Top 10 Survey Researcher Certifications

Certifications are important for survey researchers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and mastery of the profession. Employers look for certifications as an indication that a survey researcher has the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to perform their job duties effectively. Certifications also give employers confidence that the survey researcher is well-versed in industry standards and regulations, which can help ensure that surveys are conducted ethically and accurately. Additionally, having certifications can provide survey researchers with more job opportunities, as employers often prefer applicants with certifications over those without them.

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

What are Survey Researcher Certifications?

Survey researcher certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and proficiency of survey researchers in the field of survey research. This certification is designed to help survey researchers demonstrate their knowledge and skills, as well as provide employers with an assurance that certified professionals possess the necessary qualifications for survey research projects.

Survey researchers who become certified benefit from increased job security, improved career prospects, higher wages, and greater respect within the industry. Certification also helps survey researchers stay up-to-date on best practices in the field by requiring them to complete continuing education courses and refresher courses. Additionally, certification can help survey researchers make connections with colleagues in the industry through networking opportunities offered by professional organizations.

Pro Tip: Get certified in survey research by taking an online course or attending a professional development seminar. Certification will demonstrate your commitment to the profession and give you the knowledge and skillset needed to be successful in this field. It will also help you stay up-to-date on best practices, current trends, and industry regulations.

Related: What does a Survey Researcher do?

Top 10 Survey Researcher Certifications

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

1. Certified Survey Professional (CSP)

Certified Survey Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program for land surveyors. It is administered by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). The CSP program was designed to recognize and promote excellence in the profession of surveying.

To become a Certified Survey Professional, an applicant must have at least five years of experience in surveying, pass an exam, and complete continuing education requirements. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as boundary law, legal descriptions, mapping techniques, and GPS technology.

The cost of the CSP exam varies by state but typically ranges from $200 to $400. The cost includes registration fees and study materials. The exam can be taken online or at any NSPS-approved testing center.

It usually takes about six months to complete the CSP program after passing the exam. During this time, applicants must complete 30 hours of continuing education courses related to surveying and land use planning. After completing these requirements, applicants will receive their official CSP certification from NSPS.

2. Qualified Surveyor (QS)

A Qualified Surveyor (QS) is a professional who has been certified by a recognized surveying body to practice surveying at the highest level. The qualifications and experience required to become a QS vary from country to country, but in general, it requires a combination of academic qualifications and practical experience.

In order to become a qualified surveyor, an individual must first obtain an accredited degree in surveying or related field. This typically takes three years of study, although some universities offer accelerated courses that can be completed in two years. After completing the degree program, candidates must then pass an exam administered by their chosen surveying body in order to receive certification.

The cost of becoming a qualified surveyor varies depending on the institution offering the course and the country where it is located. In some countries, such as the UK, there may be additional fees associated with taking exams and obtaining certifications. Generally speaking, however, becoming a qualified surveyor can cost anywhere between £2,000-£5,000 ($2,500-$6,250 USD).

Once all requirements are met and certification is obtained, individuals can begin working as qualified surveyors. Depending on their specific area of expertise and experience level, they may specialize in areas such as land surveying or construction surveying. Qualified surveyors are responsible for carrying out surveys to measure land boundaries and other features accurately and precisely so that they can be used for legal purposes or for building projects.

3. Certified Survey Technician (CST)

Certified Survey Technician (CST) is a professional certification program offered by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). The program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of surveying.

To become a Certified Survey Technician, an individual must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as boundary law, mapping, land surveying techniques, and other related areas. The exam consists of both written and practical components and is administered by NSPS.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for certification. During this time, applicants must complete coursework and/or hands-on training in order to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the exam. Applicants may also be required to provide proof of experience in the field of surveying.

The cost for becoming a Certified Survey Technician depends on the type of training or courses taken, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the exam which is currently set at $125.

Once certified, CSTs are recognized as having achieved a high level of expertise in their field and are eligible for higher pay rates than non-certified surveyors.

4. Certified Professional in Market Research (CPMR)

Certified Professional in Market Research (CPMR) is a professional certification offered by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in market research.

The CPMR certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of market research principles, practices, and methodologies. To qualify for the CPMR, applicants must have at least five years of experience in market research or related fields, including at least two years in a supervisory role. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the MRA.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as survey design, sampling methods, data collection techniques, data analysis methods, report writing and presentation skills. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $450 USD.

To maintain their certification status, CPMRs must renew their credentials every three years by completing professional development activities such as attending conferences or workshops, taking courses or webinars related to market research topics, or publishing articles related to the field.

5. Certified Survey Statistician (CSS)

Certified Survey Statistician (CSS) is a professional certification offered by the American Statistical Association (ASA). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in survey methodology and data analysis. CSS certification requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an examination.

Education: Applicants must have completed at least 15 semester hours or the equivalent of coursework in survey methodology and data analysis. This can include courses in survey design, sampling methods, statistical inference, and data management.

Experience: Applicants must have two years of professional experience working with surveys or related activities such as research design, survey implementation, data collection, or data analysis.

Examination: The CSS exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion includes multiple-choice questions on topics such as sampling theory, questionnaire design, survey implementation, and statistical inference. The oral portion consists of an interview with an ASA representative to discuss the applicant’s knowledge of survey methodology and data analysis.

Time Frame: It typically takes six months to one year to complete the application process for CSS certification.

