Professional credentials are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the appropriate AIRS Certification Program for I&R practitioners.
Certification is a measurement of documented ability in the field of I&R reflecting specific competencies and related performance criteria, which describe the knowledge, skills, attitudes and work-related behaviors needed by I&R practitioners to successfully execute their duties.
What types of Certification are there?
Individuals who successfully pass the AIRS certification examination are awarded a certificate, lapel pin and may use the following credentials after their names:
- CIRS — Certification for I&R Specialists
- CIRS-A — Certification for I&R Specialists in Aging
- CRS — Certification for Resource Specialists
Who can become AIRS Certified?
Candidates may apply to take the certification examination once they are eligible. Eligibility is based on I&R and equivalent experience combined with educational background.
- At least 1 year of employment in I&R for applicants with a Bachelors or higher degree
- 2 years of employment in I&R for applicants with an Associates/Community College degree
- 3 years of employment in I&R for applicants with a High School diploma or GED.
Part-time staff and volunteers are required to have at least 1,000 hours of continuous I&R service over the past 1, 2 or 3 years of service to be eligible to take the examination.
Acceptable experience entails work in the field of human services that includes an I&R element such as positions in social work, discharge planning, consumer credit counseling, community health nursing, independent living skills instruction and school counseling; or employment in a homeless or domestic abuse shelter, food bank, group home or other similar settings.Where can I take the examination?
Certification exams are offered year round at sites across the United States and Canada and also at the AIRS Annual Training Conference. Check out upcoming dates and locations.
How much does it cost?
The basic cost of a Certification application is:
- $75 for AIRS members at the basic level (with applicable discounts, this means $65 for premium members, $68 for enhanced members and $72 for standard level members)
- $225 for non-members
An examination re-take (which must be taken within 12 months of the last attempt) is:
- $40 for AIRS members
- $75 for non-members
- $40 for AIRS members
- $175 for non-members
What if I'm Canadian?
There is a separate Canadian cost structure that is detailed within the package provided by InformCanada.
What if I have special needs?
AIRS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable legislation by offering candidates with documented disabilities the opportunity to request necessary aids and services that do not fundamentally alter the assessment process. Please contact the AIRS headquarters office to request assistance. Applications for accommodations must be submitted at least 45 days prior to your scheduled examination date.
How do I apply? (Where's the application form??!)
The Certification/Recertification Application Form is for all applicants whether they are new, retaking the exam or recertifying. This application can be used for both the United States and Canadian certifications. Completed applications, supporting documentation and payment must arrive at least 30 days prior to the test date.
What else do I need to know?
Other Certification information:
Other important information:
- Please be aware that registration for your local Affiliate conference is not the same as registration for the AIRS Certification exam.
- All certification exam applications, supporting documentation and appropriate exam fees must be mailed to the AIRS National Office in
- DO NOT send your application for Certification with your conference registration.
- If an application and payment are mailed to an address other than the AIRS National Office in
- Remember that recertification does not require the same 30 day notice that applies to initial certification. However, applications should be delivered before the expiration of the current certification.
Application address and contact for more information:
Certification Manager
Alliance of Information & Referral Systems
11240 Waples Mill Rd., Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-218-AIRS, ext.201
Fax 703-359-7562
certification@airs.org
