What is the IR Competency Suite™?
  • The IR Competency Suite is a flexible, online self-paced learning series that provides a broad overview of the investor relations function, with a focus on the specific roles and responsibilities of an IR practitioner. Adapted from the Investor Relations Body of Knowledge, the IR Competency Suite examines key IR tasks necessary for success and the variables that may impact how those tasks are performed. The IR Competency Suite contains 10 individual modules that correspond to the domains of the IR Competency Framework.

Do I need to take all of the IR Competency Suite modules, and should they be completed in a particular order?
  • IR Competency Suite modules are designed to be standalone courses. They can be taken individually or in combination with other modules from the Suite and can be completed in any order.

How long does it take to complete a course?
  • This will vary depending on the pace of each user. In general, modules of the IR Competency Suite will take around one hour to complete. Financial Training Essentials courses will take between 2-3 hours, and Financial Training Specialist courses will take around one hour.

How can I access my course and track completed courses?
  • You can access and track all of your enrolled and completed courses in NIRI’s Learning Center by clicking the “My Learning” tab. Your course will be activated and accessible immediately after your purchase it online.

How long will I have access to the course?
  • You will have 3 months to complete any of the IR Competency Suite modules, and 4 months to complete any of the Financial Training courses. For the full IR Competency Suite and the Financial Training Bundles, you will have 6 months of access to the courses. Access time begins when you first launch the course, rather than when you purchase the course. Within this time period, you can revisit the course as many times as you would like.

Can I receive a refund if I don’t finish the course?
  • If you have not yet launched the course, you may request a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee within two weeks of purchase. After a course has been launched, no refunds or credits will be given.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?
  • Yes. After you complete the course, a certificate will be available for download from “My Learning” in the Learning Center.

Are the courses eligible for professional development/continuing education credit?
  • IRC® credential holders can claim professional development units (PDUs) for completing any of the modules of the IR Competency Suite and the Financial Training courses. Courses may qualify as continuing education for other professional designations and credentials, but we encourage you to confirm with your certifying body prior to purchasing the course.

Is there an exam or quiz at the end of the course?
  • The IR Competency Suite modules feature knowledge check questions at the end of each module. The financial training courses have short quiz questions throughout the courses and a quiz at the end.

Can I access a course on my mobile device?
  • Yes. All courses are mobile compatible and can be accessed on smartphones and other mobile devices.

Are there any technical or system requirements?
  • Courses are compatible with any browser. You’ll only need an internet connection and speakers or headphones.

I have additional questions. Who can I contact?
  • Please contact the NIRI Professional Development team at prodev@niri.org or (703) 562-7680.