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PRC Provider Program Overview

General Information:
The Professional Researcher Certification program (PRC) is designed to recognize the qualifications and expertise of marketing and opinion research professionals. The goal of PRC is to encourage high standards within the survey profession to raise competency, establish an objective measure of an individual's knowledge and proficiency and to encourage professional development. Achieving and maintaining PRC validates the knowledge of the market research industry and puts researchers in a select group of like-minded professionals.
It's a visible badge of distinction, demonstrating for all your professional skill, commitment and dedication.

Provider Program:
The PRC provider program allows providers to submit their education programs for PRC approval. The purpose of the PRC provider program is to assist PRC's in obtaining high quality continuing educational programs that will enhance a PRC's professional growth and maintain their certification.

The Certification department may award credit on an hour-to-hour basis for all time spent in a continuing education program for in seat time only. In order to review the program, please be sure to include detailed information (see criteria below) about the event. We look forward to reviewing your program for certification credit. Due to the volume of inquiries, please allow four weeks processing time. Please, use one application per program/session. Determinations will be communicated via e-mail.

Requirements for Approval:

1. Criteria for Approval:

• Programs must have an educational goal and will not include any promotional or marketing materials.
• The program must enhance professional competencies, skills or knowledge.
• The program must have stated objectives related to one or more of the PRC categories (Legal, Business or Research).
• Registration, welcomes, introductions, and other non-educational activities such as breaks, lunches and networking are not eligible for contact hours.
• The program must be 30 minutes or more in duration.
• All documents and copies of final program must be submitted with application.
• Names of all presenters, along with their current credential or other acceptable proof of expertise in the subject matter must be presented at time of application.
• For educational events, that include more than one session, a separate application is required for each session.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted. They will be returned to the provider.

2. PRC Approval Includes:

• A unique PRC login and password for the PRC provider database.
• Approval documents including a letter of approval, PRC Company Certification Card with login information and marketing instructions.
• A program approval is valid for a 12-month period, beginning with the date of the approval, allowing the approved program to be presented an unlimited number of times at any location.
• Rights to use the PRC name and logo on all forms of communication (brochures, promotional, Web site) for only the programs that have been PRC approved.
• Providers' PRC approved programs are listed on the PRC Web site and the PRC Bulletin.

3. Registration Fees: (non-profit organizations are exempt)

* Providers may prepay and submit program details at a later date. Prepaid programs are good for 12 months from the date of purchase. Any unused prepayments will be forfeited after the 12 month period and refunds are not permitted. Purchases may not be transferred as a credit towards other MRA products or services.

4. Revocation:
MRA may revoke the provider program purchases if it is determined that the provider has:

• Any occurrence that jeopardizes the creditability or reputation of the PRC program.
• If there are complaints of ethical misconduct.
• Provided false information on the application.
• Failed to conduct a PRC approved educational program in compliance with the PRC provider criteria.
• Provided false information about a submitted program.
• Misuse of the PRC name and/or logo.
• Improper or unethical marketing of programs that have been advertised as pre-approved for PRC contact hours.
• Excess submissions that do not meet PRC standards.

In case of revocation, MRA will notify the provider regarding the grounds of the allegations. No refunds will be provided for any reason.