18 Survey & Market Research Certifications To Have by 2024
By Angela Kayode-Sanni
| Last updated:
Aug 20
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26 min read
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Market research is a career that requires a variety of competencies in order to execute the job duties effectively. These competencies will also aid you in establishing yourself as an industry expert in that space
Knowing what skills to acquire and where to find them is a vital component of professional development. The essence 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.
In this article we would explore the best 20 certifications in the survey research field in 2023, that would be ideal to have by 2024 to help you improve your skills as a survey researcher.
Certifications are critical to have for survey researchers in the job market because they validate their level of competency and mastery of their profession. Employers are also on the lookout for certified professionals in the survey research space as it convinces them that the survey researcher has the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duty.
It also gives employers confidence that the survey researcher is well-versed in industry standards and regulations and, therefore can ensure that the surveys are carried out following all ethical guidelines and regulations. Lastly, certification gives employees an edge over those who are not certified.
Survey researcher certification is a professional certification program curated to train survey researchers in the art of survey research and at the end of the programme successful candidates are acknowledged by a certificate showing their expertise and proficiency in the field of survey research.
The advantages of getting certified include;
2018 Pearson VUE’s 2018 Value of Certification survey discovered that out of 10,000 professionals who underwent training and subsequent certification,67% of the participants became more positive and confident in their abilities. As we know confidence in one’s abilities evokes trust from others and ensures that you deliver on your job. This in turn enhances job satisfaction.
The best survey research certifications to have in 2023 or by 2024 depend on individual career goals, industry focus, and personal preferences. It is recommended to research and compare the certifications mentioned earlier based on the key considerations outlined above to determine the most suitable options for your specific needs.
1. Description of the certification program
AAPOR Certificate in Survey Research Principles (CSR) was founded in 1947. The acronym AAPOR stands for American Association for Public Opinion and Research. It is one of the leading associations that trains and certifies public opinion and survey research professionals.
The association comprises producers and users of survey data and they cover topics like election polling, market research, statistics, research methodology, health-related data collection, and education.
Membership in AAPOR is a rare opportunity to learn from a mix of leaders in the survey research and public opinion space, where members have the opportunity to network and gain knowledge that would improve how survey research is conducted and administered.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
The topics covered are classified into two categories virtual and in-person(physical classes)
Virtual Short Courses:
In-Person Short Courses:
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
AAPOR is the leading organization in cutting-edge developments and knowledge on public opinion and methods of research
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
To be eligible for AAPOR training and certification, individuals need a first bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field like social sciences, statistics, marketing, etc. There are varying membership options as well, some of the membership categories require professional experience in survey research and there are options for undergraduates or fresh graduates who meet certain educational requirements in relevant fields of study.
The application process is straightforward. Applicants need to create an account on the site and fill out an application form, with personal details and relevant documents.
To know more about AAPOR, check here.
1. Description of the certification program
The MRS advanced certificate is the leading and fastest-growing vocational qualification in the field of research. It helps candidates have a clear grasp of the principles guiding all stages of the research process. allowing candidates to design and conduct vital research tasks.
The MRS Advanced Certificate is designed for newbies in the commercial and social research marketing space.
The MRS Advanced Certificate is a single-unit qualification suitable for everyone in the research field which helps users understand the following;
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
The MRS Certificate requires candidates to take a training program in the Foundation Course in Market Research and then successfully pass an online multiple-choice examination. After which they become eligible for the advanced certificate market research programme.
5. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“Despite already being in research for 5 years, I found the qualification was valuable in developing my skills as a researcher. It helped me to think more critically about how I conduct research and gave me the know-how about how I can deliver more robust studies for our clients.“
1. Description of the certification program
Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) is a well-known and respected credential in the research space. It was created as a powerful tool to aid researchers at all levels of work experience and education to help them become knowledgeable in market research and analytics industry best practices.
The certifying organization for the PRC is the Insights Association so all details can be found on their website.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Eligibility requirements and application process
To be eligible for PRC an associate degree and over 24 months of work experience are required to apply.
Subsequently to qualify for the PRC exam a pass in 12 requisite educational courses is required.
1. Description of the certification program
The Survey Design and Data Analysis Graduate Certificate Program is a program designed for working professionals across all disciplines who want to learn the ropes of survey design and analysis and acquire the expertise necessary to manage any survey process in a corporate organization or government agency setting.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Eligibility requirements and application process
To be eligible for the Survey Design and Data Analysis Graduate Certificate course in statistics is required alongside two recommendations and all prior academic records from higher institutions attended. A statement of purpose and current resumé or curriculum vita is also required for admission into the graduate certificate program.
