Recruiter Accreditation Scheme (RAS)

The aim of RAS is to improve the quality of qualitative recruitment by all parties throughout the qualitative recruitment supply-chain. 

RAS is designed to recognise the range of knowledge and understanding required to:

• Understand the basic principles and concepts of research
• Understand the role of research recruitment
• Understand the different techniques used for research recruitment
• Understand the legal and ethical requirements which underpin research
• Understand the basics of project management

RAS combines self-directed online training and assessment, leading to RAS accreditation. RAS online training is available for use free of charge here: https://ras.mrs.org.uk/

Who can become RAS Accredited?

Research recruiters working across a wide range of sectors who undertake research recruitment, and those who commission qualitative research and/or undertake research recruitment as part of a wider research role:

• For experienced recruiters - the accreditation will provide professional recognition and build professional status.  
• For new recruiters - the training and accreditation will provide the essential knowledge and skills to become competent as recruiters.
• For recruitment organisations – the accreditation of recruitment organisations and their staff will provide third party verification of your services and competence.
• For recruiters within field, research and/or client organisations – the accreditation will provide professional recognition of the internal recruitment function.

For further information including:

• Learning outcomes and indicative content
• Assessment criteria
• Pass requirements
• How long it will take to complete training and assessment
• Entry requirements

Please refer to the RAS Syllabus document (hyperlink)

Fees

MRS and AQR online RAS training – FREE to all – go to the RAS online training site
Recruiters who are already a Member of MRS – No charge for accreditation

Recruiters who are Non-Members of MRS can join here

• Option 1 - £178 from April 2025 - Includes the RAS assessment, accreditation, compliance regulation by MRS and access to the full suite of MRS membership benefits
• Option 2 - £89 from April 2025- Includes the RAS assessment, accreditation and compliance regulation by MRS but no individual member benefits (a 50% reduction on membership fee)

Once you have joined as an MRS Member, you will be able to access the RAS assessment. Upon successful completion of the assessment RAS Accreditation will be awarded and you will be included in the RAS register and receive an accreditation logo and Certificate of accreditation.

Thereafter there is an annual accreditation fee which includes MRS membership and continued accreditation. The period of accreditation is for three years.  To maintain accreditation after three years, recruiters are required to re-take the accreditation assessment.