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Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR)

The Research Society QPR

The Professional benchmark

Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR) is an accreditation available to all types of research and insights professionals.

It is the continuous professional development (CPD) scheme for the research profession and the QPR mark demonstrates your research experience and formal qualifications. It also means that you have made a commitment to ongoing professional development to maintain your competitive advantage.

Download The Research Society Application Form

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a formal way of taking control of your career. It encourages you to think about your professional goals and any gaps in your knowledge and skill set that may obstruct these. It also helps you to record your learning and development and prompts reflection on what you have learnt, how you have applied this and what your future needs are.

QPR provides greater assurance to research buyers, clients and users of research that their research advisor/ project manager has the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to provide comprehensive quality advice on any aspect of research that will lead to real solutions. QPR’s keep up to date with ethical and legislative changes and requirements and changes by participating in an annual regulatory training session.

Become a QPR

QPR is available to full members of The Research Society or Research Association New Zealand (RANZ) who have worked in the broader research sector and have three (3) years industry experience, with at least two (2) years of those practising in Australia or New Zealand (for New Zealand applicants), and a university degree (10 years industry experience is required if a member does not hold a degree).

Entry to QPR accreditation program is free.

QPR accreditation is renewed annually and requires members to submit an online diary outlining their professional development activities over the previous 12 months, and pay a renewal fee ($99). Attendance at one Research Society webinar or seminar on ethics and/or industry standards and/or legislative regulations per year is also required to maintain accreditation.

It is likely that you are already participating in activities which qualify as CPD and count as points to maintain your QPR. These can unpaid and paid learning, including:

  • Training
  • Qualifications
  • E-learning programmes
  • Conferences & Events
  • Reading
  • Authorship

QPR process and entry points

  • The first step is to become a full member of The Research Society or Research Association New Zealand (RANZ).
  • Once membership is approved select one of the entry points from the list below.
  • Then complete and submit a QPR application form and an accompanying resume.

Download The Research Society Application Form

Entry Points, Criteria and Detailed Application Information

QPR Entry Point Criteria What to do
1. Practical Assignment
  • 5 years industry experience
  • Completion of Research Society practical assignment (preparing a research brief)
  • Application form
  • Complete and submit the QPR application form
  • Attach a current resume documenting at least 5 years’ industry experience
  • Successfully complete of a research proposal in response to a selected research brief
2. A postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline
  • 3 years’ industry experience
  • A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline
  • Application form
  • Complete and submit the QPR application form
  • Attach a current resume documenting at least 3 years’ industry experience
  • Attach evidence of postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline (MBA, Marketing with MR modules etc)
  • Provide a statement demonstrating the relevance of qualification to market or social research, data or insight skills

3. A completed PhD demonstrating research skills
  • 3 years’ industry experience
  • A completed PhD demonstrating relevant research skills
  • Application form
  • Complete and submit the QPR application form
  • Attach a current resume documenting at least 3 years’ industry experience
  • Attach evidence of PhD qualification
4. Extensive industry experience, support of two referees and interview
  • 7 years’ industry experience
  • Support from two referees
  • Attend peer review interview with QPR Assessor (FTF or Teleconference)
  • Application form
  • Complete and submit the QPR application form
  • Attach a current resume documenting at least 7 years’ industry experience
  • Provide a written statement of support from two referees
  • Attend peer review interview with QPR Assessor (FTF or Teleconference)
5. Three years of documented continuous professional development
  • 3 years’ industry experience
  • 3 years of documented continuous professional development at 100 points per year
  • Relevant Professional Qualification
  • Application form
  • Complete and submit the QPR application form
  • Attach a current resume documenting at least 3 years’ industry experience
  • Undertake 3 years of continuous professional development (CPD) attracting 100 points per year
  • Attach evidence of relevant CPD activity
  • Attach evidence of relevant professional qualification (MAPS, Actuaries Institute, CPM)
6. A completed University of Georgia (USA) course
  • 3 years’ industry experience
  • Successful completion of a University of Georgia (USA) course – either the Principles of Market Research or Principles of Pharmaceutical Research course
  • Application form
7. A completed Market Research Society (MRS) UK advanced courses
  • 3 years’ industry experience
  • Successful completion of an MRS UK Advanced Certificate, an MRS Diploma in Market & Social Research Practice, or MRS Accredited Master’s Degree
  • Application form
8. Academic journal author
  • 3 years’ industry experience
  • One authored paper in recognised refereed academic journals on a related research or insights topic
  • Application form
  • Complete and submit the QPR application form
  • Attac a current resume documenting at least 3 years’ industry experience
  • Attach evidence of at least one authored paper in recognised refereed academic journals on research related topics

Knowledge requirements

Read the knowledge, skills and experience expected of a Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR) guidelines here.

For more information contact the QPR Manager: Julie Regan julie@researchsociety.com.au or call her 02 9566 3100.