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The Path to IPC Principal / IPC Master

The IPC Board requires that you have three years’ experience in the practice of market research/analytics for IPC Principal and ten years’ experience for IPC Master.

Step 1 - Complete your IPC application
A complete IPC application with documentation (education, resume, application fee and/or exam exemption certificate) is required to become certified or qualify to sit for the exam. 

Step 2 - Prepare for the IPC Exam or upload your Exam Exemption certificate
Individuals who have a Master of Market Research, Master of Survey Research, a Master of Science in Data Analytics or equivalent, the Burke Institute Certificate of Proficiency in Marketing Research Methodologies or have passed the Principles of Market Research program administered by the University of Georgia are eligible for an exam exemption (Principal level only). Otherwise, you will have 12 months to take the IPC exam once you have received your IPC application approval confirmation. Note: To request an exam date, please send an email to certification@insightsassociation.org . Once you pass the exam, you are authorized to create an IPC profile for yourself on this site, include IPC after your name and utilize the IPC logo/mark online.

Step 3 - Maintain your IPC
Don’t let your hard work go for naught and see your mark of distinction disappear. To remain certified, you must accrue 10 credit hours of continuing education every year. The credit hours are on the honor system. You can keep track of your hours with this verification form.

IPC Applications

OVERVIEW

IPC Principal demonstrates your commitment and mastery of today's best practices for insights, market research, and analytics work.

PREREQUISITES
  • 3 years of industry experience (resume)
  • By submitting your application you agree to adhere to IA's Code of Standards & Ethics
FEES
  • IA Member:
    $295 Apply
    $80 exam (if applicable)
    $125 Renew (every 2 years)

  • Non-Member:
    $595 Apply
    $80 exam
    $225 Renew (every 2 years)

ABOUT THE EXAM
  • A self-study exam based on all 13 MRCBOK™ topics
  • 100 Multiple Choice questions
  • You have  4 hours to complete the exam
  • A score of 70% or higher is needed to pass. One retake is included with the application fee.
  • No hard-copy or online materials may be referenced during the exam.

APPLY HERE

OVERVIEW

IPC Master is the highest certification level you can achieve on your own, recognizing a decade of subject-matter expertise in the insights, research, and analytics industry.

PREREQUISITES
  • 10 years of industry experience (resume)
  • By submitting your application you agree to adhere to IA's Code of Standards & Ethics
FEES

  • Member
    $395 Apply
    $100 exam (required)
    $225 Renew (every 2 years)

  • Non-Member
    $695 Apply
    $100 exam
    $325 Renew (every 2 years)

ABOUT THE EXAM
  • A self-study exam based on all 13 MRCBOK™ topics
  • 150 Multiple Choice questions (no exemption offered for this level)
  • You have 4 hours to complete the exam
  • A score of 70% or higher is needed to pass. One retake is included with the application fee.
  • No hard-copy or online materials may be referenced during the exam.

APPLY HERE

OVERVIEW

To apply for your IPC Master you must be a current IPC Principal and provide a resume detailing your 10 years of industry experience.

Your application fee has been waived, however you must submit the $100 exam fee below to proceed.

PREREQUISITES
  • 10 years of industry experience (resume)
  • By submitting your application you agree to adhere to the IA's Code of Standards & Ethics
ABOUT THE EXAM
  • A self-study exam based on all 13 MRCBOK™ topics
  • 150 Multiple Choice questions
  • You have 4 hours to complete the exam
  • A score of 70% or higher is needed to pass. One retake is included with the application fee.
  • No hard-copy or online materials may be referenced during the exam.

UPGRADE HERE

Exam Resources

Exam questions are based on topic areas directly related to the skills and knowledge required for a specific category.

MRCBOK™ Learning Objectives
MRCBOK defines the core body of knowledge necessary for individuals to be fully certified or certified in a specialty.