1. Description of the certification program
Esomar is a virtual academy that provides robust and varied professional training and certification in various aspects of research. The program is facilitated by experts in various fields. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate of completion.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
Principles of Marketing Research is an online certificate course offered by the MRII (Marketing Research Institute International) and the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. It is a self-paced, self-study program designed specifically for research professionals.
ESOMAR has also been supporting this course for the last 10 years and, with over 3,500 students from more than 60 countries worldwide, it has become one of the research profession’s highest quality, most valued, and most widely supported educational programmes on the fundamentals of marketing research.
The Principles of Market Research course helps newbies and professionals in the research space understand the full process of research from start to finish. The course covers the 13 topics of the Market Research Core Body of Knowledge (MRCBOK™) and is endorsed by accredited marketing research and insight industry associations.
1. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
2. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
This course helps participants to achieve the following;
3. Eligibility requirements and application process
The course is open to anyone interested in market research. To apply select the membership options that suit you and apply on the Esormar website here.
4. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“The Principles of Market Research has been beneficial to many of our employees for the last 17 years. It provides a great foundation for aspiring “researchers” or anyone remotely involved in the Market Research industry. We highly recommend this program.” — Lisa Weaner, SVP, Retired, MaritzCX
“The flexibility of the program works well for our employees and management. It’s a great tool that you should consider for your organization.” — Mary P. Klupp, Director, Global Consumer Insights, Retired, Ford Motor Company
“The Principles of Market Research is a development program that is a highly effective tool both for those at the start of their career journey or making a career switch to MR, and for those who are in a sales or marketing role but want to improve their insight/data-driven decisionmaking capabilities.” — Elys Roberts, CEO, Ipsos
1. Description of the certification program
The Institute for Emerging CORE Methods in Data Science, or EnCORE, is led by the
The University of California San Diego in collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles; University of Pennsylvania; and The University of Texas at Austin. EnCORE brings scientists from multiple disciplines such as statistics, mathematics, electrical engineering, theoretical computer science, machine learning, etc. to offer collaborative courses in data science.
The course aims to train students rigorously in studying the mathematical foundation of big data processing, developing algorithms, and learning how to analyze them.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
Students affiliated with EnCORE Institute can take advantage of a myriad of theory courses offered by these four universities.
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
EnCORE Institute will be offering collaborative courses jointly with UCSD, UCLA, UPenn, and UT Austin. The eligibility requirements vary for each of the institutions.
1. Description of the certification program
CIRQ (Certification Institute for Research Quality), a subsidiary of the Insights Association, was established in 2009. It provides certification services to market research and data analytics organizations.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
CIRQ offers the ISO certificate which is also known as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is recognized worldwide as an authority on quality management. The ISO Research Standards have a wide acceptance and in some cases, it is required globally. The ISO certification credential is considered to be the mark of standard and quality globally.
Studies have shown that ISO-certified companies have increased productivity and increase in revenue, This is a result of increased productivity in employees and client satisfaction leading to repeat businesses.
The ISO certification enhances employee morale due to the training given to employees that helps them define roles, responsibilities, and a clear picture of how their roles affect the quality and performance of their organization.
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
All the details for eligibility and application can the found on the Insights Association support pages for ISO 20252 and ISO 27001 for educational content and a general overview of the processes.
Visit the CIRQ website for the step-by-step certification process
5. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“As our clients are increasingly concerned about their quality and tightening up on compliance, ISO certification gives us an advantage.
After investigating several ISO certification bodies, I chose CIRQ because of its reputation and global certification approach, which suits us perfectly.” – Dr. Jessica Santos
1. Description of the certification program
Certified Market Research Professional (CMRP) certification was established to help researchers understand in detail the end-to-end research process.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
5. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“Several market research and consulting companies are well aware of the certifications offered by IIMRA. This certification helped me to be special in a crowd” – IIMRA Certified Market Research Expert
1. Description of the certification program
The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification is a recognized independent verification of the critical technical expertise and related soft skills needed to be accomplished in analytics and data science. It is valued by analytics-oriented organizations. Cap certification attests to an employee’s superior competency in the 7 domains of analytics.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
1. Description of the certification program
The Qualtrics Research core certification program equips you with the skills and ability to carry out complex research, communicate with target audiences, and uncover meaningful insights via the Qualtrics CoreXM platform.
With the Qualtrics Research Core Certification professionals can effectively create engaging survey experiences and collect data to help analyze surveys to uncover emerging trends, engage with your target audience via multiple channels, and share findings with stakeholders through a compelling story that drives action.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
Details on eligibility requirements and applications can be found on the Qualtrics website.
1. Description of the certification program
The University of Wisconsin Survey Center has carried out thousands of studies in the field of survey research since its inception in 1987. It was originally established to serve both the instructional and research needs of faculty on the UW-Madison campus, however, it has grown to serve a wide range of clients both at UW and elsewhere.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification\
At the end of the training and certification professionals would be able to
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
Details on eligibility for training and certification can be found on their website.
