CRIC Endorses New Certification Body CAIP Canada

Canada's new research industry body CRIC has announced it is endorsing and sponsoring CAIP Canada, a new certification body that will offer the Certified Analytics and Insights Professional (CAPI) designation.

CRIC (The Canadian Research Insights Council) was set up last year, after Canada's MRIA (the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association) was formally wound down as a result of a 'shortfall' in its finances. MRIA has since re-opened, but CRIC says that it will continue to promote and advocate for the industry.

After MRIA's closure, the CRIC Board voted to support academic and MRIA Fellow Robert Wong in his efforts to continue the CMRP designation (Certified Marketing Research Professional) which he helped develop, and which had become 'homeless' since the demise of MRIA. The initiative is also being supported by CRIC's new interim Chief Administrative Officer, John Tabone (pictured), who founded the CMRP.

According to CRIC, CAIP Canada's first priority will be to adopt holders of the CMRP. Other priorities will include adopting fellows of the former MRIA, and developing new ways for practitioners to earn the CAIP designation. In addition, CAIP Canada is building a 'Board of Leaders' from across the profession, responsible for establishing the syllabus, defining the training pathways, and overseeing the examination process.

Wong explains: 'With the endorsement of the Canadian Research Insights Council and ESOMAR, the CAIP will be the designation of choice for insights and analytics professionals in Canada. The ESOMAR 'stamp of approval' will give a significant advantage to CAIP practitioners, as it will mean international recognition of their professional designation, and will open doors for them beyond Canada and onto the world scene.'

Web site: www.canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca .