Our single most important resource is our panel of over 650,000 para-professional research participants (Brand Agents) around the world. These BA’s come from all walks of life and are sufficiently diverse, in terms of culture, race, gender, age and ethnicity as to enable SEC to undertake engagements that cross cultural boundaries and borders.

Superior research participants mean better results.

Our certification process is the most rigorous in the industry. We begin by collecting detailed demographic information, so we can match the right clients with the right research participant. We not only collect standard demographics like age and location, but also things like hair color, clothing size, number of children…even whether the applicant wears eyeglasses! Finally, demographic attributes can be added in stride to accommodate any project need you want to know what vehicle one drives, or dish washing soap one uses, no problem.

Next, our BA’s must complete two levels of training - on market research methodologies and client-specific needs of the engagement. All applicants must then take a BA Certification Exam to demonstrate comprehension of these standards, and pass with 100% to be allowed to participate. We also actively engage in ongoing training, requiring our BA’s to re-certify periodically as the needs or the scope of the engagement change.

This two-part certification process is the cornerstone of the SEC business model. This non-negotiable standard mandates an unparalleled level of skill, reliability, and professionalism in the industry.

• Three tiers of Research Participants:
  • Mystery Shoppers (MS)
• Self-Registered
• Demographic Profile
  • Brand Agents (BA)
• Self-Registered
• Demographic Profile
• SEC Certified
• Access to Login to SEC Eyes²Ears Gateway
• • Certified Brand Agents (CBA)
• Self-Registered
• Demographic Profile
• SEC Certified
• Client Specific Certification
• Full Access to Login to SEC Eyes²Ears Gateway

SEC propietary systems dynamically apply client specific business rules for matching the right demographic, controlled rotation (how often the same person can participate) and much more. These features support the uncompromised committment to excellence.