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The MRIA Institute for Professional Development offers a proctored Comprehensive Marketing Research Exam (CMRE). Members who successfully pass the exam are awarded the designation of Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP). This designation signifies high level of knowledge and capability in marketing research theory and practice, and adherence to rigorous ethical standards set out in MRIA’s Code of Conduct and Good Practice.

To help candidates prepare for the CMRE, the Core Curriculum Competency Requirements document has been published in full on this website. This document describes the level of knowledge and experience expected of a marketing research professional seeking the CMRP designation. You can download the Competency Requirements document in PDF format.

The CMRE Study Guide will assist in preparing for and succeeding in writing the CMRE. The Guide is available FREE OF CHARGE to all MRIA members in good standing.

To download the guide please click here.

Structure of the Comprehensive Marketing Research Examination (CMRE)
The CMRE consists of two parts of 3.5 hours each. The passing mark for each part is 65%. Both parts must receive at least 65% to pass the Exam.

Types of questions
The examination includes the following three types of questions:

NOTE: The total marks allocated to each type of question in each Subject Section may exceed 100 but the score will then be adjusted to a score out of 100 to calculate the final exam score.

The comprehensive question is the first part to be written.

The CMRE is a closed-book exam, and no reference materials are permitted. Candidates are not permitted to bring calculators, computers, or electronic data storage devices into the examination room. The following are supplied during the exam:

• Basic workstation
• A basic four-function calculator
• Output from statistical analysis
• Dialogue from qualitative research

Requirements
Any individual seeking to write the CMRE must be a regular MRIA member in good standing.

There are two paths to be qualified to write the CMRE:

1. Complete the MRIA Certification Program

• Possess a university degree from a recognized university.
• Complete the MRIA's Institute for Professional Development 12 Core courses or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of two (2) years of marketing research work experience.

2. Challenge the exam (write the CMRE without completing the 12 Core courses)

• Have successfully completed the MRIA Core Course “102-Ethical Issues and Privacy in Marketing Research”.
• For candidates holding a university degree from a recognized university: Have a minimum of eight (8) years of work experience at a professional level in the marketing research and intelligence industry at the time of application.
• For candidates without a university degree from a recognized university: Have a minimum of twelve (12) years of work experience at a professional level in the marketing research and intelligence industry at the time of application.

Exceptions to the above criteria will be considered on a case by case basis.

Equivalents

1. Graduates of the following programs are not required to take any of the MRIA Core courses and are fully qualified to write the CMRE, provided they possess a university degree from a recognized university and at least two (2) years of marketing research work experience:

• Georgian College, Research Analyst Program
• Algonquin College, Marketing and Business Intelligence Research Program

2. Graduates of the University of Georgia (Marketing Research Institute International) Principles of Marketing Research course are qualified to write the CMRE provided they possess a university degree from a recognized university, have at least two (2) years of marketing research work experience and have completed the MRIA Core course “102-Ethical Issues and Privacy in Marketing Research”

3. Other university, college and professional development courses will be assessed on a case by case basis. To apply equivalencies, please download and complete our Course Exemption Request Form [PDF Format]

How to Apply?
Download the CMRE Application Form to apply for the February 2012 or June 2012 Comprehensive Marketing Research Exam (CMRE).

• Application deadline: Friday, January 6, 2012
• Examination date: Friday, February 3, 2012
• Application deadline: Friday, June 1, 2012
• Examination date: Friday, June 29, 2012

To apply for the CMRE, members must submit a completed application, including all supporting documents, to the MRIA office. To help cover the cost of developing and proctoring the exam, applicants will be required to pay an exam fee of $395. Payment must be submitted with the application. Applicants will be notified if their application has been accepted. Applicants who do not qualify to write the exam will be refunded the application fee paid less a $75 administration fee.

For cancellation terms and conditions, click here
Please note that CMRE exams may be held only in certain locations across Canada.

When Submitting Your CMRE Application, Please Ensure:

• Application is completed and signed
• Updated resume is attached
• Photocopy of university degree is attached
• Other supporting documents are enclosed (if required)
• The $395.00 Examination Fee (plus applicable taxes) is included
• To apply equivalencies, please download and complete our Course Exemption Request Form [PDF Format]

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