. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess an applicant’s knowledge of market research methods, data analysis techniques, and other related topics.

The process to become certified typically takes about four months from start to finish. This includes completing the application process, studying for the exam, taking the exam itself, and receiving notification of successful completion.

The cost to become certified as a CPMR is $595 USD (or $695 USD if you are not already a member of the Insights Association). This fee covers all aspects of the certification process including application fees, study materials, and exam fees.

2. Certified Market Research Analyst (CMRA)

Certified Market Research Analyst (CMRA) is a professional certification program designed to help market research professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the field. The certification is offered by the Market Research Association (MRA) and is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in the area of market research.

The CMRA certification requires passing a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as survey design, data analysis, and reporting. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of market research or related areas.

The cost of the CMRA certification program varies depending on your level of membership with MRA. For non-members, the cost is $400; for members, it is $350; and for student members, it is $250.

To get certified as a CMRA, you must first register with MRA and pay any applicable fees. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your online account where you can take practice exams and review study materials before taking the actual exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CMRA certificate from MRA.

3. Qualified Market Research Professional (QMRP)

Qualified Market Research Professional (QMRP) is a certification program offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). The QMRP certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of market research. The program requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and experience in market research through a series of tests, interviews, and presentations.

The QMRP certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application to MRA with proof of their education and professional experience in the field of market research. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then pass a series of exams designed to test their knowledge and skills in the areas of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. After passing these exams, applicants must then complete an interview with an MRA representative before being granted the QMRP certification.

The cost of obtaining the QMRP certification varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 depending on how much preparation and study is required for each exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel expenses for attending interviews or conferences related to market research.

Overall, obtaining the QMRP certification is an investment that can pay off significantly for those looking to advance their careers in market research or consulting. The credential provides recognition that demonstrates mastery in the field and can open up new opportunities for advancement within organizations or as independent consultants.

4. Certified in Market and Social Research (CMSR)

Certified in Market and Social Research (CMSR) is a professional certification program offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). The CMSR certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of market and social research. It is a voluntary certification program that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities through an exam.

The CMSR exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral presentation. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as research design, data analysis, sampling techniques, reporting techniques, ethics, and more. The oral presentation requires applicants to present their findings from a real-world project they have completed using market or social research methods.

The entire process takes approximately six months from start to finish. Applicants must first complete an application form which includes providing proof of education and experience in the field of market or social research. Once approved, applicants will receive study materials for the exam which they can use to prepare for the written portion of the exam. After passing the written portion, applicants must then schedule an appointment with MRA to take the oral presentation portion of the exam.

The cost for taking the CMSR exam varies depending on whether you are an MRA member or non-member. For MRA members it costs $395 while for non-members it costs $495. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or scheduling appointments with MRA staff members for the oral presentation portion of the exam.

5. Qualified Survey Methodologist (QSM)

A Qualified Survey Methodologist (QSM) is a professional who has been certified by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) as having met the highest standards of survey methodology. The QSM certification is designed to recognize those professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of survey research projects.

To become a QSM, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements. This includes having at least five years of experience in survey research or related fields, such as market research or data collection. The applicant must also have completed at least three AAPOR-approved courses in survey methodology and have published or presented at least one paper on survey methods.

Once these requirements are met, the applicant can apply for the QSM certification exam. This exam consists of two parts: a written test and an oral presentation. The written test covers topics such as sampling theory, questionnaire design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques. The oral presentation requires the applicant to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in designing and conducting surveys.

The QSM certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. It costs $500 to take the exam plus any additional fees associated with taking AAPOR-approved courses or attending conferences related to survey methodology.

6. Qualified Online Market Researcher (QOMR)

A Qualified Online Market Researcher (QOMR) is a professional certification program designed to help online marketers gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively research and analyze online markets. The QOMR certification is offered by the Online Marketing Institute (OMI) and is recognized as an industry-leading credential for online market researchers.

The QOMR program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of online market research. These courses are: Introduction to Online Market Research, Advanced Online Market Research, Analyzing Data from Online Markets, Applying Research Findings to Your Business, and Managing an Online Market Research Project. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To obtain the QOMR certification, individuals must successfully complete all five courses within one year of enrollment. Upon completion of the program, individuals will receive a digital certificate and badge that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in online market research.

The cost of the QOMR program varies depending on which payment option you choose. The full price for all five courses is $1,495 USD; however, OMI offers discounts for students who pay in full or in monthly installments. Additionally, OMI offers discounts for groups enrolling multiple participants at once.

7. Certified Business Intelligence Analyst (CBIA)

Certified Business Intelligence Analyst (CBIA) is a professional certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in business intelligence and analytics.

