CIRS™ Certification Training Program Tracks
The Association is offering two (2) tracks of education that leads to the issuance of a certification. Each track has its own road-map that gets you certified.
CIRS Certification - Track1
Fast Track - Single Certificate, One (1) Exam
A Single Curriculum with One (1) Exam. This is a fast-track approach to become a "Certified Internet Research Specialist" [CIRS].
Fast Track covers the following all four (4) modules of CIRS Training
- Webpages, Search Engine Indexing & Query Foundations
- Web Search Techniques & Online Research Methods
- The Business of Research for Independent Research Professionals
- Internet Law & Ethical Concepts of Online Research
CIRS Certification - Track 2
Multiple Courses & Exams with Individual Module Completion Certification
In the Multi-track of CIRS traininig program, a student may take one course (module) at a time from the 4 choices of modules. Each course (module) has its own downloadable training manual. The enrolled students can get a free unlimited practice exam and buy each module final exam vouchers when ready to attempt the final exams.
If a student passes any of these courses, they will receive a "Certificate of Subject Proficiency" in their name. If a student has successfully completed all four (4) Modules and passed the examinations, they are eligible to apply for a CIRS (Certified Internet Research Specialist) equivalency certificate. The CIRS equivalency will entitle you to free membership status as a "Certified Member" of the Association, with all privileges and rights reserved for this designation. For more information on CIRS exams, or to view the CIRS Examination Guide.
Webpages, Search Engine Indexing & Query Foundations (COP)
This module helps you prepare for the CIRS module 1 (Webpages, Search Engine Indexing & Query Foundations) and provides answers to frequently asked questions about what constitutes a website. How do Web Applications work on the Internet? And how do a Web Browser and Search Engines work together to deliver Web pages?
THIS SHORT COURSE EARNS FULL CREDIT TOWARDS CIRS EXAM MODULE (I) - Student must complete the course attendance requirements and pass the necessary exams and complete assignments prescribed by the instructor. You will receive a "Certification of Subject Proficiency [COP]" after completing the course.
Web Search Techniques & Online Research Methods (COP)
This learning module teaches some conventional research methods and standards applied in the Research Industry. Students learn techniques to perform Web searches with advanced search queries and get introduced to essential online research tools to conduct specialized research on the Internet.
We have split this module into two segments.
- Web Search Methods and Techniques
- Conventional Research Methods and Methodologies
Web Search Methods and Techniques is considered the core segment of Internet research education. The section is focused on web search techniques and identifies various challenges, methods, and inherent barriers to online research. It gives students an overall understanding of search engine behavior and functionality. The students learn to build complex web search queries and perform a precision search with confidence.
The Research Methods and Methodologies segment of the course is typical conventional research methods and methodologies that are fundamental for any type of research work. This segment is covering knowledge of the industry’s research standards, conventions, and methods applied by traditional research practitioners.
Business of Online Research (COP)
The Business of Research is an important module for Research Professionals who want to establish their own independent research services practice as Independent Research Specialists. The main objective of this module is to provide a fundamental understanding of how to establish an Independent Research Services Business and how to effectively manage small business operations. The topics are designed to familiarize students with essential elements of business management that provide valuable insight into SMB (Small to Medium Size Business) operational issues, as well as the business risks associated with them and the benefits and drawbacks of working independently.
This course also includes topics that explain the various steps that must be taken from the time a client research proposal is drafted to the time it is executed and finally delivered to the client. Other aspects of business operations covered in this course include Accounting, Billing, Project Pricing, and Project Costing.
Internet Law & Ethical Issues of Research (COP)
This module (course) split into two segments.
1. The Internet Law, and,
2. The Ethical Issues of the Internet
Internet Law also referred to as "Cyber law," encompasses all transactions and activities conducted on the internet. The collaborative nature of the internet, as well as its vast expansion, has resulted in a slew of legal issues, making "Internet Law" a critical perspective on the internet. The goal of this module is to introduce research specialists to the world of legalities on the internet and teach them how to reduce their liabilities and legal risks.
The second section is about Internet Ethical Issues, which supplement the legal framework of legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. In order to conduct effective internet research, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the ethical challenges that internet research faces and to address them appropriately. Ethical issues present numerous challenges to professional researchers. These typically involve consumer rights and responsibilities to themselves as well as society. It defines the language of right and wrong, moral decisions - what is good and what is bad? Etc.
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What Our Members are Saying?
I am a Certified Internet Research Specialist. The courses I took were very extensive and well-structured in terms of curriculum; they covered a lot of ground in ensuring that anyone who does professional research has a thorough understanding of search engines. I am not a technical person, but I have used research in a variety of aspects of my profession. The CIRS course helped me understand how search engines work, how they are configured, and what we need to do to get the information we need. This is a science in and of itself. Yes, I am more confident in using the Internet for my information needs.
The association is an excellent resource for locating online information in your area. Internet searching has become a skill that I needed to learn as part of my ongoing research. I work as a journalist and provide research assistance to my employer on occasion. I've fallen in love with the Association group because of what they provide for people like me. They have a lot of information on their website for searching for information on the Internet. I visit them religiously every single day, especially to read the articles they compile on a daily basis.
I enrolled in the CIRS course to obtain credentials that will assist me in obtaining freelance research work. I assumed that because I assumed I knew everything there was to know about doing Internet research, I didn't need to learn anything else and only needed a certificate. I was wrong in my assumptions, and I discovered how naive I was about a lot of things I didn't know before. Anyone who thinks they know how to conduct research on the Internet without proper training is in for a surprise. Taking the CIRS course is a skill that everyone should have.
I chose to become CIRS Certified because I am proud to be a Certified Internet Research Specialist and wanted to show the rest of the world how much I enjoy my job. I've accomplished a lot in my career, and I wanted to take it to the next level. Aside from that, I've recently seen a lot of job postings for Research Analysts that require CIRS certification. I believe this is the positive path our profession is taking, and I want to be a part of it.
