Differences between RAS and RTP

The Recruiter Accreditation Scheme (RAS)

Developed by the Market Research Society (MRS) and the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR) to raise the profile and status of recruiters, by devising a training and accreditation scheme that recognises the knowledge, skills and competence of professional recruiters.

Recruiters must complete the training materials and successfully complete an online assessment comprising of 40 multiple choice questions.

The period of accreditation is for three years. To maintain accreditation after three years recruiters must re-take the accreditation assessment.

To access the RAS Assessment and to maintain RAS Accreditation recruiters must be a member of MRS – membership must be renewed annually for the 3-year period of accreditation

The Recruiter Training Programme (RTP)

Developed in 2025 to run alongside RAS as a standalone Recruiter Training Programme, giving recruiters the opportunity to complete the training programme only if they wish to do so.

The Recruiter Training Programme is a valuable resource which can be used by companies to train new recruiters and refresh more experienced recruiters, and for existing recruiters to refresh their competence.  Materials will continue to be updated to ensure they are robust, fit for purpose and reflective of emerging techniques and professional standards. 

Recruiters who complete the Recruiter Training Programme (completing each of the short multiple-choice tests at the end of each topic within the 5 modules), will receive a ‘Certificate of Completion’.  The Certificate of Completion can be used as proof of competence, but not accreditation. 

Companies may stipulate completion of the Recruiter Training Programme as a minimum requirement to undertake recruitment services on their behalf.