AIRS Certification

Maryland AIRS offers AIRS certification tests twice per year.  We also offer skills training workshops.

What are the AIRS Certification Tests?

The Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) is a membership organization serving I&R interests throughout the U.S. and Canada, in both public and private organizations. The certification program identifies specific competencies and related performance criteria which describe the knowledge, skills, attitudes and work-related behaviors needed by I&R specialists to successfully execute their duties. Certification is based on established standards for the field of information & referral.  Tests include: CIRS (Certified Information & Referral Specialist), CIRS-A (Certified Information & Referral Specialist-Aging), and CRS (Certified Resource Specialist).

What are the Criteria To Take the Tests?

You or your organization must be members of AIRS.  You must be actively involved in providing I&R as paid staff or as a volunteer for: 

§         three years - if you have a high school diploma or GED;
§         two years - if you have an associate of arts degree; or
§         one year - if you have a bachelors degree or higher

For part-time staff & volunteers, 1,000 hours equals one year of service.

You may download the application from the AIRS web site and mail it to:

Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, Inc.
11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030

The application and all materials must reach AIRS 30 days prior to the date of the examination.

All the information, instructions and forms necessary to apply to become a Certified Information and Referral Specialist (CIRS), a Certified Information and Referral Specialist - Aging (CIRS-A) or a Certified Resource Specialist (CRS)   may be found on the AIRS website.  Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements, submit an application that is approved, and successfully pass the AIRS certification examination are awarded a certificate and may use CIRS, CIRS-A or CRS   after their names. The website also contain the competencies that describe the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and work-related behaviors that specialists must demonstrate in order to perform job-related duties effectively.

Important:

You must register to take the test directly with AIRS at least 30 days prior to the test date.
Applications are due in the AIRS office 30 days prior to an exam.

AIRS Certification Information, Instructions and Forms
 

Next Skills Training Workshop
 

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