Top 11 Research Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for research consultants because they demonstrate a level of expertise and experience in their field. Certifications provide potential employers with evidence that the consultant has a solid understanding of the research process, including designing and executing studies, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Furthermore, certifications can help research consultants stand out from other job candidates who may not have as much experience or training in the area. In addition to providing credibility and recognition to research consultants in the job market, certifications can also open up new opportunities for advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Research Consultants and to explain how they can help advance a research consultant's career.

What are Research Consultant Certifications?

Research consultant certification is a type of professional qualification that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful research consultants. This certification typically covers topics such as data analysis, research methods, survey design, and project management. It also teaches professionals how to develop effective solutions for clients based on their research findings.

Having research consultant certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants in the field, as it shows they have a strong understanding of the industry’s best practices. Certified research consultants are also likely to be more trusted by employers when it comes to providing accurate and reliable results. Furthermore, this certification can help individuals become more marketable in the job market by demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the field. Finally, having a research consultant certification may open up opportunities for further career advancement or even starting one's own consulting business.

Pro Tip: Research consultant certification is a great way to demonstrate expertise in the field and elevate your professional profile. Make sure to research the various certification programs available and choose one that best fits your needs and goals. Additionally, look for programs that offer continuing education opportunities so you can stay up-to-date on best practices and industry trends.

Related: What does a Research Consultant do?

Top 11 Research Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Research Consultant (CRC)

A Certified Research Consultant (CRC) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide research services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. CRCs are experts in conducting research studies, analyzing data, and interpreting results. They help clients identify problems, develop solutions, and make decisions based on their findings.

The certification process typically takes anywhere from six months to two years depending on the program. To become a CRC, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology or sociology. In addition to coursework, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of research methods and techniques.

To get certified as a CRC, applicants must first complete an application form with the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). The application includes information about the applicant’s education and experience in the field of research. Once approved by AAPOR, applicants can take an online exam that covers topics such as survey design, sampling techniques, data analysis methods, and ethics in research.

The cost of becoming a Certified Research Consultant varies depending on the program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2,500 USD for tuition fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or other requirements necessary for certification.

2. Certified Professional Research Consultant (CPRC)

Certified Professional Research Consultant (CPRC) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of market research. This certification is offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA), which is an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of market research.

In order to become certified, individuals must complete a rigorous application process and demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of market research. The application process includes submitting a detailed resume, passing an online exam, and providing references from current or former clients. Once approved, applicants must attend an MRA-accredited training program and successfully pass a comprehensive examination.

The CPRC certification typically takes around 6 months to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other factors such as travel expenses. On average, it costs around $3,000-$5,000 to become certified as a CPRC.

3. Qualified Research Professional (QRP)

A Qualified Research Professional (QRP) is a professional designation that indicates the holder has met certain requirements for conducting research. It is granted by the American Evaluation Association (AEA), and it is intended to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in research methods, statistics, and evaluation.

To become a QRP, individuals must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of experience in research or evaluation and completing an AEA-approved training program. The training program must include courses in research design, data collection and analysis, ethics, survey development, and other topics related to research methods. To maintain the QRP status, individuals must complete continuing education credits every three years.

The cost of becoming a QRP varies depending on the type of training program an individual chooses to take. Generally speaking, programs range from $1,000-$3,000. It can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the necessary requirements for becoming a QRP.

4. Certified Survey Research Professional (CSRP)

Certified Survey Research Professional (CSRP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of survey research professionals. It is offered by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). The CSRP certification demonstrates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of survey research methods and techniques, including sampling, questionnaire design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

To become certified as a CSRP, individuals must have at least three years of full-time survey research experience and must pass a written exam administered by AAPOR. The exam covers topics such as survey design, sampling theory, questionnaire design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and report writing.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete the certification process. To get started on the path to becoming certified as a CSRP, individuals should first contact AAPOR for an application packet. This packet will include information about eligibility requirements and instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSRP varies depending on whether or not you are an AAPOR member. For non-members, the cost is $425; for members it is $325. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($125 for non-members; $75 for members).

5. Certified Market Research Analyst (CMRA)

Certified Market Research Analyst (CMRA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of market research analysts. The certification is administered by the American Marketing Association (AMA), one of the leading professional associations in marketing.

The CMRA certification program consists of three levels: Certified Market Research Analyst (CMRA), Senior Certified Market Research Analyst (SCMRA) and Master Certified Market Research Analyst (MCMRA). Each level requires successful completion of an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to market research analysis.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three levels of the CMRA certification program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for each exam. To get started, you need to register with the AMA and pay a fee for each level of the program. Fees vary depending on whether you are an AMA member or non-member, but generally range from $250 - $500 per level.

Once registered, you will be provided with study materials and access to online practice exams that will help you prepare for each level's exam. After successfully completing all three exams, you will receive your official CMRA designation from the AMA.

6. Certified Qualitative Research Analyst (CQRA)

Certified Qualitative Research Analyst (CQRA) is a professional certification program developed by the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA). It is designed to recognize and certify professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in qualitative research.

The CQRA certification program consists of three components: an online course, an in-person assessment, and a portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and report writing. This course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

The in-person assessment is a 3-hour exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of qualitative research principles and practices. The exam is administered at QRCA-approved testing centers around the world.

The portfolio review assesses the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world projects. Candidates must submit two completed research projects for review by QRCA members.

The cost of the CQRA certification program varies depending on where you take the course and assessment, but it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

7. Advanced Qualitative Research Analyst (AQRA)

Advanced Qualitative Research Analyst (AQRA) is an advanced certification for those who want to specialize in qualitative research. It is offered by the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA). This certification program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct comprehensive qualitative research projects.

