• Can I take the exam online?

    The PRC exam is available online. You must register for the online exam at least 48 hours in advance.

  • Do I need to be a member to apply for Certification?

    No. Any marketing research professional who meets the established criteria may apply for Professional Researcher Certification. There are reduced application and renewal fees for members.

  • How do I prepare for the exam?

    The PRC exam is a self-study exam and does not require a prescribed curriculum. Candidates may choose their own method of preparing for the exam; however, a study bibliography is included in the PRC Exam Guidelines and online to provide candidates with suggested resources for exam preparation.

    The PRC Certification department does not endorse or sponsor any review courses for the PRC Certification exam.

  • How do I schedule an exam?

    Once your Professional Researcher Certification application has been approved, you will receive an email with the exam registration link and PRC Exam Guidelines. You will have 12 months to sit for the exam. The PRC exam is available online. For more information regarding the PRC exam please view the exam page.

  • How long does it take to receive notice of acceptance or denial?

    Candidates will receive notice of acceptance or denial in two to three weeks after submitting the complete application.

  • How many hours of continuing education is required to apply for PRC?

    A total of 12 industry-related education hours within the two preceding years are required at time of application. Conferences, seminars, webinars, etc., must be added to your record. Supporting documents may also be uploaded.  

  • I have been in the profession for many years. Why should I be certified?

    The benefits of a Certification program are both industry-wide and individual. For the individual, it is a means of differentiating oneself, a "badge" of competence in the given areas and an assurance that the individual is current in knowledge and experience. For the profession/industry as a whole, it provides a vehicle for developing a pool of well-trained, competent marketing researchers, thereby improving both perceived and substantive standards.

  • What are the fees associated with acquiring Certification?

    Application & Exam Fee*

    Without exam exemption:

    Insights Association Member: $350
    Non-Member: $450

    With exam exemption:

    Insights Association Member: $200
    Non-Member: $300

    *Prices include a $200 Insights Assoication member/$300 non-member nonrefundable application fee.

  • What happens if I fail the exam?

    Candidates, who fail to achieve a passing score, must retake the entire test. Candidates may retake the test within six months from the date of notice of exam results. One exam retake is included in the application fee. An additional $25 fee applies to additional exam retakes.  

    A candidate who fails the exam may apply for an exam appeal within 30 calendar days from the date of notice of exam results.  If the grade of fail is upheld, the candidate will receive a partial copy of the examination. An appeal process is in place.

  • What is considered a passing grade on the exam?

    A candidate must earn a score of 75 or above in order to pass the exam. Otherwise, he/she may elect to retake the exam. One retake is included with the application fee.

  • What is PRC?

    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. The PRC program began in February of 2005.

  • What is the experience requirement to apply for PRC?

    Because PRC indicates to the public your ability to conduct marketing research, the PRC Board requires you to have experience in the survey and opinion process. Three years of relevant experience is required.

  • What will I receive when I am certified?

    Applicants who have met the criteria for Certification and have passed the exam will receive a Professional Researcher Certification certificate and the use of the PRC logo for marketing purposes.

  • Will I be required to take an exam?

    Yes, candidates are required to pass an exam. The exam is made up of 100 multiple choice and true/false question that are based on skill level and practical knowledge. Individuals who pass the Principles of Marketing Research Program administered by the University of Georgia will receive an exam exemption.

    If the exam is waived, the application fee is reduced to $200 Insights Association members / $300 non-members. The application fee is non-refundable.