What is
AIRS Certification?
AIRS Certification is a
professional credentialing program for individuals working
within the I&R sector of human services.
Certification is a measurement of documented ability in
the field of I&R and I&R/A 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. The AIRS Certification Program is operated in
alignment with national standards for credentialing
organizations.
Our mission states: The AIRS Certification Program,
operating in accordance with national credentialing
practices, measures and recognizes competence in the I&R
profession, improving the professionalism of the field and
the quality of service provided to the public.
Certification is available for three specializations within
I&R. Individuals who successfully pass the AIRS
certification examination are awarded professional
certification (and a 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
It is important to be aware that the CRS qualification
involves questions related to indexing resource databases
using the Taxonomy of Human Services. Candidates who do not
use the Taxonomy as part of their everyday work will find
the CRS examination much more challenging.
Important Notice for CRS Applicants
AIRS has completed the process of creating new
examinations for the CRS credential. If you are interested
in understanding the psychometric process, it is identical
to that used for the
CIRS and
CIRS-A credentials -- both of which have had new exams
introduced within the past 18 months.
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.
I&R practitioners are eligible for initial certification
only for the jobs they actually perform and/or directly
supervise (i.e. you can only take the examination if you are
currently engaged in CIRS, CIRS-A or CRS work). To take the
exam, you require:
- 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.
- 5 years
of I&R employment with no educational qualifications
If you are having difficulty obtaining a transcript of
your education, then you might find the following site
useful:
www.studentclearinghouse.org.
Acceptable equivalent I&R experience entails frontline
(i.e. client-focused) 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 pantry, group home
or other similar settings. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to ensure that the job description that covers
their previous experience accurately reflects the essential
elements of the Job Task Analysis for their particular
credential.
Why
should I become AIRS Certified?
AIRS Certification provides a wealth
of
benefits to yourself, your organization and the
communities you serve.
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:
-- $90 for AIRS members (with applicable discount, this
means $72 for Premium members)
-- $250 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
Recertification is:
-- $55 for AIRS members (with applicable discount, this
means $44 for Premium members)
-- $200 for non-members
If your organization is an AIRS member, all active staff and
volunteers are covered by that membership.
What
is the 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