To obtain the AQRA certification, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in the field of qualitative research, or a related field. Applicants must also complete an online application and submit a portfolio demonstrating their work experience in this area. Upon completion of the application process, applicants are required to take an exam that covers topics such as project design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and report writing.

The AQRA exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $600 USD. Once applicants pass the exam and meet all other requirements, they will receive their AQRA certification.

Overall, obtaining the AQRA certification requires dedication and commitment from individuals who wish to specialize in qualitative research. The cost of this certification is relatively low compared to other certifications available in this field, making it more accessible for those interested in pursuing a career in this area.

8. Certified Quantitative Research Analyst (CQRA)

Certified Quantitative Research Analyst (CQRA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association for Quantitative Analysis (AAQA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in quantitative research and analysis. The CQRA certification demonstrates that the holder has attained a mastery of quantitative research techniques, including data mining, forecasting, optimization, simulation, and statistical analysis.

The CQRA certification requires the successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as data collection and analysis, predictive modeling, and decision making. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience with quantitative research projects.

The cost of the CQRA certification exam is $400 USD. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 USD to maintain the certification status.

In order to become certified as a CQRA, applicants must meet certain educational requirements including holding at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics or statistics or having two years of relevant work experience in quantitative research and analysis. Additionally, applicants must be endorsed by three current AAQA members who can attest to their knowledge and skills in quantitative research and analysis.

Once all requirements are met, it typically takes between 4-6 weeks for applicants to receive their official CQRA certification from the AAQA.

9. Advanced Quantitative Research Analyst (AQRA)

Advanced Quantitative Research Analyst (AQRA) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and skill in quantitative research. The AQRA certification is administered by the American Association of Quantitative Research Analysts (AAQRA).

To become an AQRA, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as statistics, data analysis, survey design and research methods. The exam consists of multiple-choice and essay questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, candidates should review AAQRA’s study guide and practice tests.

The cost to take the AQRA exam is $400 USD. Candidates must also pay an annual fee of $50 USD to maintain their certification status. After passing the exam, candidates will receive a certificate and digital badge that can be used on resumes, websites, and other professional materials.

The AQRA certification is valid for three years from the date of issue; however, recertification may be required after this period depending on the individual's continuing education requirements.

10. Registered Market Researcher (RMR)

A Registered Market Researcher (RMR) is a professional designation awarded to market researchers who have met specific criteria and qualifications. It is a voluntary program offered by the Insights Association, the leading trade organization for the marketing research industry in the United States.

To become an RMR, individuals must meet a set of requirements that demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of market research. These include completing at least two years of full-time market research experience, passing an exam administered by the Insights Association, and agreeing to adhere to a code of ethics.

The process of becoming an RMR typically takes three to six months from start to finish. The first step is submitting an application along with proof of education and work experience. Once approved, applicants must register for and pass the RMR exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions about topics such as survey design, sampling methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations.

The cost for becoming an RMR varies depending on whether you are already a member of the Insights Association or not. For non-members, it costs $250 to apply plus $125 for each exam attempt; members pay a reduced fee of $125 for each exam attempt.

Overall, becoming an RMR can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in market research by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in the field.

11. Accredited Market Researcher (AMR).

Accredited Market Researcher (AMR) is a professional designation awarded by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency in the field of market research.

To become an AMR, one must first complete a comprehensive course of study that covers topics such as research design, data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The course typically takes around 8-10 weeks to complete and requires passing a comprehensive exam. The exam is administered by the MRA and covers both theoretical and practical aspects of market research.

The cost of becoming an AMR varies depending on the provider. However, most courses range from $500-$1000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for taking the exam or for any other materials required for the course.

Once an individual has completed all requirements for becoming an AMR, they will receive a certificate from the MRA that is valid for three years. During this time, they are expected to maintain their knowledge and skills in order to remain certified as an AMR.

Do You Really Need a Research Consultant Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a research consultant certificate to be successful as a research consultant. However, having one may give you an advantage over other applicants for certain positions.

Having a research consultant certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the field of research consulting. It can also show employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry, gain experience, and hone your skills. Having a certification from an accredited program or organization may make you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.

In addition, having a certification may demonstrate that you are serious about providing quality service to clients. It shows that you have taken the extra steps to ensure that your work is up-to-date and meets professional standards. This can make clients more confident in your abilities and trust that they will receive quality results from your services.

Finally, having a research consultant certificate may open doors to new opportunities and promotions within the field of research consulting. Having this credential can give employers confidence that you are knowledgeable and competent enough to handle increasingly complex projects or tasks as part of your job duties.

Although there is no requirement for having a research consultant certificate, it certainly has its benefits for those looking to pursue a career in this field. If you have the time and resources available, obtaining one could be beneficial for furthering your career prospects in this exciting industry!

Related: Research Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Research Consultant Certifications

1. What is a Research Consultant Certification?

Answer: A Research Consultant Certification is a credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of conducting research for organizations. It demonstrates that the individual has completed specialized training and has gained experience in areas such as research design, data collection and analysis, project management, and report writing.

2. Who needs to get certified?

Answer: Anyone who is interested in becoming a professional research consultant should consider getting certified. This certification can demonstrate expertise and knowledge to potential employers and help individuals stand out from other applicants.

3. How do I get certified?

Answer: To become certified as a research consultant, you must complete approved training courses, demonstrate your proficiency in research techniques through passing an exam, and obtain references from professionals in the field who can attest to your qualifications.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a research consultant can give you an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions in the field of research consulting, as it demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the profession. Additionally, it may qualify you for higher salaries or promotions within your current organization.

5. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications need to be renewed every two years by taking continuing education courses or completing additional exams related to the field of research consulting.