Frequently asked questions

The MRS CPD Programme recognises a broad range of professional development activities, from a variety of providers and sources. These include both formal and informal learning.

Essentially, if you undertake something that results in an element of identifiable learning, it should be recognisable within the MRS CPD programme. It’s likely that you’re already participating in activities that qualify.

Formal examples:

• Studying for a qualification
• Studying E-learning programmes
• Attendance at training courses, conferences, seminars, webinars or workshops
• Attendance at a professional talk or networking event
• Attendance at MRS accredited training e.g. company graduate training
• Sole authorship of books, papers, journals or articles

Informal examples:

• Your own in-company development
• Reading
• Training of others
• Mentoring
• Awards
• Contribution to the industry

Different providers use different language. Some providers use  points, while other use units or credits. Despite these differing terms and measurments, they all relate to CPD hours. These hours are pre-determined by the provider or CPD partner and relate to the time spent in 'active learning'. Typically, 1 CPD point equates to 1 CPD hour.

CPD hours can be used as a currency to enable you to maintain or upgrade your MRS membership.

Examples of CPD hours assigned to MRS actvities:

• Attending (and reflecting on) an MRS Professional Webinar. 1 CPD hour.
• Attending (and reflecting on) an MRS Standards & Policy webinar. 2 CPD hours.
• Attending  an MRS training course. Depending on the length of the course, between 3 and 18 CPD hours.
• Reading  Impact magazine, Research Live, IJMR (International Journal of Market Research) or any other industry related publication/ website.  1 to a maximum of 5 CPD hours, per year.

Click here to find the list of accredited CPD providers.

The MRS CPD prgramme is a Member and Accredited Company Partner benefit. You will need to become an MRS Member prior to registering for CPD or be an employee of an Accredited Company Partner and signed up to Access or &more. 

If you are an MRS member or an Accredited Company Partner employee signed up to Access or &more, and you want to set up a CPD account, please email your request to cpd@mrs.org.uk.

Instructions for how to create an account can be accessed via our CPD Handbook, pages 17-20, or you can watch this step-by-step guide. 

You can find more information on how to use the MRS CPD Portal in this helpful how-to guide.

Find out how to add activities by watching this step-by-step how-to guide.