Frequently asked questions

Topics:

1. What is the difference between the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme and the Recruiter Training Programme?
2. Background to the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme
3. Who can participate and what are the benefits of the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme?
4. Recruiter Accreditation Scheme Recruiter Requirements
5. The Accreditation Process
6. Training Materials
7. Compliance Structure for the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme
8. Buyers of Recruitment Services
9. Promoting the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme
10. Costs

1. What is the difference between the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme and the Recruiter Training Programme?

The Recruiter Training Programme launched in April 2025 to run alongside the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme.

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 independent recruiters to use to train and refresh their competence. 

Those who complete the training will receive a ‘Certificate of Completion’ (they will need to complete each of the short multiple-choice tests at the end of each topic within the 5 modules) – this can then be used as proof of competence.  

The Recruiter Training Programme will not give recruiters RAS Accreditation as the RAS Assessment does not need to be undertaken. The table below illustrates the differences: 

Further information can be found here.

2. Background to the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme

What is the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme?

The Recruiter Accreditation Scheme (RAS) was developed 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.

Why was the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme introduced?

Increasing concerns were being raised about the quality of some recruitment, particularly with the emergence of newer techniques particularly online and using social media. In conjunction with these concerns there was a need to recognise the excellent professional recruiters who can deliver quality recruitment time and time again.

3. Who can participate and what are the benefits of the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme?

Who is eligible to become accredited?

Anyone who is an MRS member and passes the accreditation assessment is eligible to be recognised as an accredited recruiter.

What does it mean if a recruiter is accredited?

If a recruiter is accredited it means that they will have met an adequate standard of knowledge and skill to have passed an assessment which tested the recruiter’s competence and the individual has maintained their annual MRS membership.

How does the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme benefit recruiters and companies that purchase recruitment services?

Details for individual and companies can be found here.

I am already an MRS member, what difference will accreditation make?

By being a member and having the recruiter accreditation demonstrates that you meet the standards required to be recognised as a professional and competent recruiters, plus the wider professional standards to be recognised as a member.

What grade of MRS membership will I be?
When you apply for membership you will be awarded the MRS membership grade appropriate to your experience. Information on Membership Grades can be found here.

4. Recruiter Accreditation Scheme Recruiter Requirements

I am a non-MRS member can I sign up to become accredited?

Yes.  But you will need to become an MRS member to undertake the assessment and become accredited. 

What do recruiters have to do to become accredited?

There are two routes to accreditation:

• New and inexperienced recruiters will first have to undertake the comprehensive online training programme covering all aspects of qualitative research recruitment before being ready to undertake the online assessment.
• Experienced recruiters are advised to review all modules of the training before taking the assessment, in particular the modules: New and Emerging Recruitment Techniques and Data Protection and GDPR.

 I am new to recruitment what should I do to get started with the Scheme?

As you are new to recruitment the first stage is the online recruitment training.  There are 5 modules plus supporting resources and templates:

• 1st Module: Introduction to qualitative research
• 2nd Module: Traditional recruitment methods 
• 3rd Module: New and evolving recruitment methods 
• 4th Module: Data protection 
• 5th Module: Project management 

 Once accredited, what has to be done to retain accreditation?

Accreditation is dependent upon annual renewal of MRS membership, sitting re-accreditation every 3 years.

5. The Accreditation Process

What are the steps I need to take to become accredited?

The steps are detailed on the How it works page.

How long will accreditation take?

As with all professional development, the time is takes will largely be dependent upon you in terms of your existing knowledge and skills, the amount of time you dedicate to training and so on.  However, based upon doing an estimated five hours a week the accreditation should take between 6 – 8 weeks.

What happens if I fail the assessment?

Failed assessments will not be publicised.  You can undertake unlimited multiple re-assessments until you pass, however these will be charged at £25+VAT per re-assessment.  If you fail an assessment, it is recommended that the training materials are reviewed before further assessments are taken to reduce the likelihood of repeatedly not passing the assessment.

6. Training Materials

What training materials have been developed to support the Scheme?