The CBIA program consists of two levels: the Certified Business Intelligence Analyst (CBIA) and the Advanced Certified Business Intelligence Analyst (ACBIA). The CBIA level requires candidates to have at least three years of experience in business intelligence, data analysis, or related field. The ACBIA level requires candidates to have at least five years of experience in business intelligence, data analysis, or related field.

To become certified as a CBIA, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as data mining, predictive analytics, data visualization, reporting and dashboards. Candidates must also complete a series of online courses to be eligible for the exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and costs $395 USD.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks from start to finish. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official certificate within 4-6 weeks. The cost for the entire certification process is approximately $1,000 USD including the cost of the exam and course materials.

8. Certified Consumer Insight Professional (CCIP)

Certified Consumer Insight Professional (CCIP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals working in the field of consumer insights. It is offered by the Association for Consumer Research (ACR), an international organization dedicated to advancing the science of consumer research.

The CCIP program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as market segmentation, consumer behavior, research methods, data analysis, and communication. It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the online course. After completing the online course, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to earn their certification.

In order to be eligible for the CCIP program, candidates must have at least two years of experience working in the field of consumer insights or related fields. They must also have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

The cost of the CCIP program varies depending on whether you are a member of ACR or not. For members, it costs $500 USD; for non-members, it costs $750 USD. This fee includes access to all materials necessary for successful completion of the program as well as one attempt at the exam.

9. Qualified Quantitative Marketing Analyst (QQMA)

Qualified Quantitative Marketing Analyst (QQMA) is a certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). The QQMA certification is designed to recognize professionals in the field of quantitative marketing analytics who have demonstrated an understanding of advanced analytical techniques and their application to marketing decisions.

The QQMA certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and demonstrate a minimum level of experience in the field. The courses cover topics such as data mining, predictive modeling, optimization, and customer segmentation. Once applicants have completed the coursework and passed the exam, they must submit a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in quantitative marketing analytics.

The QQMA certification process typically takes two to three months to complete. Applicants must pay a fee for each course taken as well as an exam fee. In total, it can cost up to $2,000 to become certified as a Qualified Quantitative Marketing Analyst.

10. Certified International Market Research Professional (CIMRP).

Certified International Market Research Professional (CIMRP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of market research professionals. The CIMRP program is administered by the Global Market Research Association (GMRA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of market research.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the CIMRP program, depending on an individual's experience level and commitment to completing the requirements. To become certified, individuals must pass three exams: Foundations of Market Research, Advanced Market Research Techniques, and Professional Practices in Market Research. Each exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess an individual's knowledge and understanding of market research principles and practices.

To get started on the CIMRP program, individuals must first register with GMRA and pay a registration fee. After registering, individuals will receive access to study materials for each exam as well as access to online practice tests. Once all three exams have been passed, individuals will receive their CIMRP certificate from GMRA.

The cost of the CIMRP program varies depending on where you are located and which version of the program you choose to take (online or in-person). Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD for all three exams plus registration fees.

Do You Really Need a Market Researcher Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Market Researcher Certificate depends on your career goals and the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. If you want to become a professional market researcher, then having a certificate can be beneficial as it shows that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so. It also demonstrates that you are serious about pursuing this career path and have taken the time to acquire the necessary qualifications.

However, if you are simply looking for a job in market research or if your current employer does not require one, then having a certificate is not essential. Many employers will accept experience and skills gained from other areas as evidence of your knowledge and ability in market research. This could include working in customer service roles where you gain insight into customer needs, researching trends and technologies, or even taking courses related to marketing or data analysis.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Market Researcher Certificate depends on your career goals and the specific requirements of the job you apply for. Having one can be beneficial in demonstrating your knowledge and commitment to the field, but it is not always essential depending on your circumstances.

Related: Market Researcher Resume Examples

FAQs About Market Researcher Certifications

Q1. What is a Market Researcher Certification?

A1. A Market Researcher Certification is an official recognition of your knowledge and skills as a market researcher. It demonstrates that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to perform effectively in the field.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Market Researcher Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Market Researcher Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants, increase your credibility with employers, and lead to higher salaries and career advancement opportunities. It also shows potential employers that you take your profession seriously and are committed to continuing education in the field.

Q3. How do I become certified as a Market Researcher?

A3. To become certified as a Market Researcher, you must complete an accredited program or course that covers topics related to market research, such as survey design, data analysis, marketing strategy, and customer segmentation. You may also need to pass an exam or demonstrate professional experience in the field before being eligible for certification.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Market Researcher Certification?

A4. Generally speaking, most organizations require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in business or another related field before they can apply for certification programs or courses in market research. Some organizations may also require applicants to have prior work experience in the industry or demonstrate knowledge of specific topics related to market research before they can be considered for certification programs or courses.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a Market Researcher?

A5 The amount of time it takes to become certified as a market researcher varies depending on the program or course you choose and how much prior knowledge or experience you have with the subject matter. Most programs typically take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year of study to complete all coursework requirements for certification eligibility