London, 1 October 2009: Today, the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations (IIAR) is announcing its Analyst Relations Certification examination, the first independently administered qualification for analyst relations (AR) professional.
The examination is aimed at encouraging AR managers to master best practices, analyst protocol, and basic knowledge of the industry.
AR professionals who take the examination, which consists of a multiple choice test on a wide range of topics related to the discipline and execution of analyst relations, are deemed “certified” by the IIAR. The test is administered by the IIAR and is open to both members and non-members. The fee is £100 for non-members and includes the opportunity for one retake if candidates initially fail the test. The exam is free for IIAR members.
In addition, the AR Certification examination will form the foundation level for an Advanced AR Certification, which is currently under development. The Advanced AR Certification is aimed at AR professionals with four or more years of experience, and assessment will be based on length of service, proven track record and contribution to the enhancement of analyst relations as a profession.
Peggy O’Neill, Board Member of the IIAR, said “We’re excited to be launching the AR Certification examination, which for the first time provides AR professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their industry experience and knowledge through an independently administered qualification.”
Kathy Nottingham, Director of Industry Analyst Relations for Lawson Software, and the first analyst relations professional to be certified by the IIAR, commented “Industry certification is good for analyst relations professionals as individuals and as a group. While each AR role is unique, the practice of AR has evolved to a point where we have established proven best practices. The IIAR has developed an AR certification test that validates a baseline of AR knowledge and expertise.”
For further information and to view sample questions, please click here.
About the IIAR
Established in April 2006, the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising industry awareness of the value of analyst relations, promoting and sharing best practice in AR, enhancing communications between vendors and analyst firms, and providing opportunities for AR professionals to meet and network with their industry peers. For further information, visit http://www.analystrelations.org.
