Professional Researcher Certification
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I earn Contact Hours during the MRA Fall Conference?
Each session has been assigned PRC Contact Hour credit with the topic noted on the Program Overview. The session assistant, using a scanner, will record your attendance using the barcode located on your Conference Badge. We suggest you also keep a record for your files.

2. Can I obtain Contact hours toward my Certification at the MRA Fall Conference and apply for my PRC at a later date?
Only individuals who have successfully earned their Certification can accrue ‘Contact Hours’ at the Conference. But there is still time to apply before the Conference, MRA must receive your application by Friday October 20, 2006 in order to review it in time for the Conference. Every education session is approved for PRC contact hours.

Apply for Grandfathering Now!

3. What are the fees associated with acquiring Certification?
Application fees for each Level are established as follows:

• Expert Level: $250
• Practitioner Level: $200
• Associate Level: $85

4. How do I know which Contact Hours will apply to my Certification?
Two important factors must be considered when applying contact hours. First, the topic presented must be among those required for the candidate’s job category. Second, only those sessions that have approved by MRA are accepted, approval must be gained prior to the education event in order to be applied to earnings. All MRA events offer approved contact hours; the designation of time and topic are included in program materials.

5. What is the deadline to apply for Grandfathering?
The deadline to apply for Certification under the Grandfathering phase is February 28, 2007, but there is even less time left to obtain your PRC before Conference to ensure you get the most for your money. MRA must receive your application by Friday October 20, 2006 in order to review it in time for Conference.

6. Are exams necessary?
Applicants who apply for Certification during the Grandfathering phase will not need to take an exam. Criteria required for Certification during this time period is based on evidence of work experience, practical knowledge and current relevancy of education.
Those candidates who apply after February 28, 2007 will be required to pass an exam. Exams are based on Skill Level and job title; questions will include knowledge of subject area as it relates to the job title.

7. How long does it take to receive notice of acceptance or denial?
Candidates will receive notice of acceptance or denial within six (6) weeks of submitting the application. We will ensure notice of acceptance or denial for all applications received before Friday October 20, 2006 prior to our Fall Conference.

8. What does ‘skill level’ mean?
Use of the phrase ‘skill level’ is a way to describe the depth and breadth of understanding an individual has in a particular area of study or experience. Each level (Associate, Practitioner and Expert) requires a graduated degree of understanding for those skills used in day-to-day practice. For example, at the Practitioner level, candidates are not expected to fully understand the complexities of each skill area at this stage of their careers, but rather have a working knowledge of those areas central or mainstream in day-to-day professional practice.

9. Do I need to be a member of MRA to apply for Certification?
No. Any marketing research professional that meets the established criteria may apply for the Professional Researcher Certification.