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US Standards Launch Date
The USA's Marketing Research Association (MRA) will launch its long-awaited Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) program on February 28, 2005 in Chicago. The program covers all segments of the profession, 'from End User to Interviewer'.
The program, which was originally scheduled for release in late January, aims to elevate the profession and allow marketing researchers to distinguish themselves from the competition, but also to promote continuous development in a changing market. It already has the endorsement of major clients and agencies.
'Professional standards are the lifeblood of the marketing research industry', according to Marshall Toplansky, VP of Marketing Insight and Strategy at Gateway. 'If we want to build our relevance and importance to our clients, it is vital that we exhibit a consistent level of excellence and expertise. We are strong backers of MRA's Certification program'.
Jim Berling, MD of The Burke Institute, describes himself as an 'avid supporter of continuing education as a way to stay abreast of the latest developments in the Marketing Research industry'. Berling says the PRC program 'offers a much needed solution to the industry by offering both the depth and breadth of training to elevate the level of professionalism throughout our industry'.
MRA sees the battle for standards and excellence in the profession as one fought on two fronts: it is active in identifying and pursuing 'suggers' as well as helping genuine researchers both to act ethically and to keep up with the latest techniques and topics. 'MRA was a leader early on in establishing a Code of Standards addressing ethical issues' according to Ellen Gregory, Senior Account Exec at Marketing Research Services, Inc. 'Now they have stepped up to the plate again with the Professional Researcher Certification program'.
The MRA's web site has more information and is at www.mra-net.org
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