The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association's Institute for Professional Development (MRIA-IPD) has continuously offered a multitude of courses across Canada and endeavours to continue to do so, as in-person, group-based learning provides an irreplaceable experience.
Our courses fall into one of two main categories:
"Core" or "Professional Development." (PD)
Core courses:
The twelve courses in this category are those that comprise the professional education path to the Certified Marketing Research Examination (CMRE.) These courses range in topic and complexity, but when viewed as a whole, represent a diverse and critical wealth of knowledge for any individual who wishes to be recognized as a Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP.) These courses are, not surprisingly, quite marketing research related.
Professional Development courses:
These comprise everything else that MRIA-IPD offers as a course. PD courses are generally higher-order in terms of complexity and may be better suited to individuals with mild to extensive experience in their field, or who have already attained the CMRP designation. At times, MRIA-IPD offers PD courses that are more universal in nature, regardless of field or experience.
Core Courses: 2011-2012
Members wishing to obtain the CMRP (Certified Marketing Research Professional) designation are required to complete the twelve Core courses listed below.
Class sizes are limited and early registration is encouraged. Early registration also saves you $100!
formerly: Getting Beneath the Surface in Qualitative Research
†Please note some of the course numbers have changed effective July 2010. The course names have stayed the same.
For the table of Core course prerequisites, please click here.
Multi Course Bundle Savings
Multi course bundle savings will apply when more than 1 course is purchased by an individual in the same online transaction in the MRIA Portal:
2 courses = 10% off
3 to 5 courses = 15% off
6 or more courses = 20% off
Professional Development Courses
(previous name: Elective courses)
The Professional Development courses are geared to senior practitioners, and they focus on advanced concepts and specialized areas of marketing research. To get the most out of these courses, practitioners should have a good understanding of the material covered in the Core courses. The Professional Development courses are not required for members wishing to obtain the CMRP designation. They will, however, count towards credit accumulation for the Maintenance of Certification of CMRP holders.
Class sizes are limited and early registration is encouraged.
MRIA has adopted one textbook that can be used for 7 MRIA Core courses (indicated with a √ in the list above):
Modern Marketing Research Step-by-Step by Chuck Chakrapani and Ken Deal
This book will form the foundation of seven MRIA Core courses as well as the Comprehensive Marketing Research Exam (CMRE). The text can be accessed online completely free of charge at any time – click here. After September 30, 2010 (when 2010 updates will be completed), students will be able to print each chapter for a small fee.
Complementary readings will be suggested by the instructors, when required. For those students who have already purchased Malhotra’s Marketing Research – An Applied Orientation, be advised that it remains an excellent resource for most of the core modules and to prepare for the CMRE.
A review of current practices showed that most post-secondary institutions including professional institutes have some form of evaluation after each course. Many employers also request a certificate of successful completion to reimburse their staff members for the courses they attend. Students would like to see if they understood the course material and an evaluation gives them reassurance that they are ready to take more advanced courses. MRIA also would like to see some objective measurement that indicates a required body of knowledge has been acquired by the student.
For the aforementioned reasons, MRIA has implemented an online test after each core course. Each test will typically include 25 to 30 multiple choice questions and will have a set time limit of 45 minutes*. Please note that the tests are not to be completed in-class, as no time will be allocated for this. These tests are to be taken in the comfort of your home or office, and must be completed within one week of attending the in-class course.
These tests are mandatory for anyone working towards their CMRP designation, or for those who wish to receive a certificate of completion. No additional fees will be charged for the test if you paid for and attended the corresponding in-class course. All course registrants are welcome to write the test as a measure of comprehension of material and to acquire a certificate of completion. Upon receiving a passing grade, you will be able to print your certificate online.
Please note that a mark of 70% or higher needs to be achieved on the test.
All the details pertaining to the applicable test will be provided during class.
*Course 102 – Ethical Issues and Privacy in Marketing Research, has a set time limit of 30 minutes.
All cancellation requests have to be submitted in writing.
16 + business days prior to course date
full refund less admin fee of $75
15 – 6 business days prior to course date
credit note for full amount less admin fee
of $75 or(*) (**)
5 – 3 business days prior to course date
credit note in the amount of 25% of fee paid
or (*) (**)
48 hours or less prior to course date
100% non refundable
No shows
100% non refundable
(*) Substitution of another person is allowed, subject to a $75 admin fee and any difference in the member and non-member rate, if applicable
(**) Substitutions do not apply to CMRE applications.
All requests must be made in writing. Fax (905-602-6855) and e-mail requests will be honored.
Credit notes:
Valid for 12 months and transferable to another person within the same organization only.
Cancellation Policy for Courses Purchased as a Multi Course Bundle
All cancellation requests have to be submitted in writing.
16 + business days prior to course date
full refund less admin fee of $75 (*)
15 – 6 business days prior to course date
credit note for full amount less admin fee
of $75
5 – 3 business days prior to course date
credit note in the amount of 25% of fee paid
48 hours or less prior to course date
100% non refundable
No shows
100% non refundable
(*) In the case of cancelation of one of the courses, the multi course bundle discount for all other courses processed in the same transaction will be adjusted or cancelled.
All requests must be made in writing. Fax (905-602-6855) and e-mail requests will be honored.
Credit notes:
Valid for 12 months and can only be applied towards other courses by the purchaser.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the MRIA Institute for Professional Development reserves the right at any given time to:
substitute the instructor,
change the venue,
limit the number of participants, or
cancel the course at any given time.
Every effort will be made to minimize the inconvenience.
The MRIA Institute strongly recommends to take out travel cancellation insurance, as we will not be responsible for penalties incurred by airlines, hotels or other modes of transportation.
Cancellation Policy for online courses:
Cancellation of your purchase prior to registering within the FlexTraining online learning platform - Full refund less an administration fee of $50
Cancellation of your purchase prior to accessing course content, but after registering within the FlexTraining online learning platform - Full refund less an administration fee of $75
Cancellation of your purchase after accessing course content – No refund or credit note
Any extension of the one month timeframe - $75, for a one month extension
NOTE: In the case of cancellation of one or more course(s) purchased in a bundle, the multi-course-bundle discount for all courses within that transaction will be either adjusted or cancelled in accordance with the discount tier structure.