Cost: The cost for applying for CSS certification is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

6. American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Certification

The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional practice in public opinion research. It is intended to demonstrate a commitment to ethical, responsible and transparent research practices.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet AAPOR’s criteria for certification, which includes completing an online application form and passing an examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as survey design, sampling techniques, data analysis methods, ethical issues in public opinion research, and more. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any time during the year.

Once the application form has been submitted and the exam has been passed, applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience in public opinion research. This portfolio should include examples of surveys or studies completed by the applicant as well as any relevant coursework or training completed.

The cost of AAPOR Certification varies depending on whether you are an AAPOR member or not. For non-members, the fee is $400 USD; for members it is $200 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD for both members and non-members alike.

Overall, obtaining AAPOR Certification can take several months from start to finish due to the review process involved with submitting a portfolio and taking the exam.

7. Certified Online Research Professional (CORP)

Certified Online Research Professional (CORP) is a certification program offered by the Online Research Association (ORA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in online research. The CORP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to conduct successful online research projects.

The CORP certification process consists of three parts: an online application, a written exam, and an oral exam. The application includes questions about your experience with online research, as well as information about your work history. After submitting the application, you will be asked to take a written exam that covers topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), data analysis, survey design, and more. Once you have passed the written exam, you will be invited to take an oral exam with ORA staff members who will evaluate your knowledge of online research methods and practices.

The CORP certification process typically takes between two and four months from start to finish. The cost of the program varies depending on whether or not you are an ORA member; for non-members it costs $750 USD while for members it costs $500 USD.

8. Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)

A Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) is a professional with expertise in the field of usability engineering. They are responsible for understanding user needs and designing products, services, and websites that are easy to use, accessible, and enjoyable. The CUA certification is offered through the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), which is an international organization dedicated to promoting the science of human factors and ergonomics.

The CUA certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests knowledge of usability principles, techniques, and methods. The practical exam tests the application of these principles in a real-world setting.

In order to become certified as a CUA, one must first pass both exams. To be eligible for the exams, applicants must have at least three years of experience in usability engineering or related fields such as human-computer interaction or user experience design. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 15 hours of approved continuing education courses within the past five years prior to taking the exams.

The cost for taking the CUA certification exams varies depending on whether you are an HFES member or non-member. For HFES members, it costs $275 to take both exams; for non-members it costs $375.

9. Qualified Social Science Researcher (QSSR)

Qualified Social Science Researcher (QSSR) is a professional designation awarded by the American Psychological Association (APA). The QSSR designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of social science research. This includes research design, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of results.

To become a QSSR, an individual must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in psychology or related fields, such as sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, or public health. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the field of social science research.

The application process for becoming a QSSR typically takes between four to six weeks. Applicants must submit their official transcripts from all institutions attended, two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with their work in the field of social science research, and a completed application form.

The cost to apply for the QSSR designation is $125 USD. This fee covers the processing and review costs associated with evaluating an applicant’s qualifications for the designation.

10. International Society for Quality of Life Studies Certification

The International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS) Certification is an international certification program that recognizes the professional achievements and expertise of individuals in the field of quality of life studies. It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated their commitment to the field through research, teaching, practice, and service.

In order to obtain ISQOLS Certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including a minimum of five years' experience in quality of life studies. They must also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and principles related to quality of life studies. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts, publications, and references.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will be invited to take part in an online assessment process which consists of multiple-choice questions related to quality of life studies. The assessment typically takes around two hours to complete and applicants must score at least 80% in order to pass. Upon successful completion, applicants will be awarded ISQOLS Certification which is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

The cost for ISQOLS Certification varies depending on the applicant's country or region. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD for individuals outside North America and Europe and $250 USD for those from North America or Europe.

Do You Really Need a Survey Researcher Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their specific goals. While it is not necessary to have a survey researcher certificate in order to conduct surveys, there are several benefits associated with obtaining one.

For starters, having a survey researcher certificate provides an individual with a set of credentials that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in conducting research. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in the field of market research or data analysis as it demonstrates a level of commitment and expertise that employers look for when hiring. Additionally, having a survey researcher certificate may give an individual access to more advanced training courses and other resources that could provide them with an edge over the competition.

Moreover, having a survey researcher certificate could also open up new opportunities for networking with other researchers and professionals in the industry. This could help an individual gain valuable insight into upcoming trends and developments in the field as well as providing them with potential job leads or even collaborations that may not have been available otherwise.

In summary, while it is not absolutely necessary to have a survey researcher certificate in order to conduct surveys, there are several benefits associated with obtaining one such as demonstrating knowledge and experience, gaining access to advanced training courses and networking opportunities, which could ultimately lead to greater success in the field of market research or data analysis.

Related: Survey Researcher Resume Examples

FAQs About Survey Researcher Certifications

1. What is a survey researcher certification?

Answer: A survey researcher certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills required to design and conduct surveys, analyze data, and interpret results.

2. How do I become certified as a survey researcher?

Answer: To become certified as a survey researcher, you must typically complete an approved training program or coursework in research methods, statistics, and survey design. You may also need to pass an exam or demonstrate your experience in the field.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a survey researcher?

Answer: Becoming certified as a survey researcher can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your expertise in the field. It may also lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities.

4. Are there any professional organizations that offer survey researcher certifications?

Answer: Yes, several professional organizations offer certifications for survey researchers including American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), Market Research Society (MRS), and the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS).

5. How long does it take to become certified as a survey researcher?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific requirements of each organization's certification program. Generally speaking, it will take several months up to one year of study to prepare for the exam or demonstrate your experience in the field before you can apply for certification.