The Certificate in IR (CIR®) qualification has established itself as an industry benchmark, widely respected and recognised in the UK and internationally. It is a comprehensive, stretching test of your competency in IR, providing the tools to help you develop your career in the profession.
About the CIR
The Certificate in Investor Relations (CIR®) & International Certificate in IR (ICIR®) are internationally recognised qualifications for the investor relations profession.
The qualification allows successful candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the financial and market environment, the regulatory and reporting requirements for listed companies and their sound understanding of the principles of investor relations, which will enable them to operate competently and safely.
The CIR® is a valuable benchmark for those already in the profession and an essential prerequisite for those seeking to work in investor relations. With more than 2,200 successful candidates from more than 26 countries, the CIR® is firmly established as the leading IR qualification worldwide.
Obtaining the Certificate in IR:
- Provides international recognition as a qualified IR practitioner
- Demonstrates competence and growing expertise
- Strengthens career prospects
Who should sit the CIR®?
It is suitable for anyone working in investor relations or related professions, or considering a move into investor relations, either in the UK or Internationally.
The CIR® is a self-study qualification based on the IR Society’s comprehensive CIR® study guide. It is assessed by an examination comprising 60 multiple-choice questions, based on the topics set out in the syllabus.
The International Certificate in IR (ICIR®)
We offer an international syllabus of the CIR which captures the essential elements common to international markets. We recommend the CIR for those who either work for, or advise, companies with a UK listing. We recommend the ICIR for all others.
Upcoming exam and Revision Course dates
Click here for a full list of revision course dates.
CIR/ICIR exams are still being held online, alternatively you can attend our offices to sit your exam. Please contact Tara Mitchell to book your exam, either online or in person.
Remaining 2025 CIR Revision course dates (Version XXII)
- Tuesday 9th December - in person
2025 ICIR Revision course dates (Version XXII) - Online
- Wednesday 24th September
What does my CIR/ICIR registration give me?
- Access to a comprehensive CIR® or ICIR® study guide (in PDF)
- Access to an online mock exam platform to take some practise test papers
- 1 examination sitting – you may book a re-sit of the exam for a small admin fee (£50)
- An exam date and time of your choosing* – the exam can be conducted over zoom, or in person at the IR Society offices
- A 20% discount on selected supporting courses we recommend for your studies
- Access to the monthly Policy Roundup
- A CIR® or ICIR® certificate when you have passed the exam
- The use of CIR® or ICIR®, and the relevant logo, after your name to indicate you have passed the qualification.
- Your name and company will appear in our next edition of Informed, our member magazine.
* Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (UK time)
More information about the CIR® / ICIR®
If you have any questions that are not answered by our FAQs in the CIR brochure or if you are interested in working with the IR Society to deliver the CIR/ICIR internationally to multiple candidates please contact: Tara Mitchell, Professional Development Manager, tara.mitchell@irsociety.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
The Certificate in IR (CIR) and International Certificate in IR (ICIR) is suitable for anyone working in investor relations or in related professions. It is also suitable for those considering a move into IR, either in the UK or in other markets. The course content is comprehensive and covers most of what an IR practitioner would require. The CIR body of material also represents a useful guide and source of reference at all times.
We suggest that a minimum of 40 hours of self-study is required to prepare for the examination, although this does depend on a candidate's existing level of experience.
Once your registration fee has been received, you will be sent your study guide and login details for the online mock exam. The cost of the exam is also included in the registration fee
The exam is a one hour hand written or online exam comprising of 60 multiple choice questions based on the topics set out in the syllabus in the study guide.
Exams can be taken online (via zoom) or you can attend our offices to sit your exam.
The Investor Relations Society Examination Committee (comprising the Chair of the Society and other industry representatives) is responsible for all content of the CIR, including the examination questions.
The pass mark is 65%.
On average approximately 75% of candidates will pass the CIR exam at the first attempt.
Employers and search firms that specialise in IR recruitment view the CIR as a valuable industry benchmark which helps to ensure the competence and commitment of potential employees.
Successful candidates are sent a certificate and may use the letters "CIR" after their name, along with our recognised "CIR" logo. Candidates may also use the same on LinkedIn and similar professional social media profiles they might access.
The Regulatory Environment and Accounting Valuation and Investment Principles are the two sections often cited as being the most challenging. The IR Society provides a range of courses that will help candidates address any areas of concern and we run a revision course prior to each exam sitting, as well as the online mock exam, that allows candidates to assess their own readiness to take the CIR examination.
The Diploma in IR (DipIR) is a senior level qualification which will build on the knowledge developed through the CIR. We also run a number of senior IR programmes, including the DELIVER programme (DEveloping future Leaders though InVEstor Relations), which is targeted at high potential IROs with future leadership roles in mind.
Contact: tara.mitchell@irsociety.org.uk for further details