If you have been thinking about ways to make a greater impact at your company, showcase your skills, and increase your earnings, these certificate programs can make a huge difference in advancing your IR career and your organization’s success.
These standalone programs are intended for a wide range of professionals within the investor relations profession, including IR professionals, consultants, service providers, finance, communications, and other professionals.
For corporate professionals and IR counselors, this certificate program enables you to divide your IRC journey into two parts. The certificate programs are broken into two sections; one for new-to-IR professionals and one for more-tenured individuals. These certificate programs are based on the 11 domains in the IR Competency Framework. These programs can be done as standalones, or when earned within the same two-year timeframe period (and work experience requirement are met), corporate practitioners and IR counselors/consultants can earn their IRC.
The IR FoundationsTM Certificate Program
The Investor Relations Foundations assessment-based certificate program is designed to cover the core competencies and skills of the most foundational domains of investor relations. This certificate provides a solid knowledge base and competencies for professionals who are in their early- to middle-IR career journey.
The IR Foundations exam is two hours long and consists of 110 multiple choice questions. A passing score for the examination is 80 correct answers of 110 scored items. The Exam Blueprint is as follows:
| IR Domains | Percentage of Questions | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Domain 1: IR Strategy Formulation | 24% | 26 |
| Domain 2: Corporate Messaging Development | 24% | 26 |
| Domain 3: Investor Marketing and Outreach | 20% | 22 |
| Domain 4: IR Planning, Implementation and Measurement | 16% | 18 |
| Domain 5: Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis | 16% | 18 |
| 100% | 110 |
Examination Fees: NIRI Member: $650 / Nonmember: $725
The IR AdvancedTM Certificate Program
The Investor Relations Advanced assessment-based certificate program is tailored for professionals with deeper expertise and advanced IR responsibilities. This program covers complex competencies and practices, regulatory and governance knowledge, and business insights helping seasoned practitioners validate their elevated knowledge and skills.
The IR Advanced examination is 90 minutes long and consists of 75 multiple choice questions. A passing score for the examination is 55 correct answers of 75 scored items. The Exam Blueprint is as follows:
| IR Domains | Percentage of Questions | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Domain 6: Business Insight | 19% | 15 |
| Domain 7: Strategic Counsel and Collaboration | 18% | 14 |
| Domain 8: Capital Markets and Capital Structure | 18% | 14 |
| Domain 9: Corporate Regulatory Compliance | 15% | 11 |
| Domain 10: Corporate Governance | 15% | 11 |
| Domain 11: Environmental, Social, and Governance | 15% | 10 |
| 100% | 75 |
Examination Fees: NIRI Member: $650 / Nonmember: $725
There are no eligibility or maintenance requirements for either exam. Once the certificate is earned, there is no need to renew. This program is U.S.-based, and the examinations are administered in English. Upon successful completion of either exam, you will receive an e-certificate and digital badge.
Additional fees:
- Exam Retake Fee: $250
- Transfer/Rescheduling Fee: $125
- Refund Administrative Fee: $200
The IR Foundations and IR Advanced certificate programs are a testament to our belief in nurturing IR talent from the ground up and are catalysts for professional growth and excellence.
Nicole Russell
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Primerica, Inc.