The AMSRS’s membership is now more than 2,000. Of these members, over 200 are now QPMR accredited. Given the requirement for five years’ experience and detailed knowledge across qualitative and quantitative methods, it is likely that the total ‘market’ for QPMR is around 600 people.

This is the last year in which it will be possible to gain QPMR by self-assessment. From January 2004, people seeking QPMR status will need to sit a written test and submit to an oral exam, conducted by AMSRS Fellows. It will be a rigorous and demanding assessment.

Accordingly, I expect that many of the remaining 400 people will seek accreditation this year, preferring self-assessment to facing the examiners. Even those with only two years’ experience can self-assess for QPMR now, on a provisional basis.

But why should one seek QPMR accreditation at all? Surely, the good personal reputation enjoyed by a senior research professional is enough.

Maybe, but here are two things to think about. First, research users, in both the private and public sectors, are beginning to insist that someone with QPMR accreditation manage their projects. It will not surprise readers to learn that the AMSRS is actively encouraging this policy. After all, QPMR would not have happened without the support and encouragement of buyers, and they remain a key driver behind quality assurance generally. I have personally spoken to a large number of buyers, encouraging them to support QPMR. Most are receptive. A few key buyers are holding off until the number of QPMR holders increases. So, there is already an advantage in holding QPMR, and it will only increase.

Second, our profession is now big enough, and services a sufficiently diverse set of users, that personal reputation is not as effective as it once was. Arguably, we only have one member who, through his books and columns, could truly be said to be a household name – and, as he has said: ‘Market Research has suffered for many years from the lack of serious professional accreditation. This situation serves neither the interests of the industry nor its clients. QPMR represents the single most significant step so far taken to raise professional standards.’

Print this page



Other Articles in this edition