1. Description of the certification program
The Digital Analytics Association (DAA) Web Analyst Certification Program™ is a certification program aimed at training professionals on the nitty-gritty of web analytics.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
The Certification provides individuals with:
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
5. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“For me, the CWA stands out as the main tool independent certification when it comes to analytics, so I was very satisfied with achieving it. For me, it was one of my personal goals at the time and I honestly felt validated in my analytics skills when I passed.
By having the certification you become more attractive both as a consultant and as an employee because your understanding of analytics is documented. In a world with a lot of self-proclaimed gurus, you can put some official credibility where your mouth is.”
Steen Rasmussen CWA™, Copenhagen Denmark
“We know that having the right tools and technologies is only half the battle. Acquiring the talent that is capable of taking the data and making an impact on the business is where the rubber meets the road.”
The Digital Analytics Association’s Certification™ program, as a symbol of excellence, represents a huge advance for the web analytics community and a victory for all companies and organizations that want to be data-driven.”
Corry Prohens, NY NY USA
1. Description of the certification program
This program is for individuals who want to enhance their knowledge in predictive and statistical modeling skills, in other to drive data-informed business outcomes. On course completion learners will acquire SAS statistics, modeling, and programming skills including ANOVA, regression, logistic regression, business applications of modeling, and challenges of modeling.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
4. Eligibility requirements and application process
Eligibility requirements and the process for application can be found on their website.
5. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work.”
Jennifer J.
– Learner since 2020
1. Description of the certification program
This online survey research and data analysis certificate will introduce learners to the vital concepts of analysis of quantitative research data in surveys. At the end of the course, learners would be able to treat data objectively derive actionable insights from data link the findings to business decisions, and create effective recommendations.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Eligibility requirements and application process
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the course. However, some knowledge of basic research design and quantitative research practices is assumed before commencing the course.
4. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
1. Description of the certification program
The Certified in Data Protection is an extensive global training and certification program established to teach candidates the most appropriate data protection practices during the total lifecycle of the data, whether it’s in transit, being processed, or at rest.CDP is a registered certification of Identity Management Institute which focuses on data protection risks, global privacy as well and security concepts and standards.
At the end of the program, CDP candidates would understand the data protection risks and the risk management processes. This way they can then leverage the industry’s best practices and standards to design their data protection strategies and incident management plans to manage risks and meet the regulatory requirements.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
Interested candidates must apply to be or be members of the Identity Management Institute, to be eligible for the training and certification.
4. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
CDP status would make candidates experts in the field of information security and industry association with the IMI membership.
1. Description of the certification program
This course is designed to make learners familiar with core principles and best practices in analytics and data management. At the end of the course candidates would gain skills and competencies in Data collection and data cleaning, data analysis and forecasting, problem-solving and resolution of data security issues, and agile data reporting.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
There are no prerequisites to be eligible for the program.
4. Benefits and recognition associated with the certification
5. Testimonials or success stories from professionals who have obtained the certification
“Completing the online training has been fantastic! I’ve learned so much valuable information.”
Adam H, UK
1. Description of the certification programThe CIM qualification provides candidates with the essential skills required to break into the marketing industry and be able to perform professionally in a support-level role within the workplace.
2. Key topics covered in the certification curriculum
3. Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
English language proficiency and an avid interest in marketing
4. Benefits and Recognition Associated with the Certification
Survey research certifications provide numerous advantages for professionals in the field. These certifications enhance your credibility, demonstrate expertise in the field of survey research, and give learners a competitive edge in the job market.
Therefore by obtaining a certification, survey researchers can expand their career opportunities and increase their earning potential. Most Importantly certification programs facilitate continuous learning and skill development, keeping researchers abreast with the latest methodologies and industry practices.
In this article, we discussed an overview of 18 top survey research certifications, including the AAPOR Certificate in Survey Research Principles (CSR), MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice, PRC Professional Researcher Certification, ESOMAR Research Mastery Certificate, and more.
Each of these certifications covers key topics related to survey research, data analysis, and ethical considerations, to mention a few
It is noteworthy to mention that the choice of a survey research certification, should be based on relevance to career goals, the program’s reputation, curriculum content, delivery format, cost, industry relevance, and recertification requirements.
To keep up with current eligibility requirements and application processes for specific certifications, visit the official websites of the respective certification providers or contact them directly.
Overall, survey research certifications play a vital role in advancing the careers of professionals in the research space and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in their work.
By obtaining a recognized certification, survey researchers can establish themselves as competent and skilled practitioners, earning the trust of employers and clients alike.
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