There are five modules plus supporting resources and templates:

• 1^st Module: Introduction to qualitative research
• 2^nd Module: Traditional recruitment methods 
• 3^rd Module: New and evolving recruitment methods 
• 4^th Module: Data protection 
• 5^th Module: Project management 

Are the training materials available in alternative formats?

The training is via online delivery.  

Can I access the training materials even if I don’t wish to be accredited?

Yes.  The training materials are free for anyone to use.

How will it be assessed?

The RAS assessment is multiple choice questions and will be undertaken online. 

What are the rules for assessment?

Assessments can be undertaken remotely, at home or in offices.  At the time assessments are undertaken individuals must not use aids to assist with the assessment. 

All individuals who undertake RAS assessments become MRS members (which is part of the accreditation fee), which includes a commitment to follow the MRS Code of Conduct, including the rule to act honestly. 

7. Compliance Structure for the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme

Who is responsible for setting the standards which underpin RAS?

MRS as the regulator and Code-holder for market, social and opinion research is responsible for setting the legal and ethical standards which underpin the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme.  The MRS Market Research Standards Board is the MRS Board responsible for setting and regulating the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme standards.

All RAS Accredited Recruiters agree to abide by the MRS Code of Conduct

Do organisations have to be an MRS Company Partner to become accredited as an organisation?

No.  Recruiter Accredited Company status is separate from MRS Company Partner Accreditation. 

What happens if an organisation loses its accreditation, will all the staff within the organisation also lose their accreditation?

It depends on the nature of the complaint which resulted in the removal of accredited status.  If a complaint showed direct involvement of accredited recruiter staff it is possible that individuals may also lose their status.  However, there may be occasions where an organisation loses its status but not all the recruiter staff.

If an organisation breaches the MRS Code or associated guidelines which underpin the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme what happens?

If a complaint is received that indicates the MRS Code of Conduct and/or the associated guidance have been breached, organisations are obliged to co-operate promptly with MRS to enable MRS to complete an investigation using either the MRS Company Partner Complaint Procedure if the organisation is a Company Partner, or the MRS Disciplinary Regulations if the organisation is a Recruiter Accredited Company but not an MRS Company Partner.

Serious complaints may result in the removal of an organisation’s Recruiter Accredited Company status.

If an individual accredited recruiter breaches the MRS Code or associated guidelines which underpin the RAS what happens?

If a complaint is received that indicates the MRS Code of Conduct and/or the associated Recruiter Regulations have been breached, individuals are obliged to co-operate promptly with MRS to enable MRS to complete an investigation using the MRS Disciplinary Regulations (which underpins the RAS for individuals). Serious complaints may result in the removal of an individual’s accreditation.

8. Buyers of Recruitment Services

As a Company Partner/Recruiter Accredited Company do I have to use the services of accredited recruiters?

When working with MRS Company Partners, RAS Accredited Companies best practice would be to use recruiters who are accredited or who have completed the RAS Recruiter Training Programme. This however is a recommendation and is not a compulsory requirement.

What is the benefit of using an accredited recruiter?

There are a significant number of benefits to using an accredited recruiter:

• Access to qualified recruiter practitioners
• Assurance of quality recruitment
• Improved recruitment practices across the supply-chain including realistic quotas, etc.
• Assurance that legal & Code requirements are being met
• Improve confidence in the research supply chain
• Better qualitative recruitment

Where can I find a list of accredited recruiters?

All accredited recruiters will be listed on the MRS website here.

9. Promoting the Recruiter Accreditation Scheme

Can I publicise accreditation on my website and promotional materials?

If an individual or an organisation is accredited, they will be issued with a logo which can be used on individual and corporate websites and promotion materials, etc. in accordance with the rules of the Scheme.

10. Costs

I am a freelance recruiter how much does accreditation cost?

See fees.

What is included within the fees?

All fees cover training, initial assessment (not re-takes) and MRS membership and accreditation as appropriate.

Re-takes will cost £25 +VAT per re-assessment.

I wish only to use the training materials, how much does training access only cost?

Access to the training materials is free.