Inferential Survey Statistics & Research Foundation (ISS&RF) believes that training and skill development of all resources involved in collection of statistics from field survey is sine qua non of improving the quality of data/information

As on date, two skill development programmes for surveyors and field investigators are functional. They are Certification Course for Field Investigator (CCFI) and Advanced Certification Course for Field Investigator (Adv. CCFI).

Data collection through field survey requires different degree of sophistications. With the use of Information Technology (IT) tools for data collection, skill development/upgradation through training requires customaries treatments. Thus, two courses were designed to meet such requirements. Secondly, the target groups of trainees are different- CCFI is for undergraduate youths and Adv. CCFI is for graduate youths.  

Certification test is a credentialing test used to determine whether individuals are knowledgeable enough in a given occupational area to be labeled "competent to practice" in that area. Since the Certification Course for Field Investigator (CCFI) and Advanced Certification Course for Field Investigator (Adv. CCFI) ensures appropriate skill learning curriculums for becoming competent to practice as a ‘Field Investigator’, ISSRF certify the successful candidates

Firstly, by imparting suitable skill development training and secondly, by ensuring the trainees to qualify in practical and written examinations.

The trainees have to conduct actual survey by administrating different types of questionnaires/schedules to target respondents (head of households, commercial establishments, schools, hospitals and individuals, etc.). They are expected to submit the electronic copy of the filled in questionnaires/schedules in the web-based online portal for evaluation by expert examiners/evaluators.  

The essential qualifications are: a) Higher/Senior Secondary pass OR Passed students of 10+2 system and b) Not older than 45 years. In addition, the candidate should have basic computer knowledge and ability to operate smartphone

The essential qualifications are: a) Graduate in any stream or appearing in the final graduation examination subject to its clearance before certification and b) Not older than 45 years. However, the certification would be done only after the candidate becomes a graduate and shows the proves thereof. In addition, the candidate should have basic computer knowledge and ability to operate smartphone.

A candidate have to register as a trainee on the website https://issrf.org.in/register and choose the suitable course. Pay the course fee of ₹ 5000 inclusive of GST and avail the web-based online training course instantaneously. This is a three months (90 days) course and if a trainee could not complete the course successfully, he/she will have the option to pursue it by paying ₹ 500/- for an extension of one month (30 days) period. The course fee and extension course fee are as it is in July 2021.

A candidate have to register as a trainee on the website http://issrf.org.in/ and choose the suitable course. Pay the course fee of ₹ 6,000/- inclusive of GST and avail the web-based online training course instantaneously. This is a three months (90 days) course and if a trainee could not complete the course successfully, he/she will have the option to pursue it by paying ₹ 1000/- for an extension of one month (30 days) period. The course fee and extension course fee are as it is in July 2021.

Government have yet to formalize a skill development programme for the occupational category “Economic Investigators/Statistical Assistance/Field Investigators” (National Classification of Occupations 2015- Economic Investigator 3314.0100, Statistical Assistant 3314.0200). But, ISSRF designed the CCFI and Adv. CCFI keeping in view the skill requirements of these occupational categories.

Governments in recent time have emphasized skill development of human resources that are responsible to conduct field/statistical surveys. Structured skill development of Field Investigators and others mandated  https://rural.nic.in/sites/default/files/TrainingLetter_FileNo_630940_2021_Monitoring_29062021.pdf Such instructions would help CCFI and Adv. CCFI trainees add value to their skill and get additional livelihoods.   

Market, Election, Opinion surveys are conducted by mostly non-government agencies and the size of the market is huge. These agencies would engage the trained skilled Field Investigators and other human resources, including those who have done CCFI and Adv. CCFI or similar valued training courses.    

The course contents of Certification Course for Field Investigator (CCFI) and Advanced Certification Course for Field Investigator (Adv. CCFI) includes the latest available IT based techniques and tools (such as telephonic and on-line survey and use of hardwires like Tablet PCs, Handheld devises and Mobile phones etc.).