The MSPA Asia-Pacific Shopper Certification

The MSPA and Our Role in the Industry
  • The MSPA is the largest professional trade association dedicated to improving service quality using anonymous resources. With over 250 member companies worldwide, our diverse membership includes marketing research and merchandising companies, private investigation firms, training organizations and companies that specialize in providing mystery shopping services. Our member companies work with their clients to establish mechanisms to measure and improve levels of service.
  • The MSPA believes that Mystery Shoppers are our PARTNERS in achieving these goals. The MSPA is taking this opportunity to provide valuable educational tools to shoppers that are willing to learn in an effort to help raise the bar for the industry.
The MSPA Vision
  • The MSPA motto is "Dedicated to Improving Service". As a whole, we are aware that we cannot do this without our partners, the mystery shoppers. The goal of our members is to improve shopper and mystery shopping company relations.
  • Thus, the Training and Certification Committee is working to offer more educational programs for shoppers. The Training and Certification Committee is committed, with the full backing of the MSPA AP and its members, to ensure that Mystery Shopping is a true profession and not just a "hobby." We have developed the Online Shopper Certification for shoppers to improve skills and more importantly, subscribe to the professional ethics that all MSPA members wholeheartedly support.
What is the MSPA Asia-Pacific Shopper Certification?

The Shopper Certification is comprised of three modules. Each module takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. The modules have a series of educational slides followed by questions that will test your knowledge and comprehension of the course. In consideration of your time, you may take each module separately.

  • The first module includes reading and agreeing to the "Code of Professional Standards and Ethics" agreement that has been developed by members of MSPA. It outlines the behaviors and attitudes expected of shoppers generally accepted and agreed upon by member companies and reputable shoppers alike.
  • The second module covers the basics of being a mystery shopper. Information on remaining anonymous, observation skills, etc., is provided along with a test of your retention of the information. We also cover details related to being an Independent Contractor, including the privileges and responsibilities you have as a professional in business for yourself.
  • The third module is all about the industry itself. There is information about the MSPA, working with mystery shopping companies and how to get more assignments from them. This will be helpful and useful as you pursue your career in this industry.

If you pass all three sections of this test, you will be deemed a "Certified Shopper" by the MSPA AP, and will be able to print your certificate at the end of the test. The Shopper Certification sets you apart from other mystery shoppers and increases the possibility of receiving more assignments from many of our member companies across Asia-Pacific. It will be your responsibility to notify shopping companies by e-mail that you are now certified.

If you do not pass, you will be allowed to repeat the course in 30 days. It is not a requirement to be certified to be a mystery shopper with our member companies, so you are still invited to apply to any of the companies that interest you.

Every Shopper Certification Test is randomized and no two shoppers will ever receive the same test. MSPA AP feels that the information presented in this course is vital, and we encourage you to master the material, as it will help you to become the mystery shopper that Mystery Shopping Providers love. Thank you for taking the time and interest to become the best mystery shopper possible!