Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR)
Quick Links
How to become a QPR
QPR process and entry points
Download the QPR application form
Detailed Application Information
Knowledge requirements
Contact the QPR Manager
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.
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.
Entry Points, Criteria and Detailed Application Information
QPR Entry Point | Criteria | What to do |
1. Practical Assignment |
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2. A postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline |
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3. A completed PhD demonstrating research skills |
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4. Extensive industry experience, support of two referees and interview |
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5. Three years of documented continuous professional development |
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6. A completed University of Georgia (USA) course |
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7. A completed Market Research Society (MRS) UK advanced courses |
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8. Academic journal author |
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Knowledge requirements
For more information contact the QPR Manager: Julie Regan julie@researchsociety.com.au or call her 02 9566 3100.