At the Music Recognition Association of America (MRAA), our certification process guarantees the highest level of accuracy by employing a third-party auditing firm to review all certification applications. This thorough review ensures that each award meets mandatory requirements, including required sales and streaming figures, consumer demand, and other criteria. To qualify for certification, applicants must submit precise sales and streaming figures for each level threshold, along with additional relevant data.

United States distribution requirements:

Submitters must verify that titles counted towards certification, whether through product sales or on-demand streams, have indeed been distributed or downloaded within the United States. Only domestic sales and sales to United States military post exchanges are eligible for inclusion.

Sales eligibility for certification:

- Physical product albums/tracks: Eligible for certification 30 days after the release date.

- Digital format albums/tracks: Eligible for certification on the release date.

- Export sales outside the United States are included in the certification process.

- The requesting entity must clearly separate PX sales from other accounts on sales sheets.

Pre-orders:

Pre-orders are counted towards certification once the album is released and the customer receives their digital copy.

Bundles and product packaging:

Ladies and gentlemen, when we talk about the integrity and value of our music industry, it’s essential that we maintain clear and fair standards. So, here’s what we propose: albums that are bundled with other products—whether it’s concert tickets, merchandise, or any other offerings—can be eligible for recognition if they’re sold at a minimum premium of $7 per album, over and above the price of the standalone product.

If a product bundle includes two albums, it must be sold at a $15 premium. If it includes three albums, the premium should be $30, and this scaling continues accordingly. Importantly, the accompanying products in these bundles must also be available for purchase separately. This ensures transparency, fairness, and value for both the artists and the fans who support them. Thank you.

Catalog products:

Pre-1970 album releases can qualify for certification by fulfilling either the unit shipment criteria or the manufacturer's dollar requirement for each award level. This approach allows for the assessment of older albums even when limited supporting documentation is available.

Club sales and free goods:

Folks, let me be clear: when it comes to the Music Recognition Association of America (MRAA) certification, every sale counts. Whether the product is shipped to retail stores, mail order services, record clubs, TV marketing channels, or other ancillary markets, it all contributes towards certified sales. But here's the deal, every shipment to these accounts must be verified by the label.

Now, let’s get something straight. Promotional radio and press copies, cut-outs, inventory sell-offs, and surplus sales? Those don’t make the cut for certification. We’re talking about genuine sales here, folks.

For MRAA certification, we look at all sales totals on a one-for-one basis. We don't discriminate between streaming totals and radio sources. This comprehensive and transparent approach ensures that every certified achievement is verified and honored accurately.

So, if you want to get those sales certified, all you have to do is inquire and submit your sales totals. We’re here to recognize and celebrate your hard work, plain and simple. Thank you, and let's keep moving forward.

MRAA Criteria

MRAA Award Standard Certification Process

The Music Recognition Association of America (MRAA) has established a prestigious certification system to honor and recognize achievements in the music industry. The levels of certification, ranging from Steel to Rhodium, set clear benchmarks for success and provide a structured way to celebrate the accomplishments of artists and their music. Here are the levels of MRAA certification:

1. Steel Certification:

- Threshold: 100,000 plays

- Description: Awarded to songs or albums that achieve substantial recognition, reaching a milestone of 100,000 plays across various platforms. This certification celebrates significant success and emerging popularity.

2. Bronze Certification:

- Threshold: 500,000 plays

- Description: Awarded to songs or albums that achieve notable success, reaching a milestone of 500,000 plays across various platforms. This certification acknowledges artists who have made a considerable impact and are gaining traction.

3. Gold Certification:

- Threshold: 1 million plays

- Description: Awarded to songs or albums that achieve widespread popularity, reaching a milestone of 1 million plays across various platforms. This certification signifies a high level of success and mainstream acceptance.

4. Palladium Certification:

- Threshold: 5 million plays

- Description: Awarded to songs or albums that achieve significant success, reaching a milestone of 5 million plays across various platforms. This certification recognizes exceptional performance and substantial impact.

5. Rhodium Certification:

- Threshold: 10 million plays

- Description: Awarded to songs or albums that achieve exceptional success, reaching a milestone of 10 million plays across various platforms. This highest level of certification celebrates extraordinary achievements and global influence in the music industry.

By setting these rigorous and transparent benchmarks, the MRAA provides a comprehensive framework for recognizing and celebrating the success of artists at various stages of their careers. Each certification level represents a significant achievement, motivating artists to strive for excellence and providing a prestigious mark of distinction in the music industry.

Plaque Selection

Congrats

Alright, now that you've gone through the certification criteria for the Music Recognition Association of America (MRAA), it’s time to seal the deal with a plaque that showcases your achievement. Click here to see the plaque and learn about the process to get yours sent. Let's make your success tangible and visible!