IPC Analytics

Introduction to Data Analysis

 

Advanced Analytic Techniques

 

Working with Secondary Data: Syndicated and Big Data

IPC Practitioner

Introduction to Market Research and the Research Process

 

Market Research Design and Data Identification

 

Ethical and Legal Issues in Market Research

IPC Qualitative

Designing Qualitative Projects

 

Managing Qualitative Projects

 

Analyzing and Reporting Qualitative Research

IPC Quantitative

Sampling in Market Research

 

Quantitative Data Collection Methods

 

Measurement and Questionnaire Design

A la carte

Global Market Research

 

Emerging Methods and the Future of Market Research

IPC Specialist

Any 3 of the 13 MRCBOK topics

IPC Principal & Master

All 13 of the MRCBOK topics

For more details about MRCBOK™, please visit MRII here and here.

The Insights Professional Certification (IPC) exam tests a candidate's knowledge of current market research practices and understanding of market research issues. The exam is offered in one part consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions. The IPC exam is a non-disclosed examination, which means that current exam questions and answers will not be published or divulged. Exam topics and/or format are subject to change as approved by the Certification Board.

The IPC exam is a self-study exam and does not require a prescribed curriculum.  Candidates may choose their own method of preparing for the exam. Below are the suggested resources for the exam review.

To prepare for the exam, review the learning objectives from the MRCBOK (Market Research Core Body of Knowledge) and the Insights Association’s Code of Standards and Ethics for Marketing Research and Data Analytics. Those seeking the IPC Qualitative certificate should also review the QRCBOK (Qualitative Researcher Core Body of Knowledge).

For further reference, you can review the textbook Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation (7th edition) [2018] by Naresh K. Malhotra.

FAQ's

Will I be required to take an exam?
For the topic certifications, educational providers will administer exams, case studies, or final projects. For IPC Principal and IPC Master, candidates are required to pass a proctored exam from the Insights Association or The University of Georgia. The IA exam is made up of ~100/150 multiple-choice and true/false questions that are based on skill level and practical knowledge; the UGA exams are similar.
How do I prepare for the exam?

The IPC exam is a self-study exam and does not require a prescribed curriculum. Candidates may choose their own method of preparing for the exam.

To prepare for the exam, review the learning objectives from the MRCBOK (Market Research Core Body of Knowledge) and the Insights Association’s Code of Standards and Ethics for Marketing Research and Data Analytics. Those seeking the IPC Qualitative certificate should also review the QRCBOK (Qualitative Researcher Core Body of Knowledge).

For further reference, you can review the textbook Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation (7th edition) [2018] by Naresh K. Malhotra.

How do I schedule an exam?

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

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 market researchers, thereby improving both perceived and substantive standards.
What are the fees associated with acquiring Certification?

 

Certificates

Principal

Master

Fellow

Application/ Renewal fees

Member
$95 Apply (per specialty)

Non-Member
$395 Apply (per specialty)

Member
$295 Apply
$80 exam (if applicable) – Application waived if current principal
$125 Renew (every 2 years)

Non-Member
$595 Apply
$80 exam –Application waived if current principal
$225 Renew (every 2 years)

Member
$395 Apply
$100 exam (required) – Application waived if current principal
$225 Renew (every 2 years)

Non-Member
$695 Apply
$100 exam –Application waived if current principal
$325 Renew (every 2 years)

Invitation Only (cannot apply)

Member
$325 Renewal (every 2 years)
 

Non-Member
$425 Renewal (every 2 years)
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 70% 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 the experience requirement to apply for IPC?
None for the IPC topic certifications, which are designed for anyone in the industry, regardless of tenure. IPC Principal is available to those who have been in the industry for three to nine years, and IPC Master to those with a decade or more of experience.
What will I receive when I am certified?
Applicants who have met the criteria for Certification and have passed the proctored examination(s) (for IPC Principal and IPC Master) will receive a Insights Professional Certification certificate and the use of the IPC logo for marketing purposes.
Can I take the exam online?

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

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

No, you do not have to be an Insights Association member to apply for IPC. Applicants who are IA members will receive an application and renewal discount.

About Us

As the leading voice, resource and network of the marketing research and data analytics community, the Insights Association helps its members create competitive advantage. All our revenue is invested in quality standards, legal and business advocacy, education, certification and direct support to enable our members to thrive in an evolving industry and drive business impact.

The 2019 IA Code of Standards and Ethics for Marketing Research and Data Analytics may be found here.

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