5th Edition Advanced Course
A comprehensive course in AMA Guides 5th Edition impairment rating methodology across all specialties and body systems, with the clinical depth and reporting standards required to produce defensible evaluations in legal and administrative proceedings.
What Is the 5th Edition Advanced Course?
The 5th Edition Advanced course provides healthcare professionals with a thorough, clinically grounded understanding of AMA Guides 5th Edition impairment rating methodology across all specialties. It is designed for physicians who perform, or intend to perform, permanent impairment ratings in workers' compensation, motor vehicle, or medicolegal contexts.
The course covers the full range of AMA Guides 5th Edition impairment rating methodology across cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, dermatological, and sensory assessments, with an emphasis on clinical accuracy, objective diagnostic interpretation, and producing written evaluations that are defensible under scrutiny.
Completing this course is the prerequisite for the CIRS™ certification exam, the national AMA Guides 5th Edition credential issued by AAEME. It also satisfies the educational component of Nevada's NIRSAT™ certification requirement under NV Rev. Stat. 616C.110.
Completing this course earns 8 CME/CEU hours. No credential is issued for the course alone. The CIRS credential is earned by passing the certification exam.
What Does the 5th Edition Advanced Course Cover?
The 5th Edition Advanced course covers AMA Guides 5th Edition methodology across all major specialties and body systems, paired with the documentation and reporting standards required to produce evaluations that hold up in legal and administrative proceedings. The curriculum emphasizes clinical accuracy, objective diagnostic interpretation, and defensible written output.
- AMA Guides 5th Edition impairment rating methodology across all specialties and body systems
- Cardiovascular impairment assessment: diagnostic interpretation and rating standards
- Respiratory impairment evaluation and pulmonary function test interpretation
- Neurological impairment ratings including peripheral nerve and spinal cord injury
- Musculoskeletal assessment across spine, upper extremity, and lower extremity
- Dermatological and sensory impairment ratings including hearing and vision
- Clinical examination skills and objective diagnostic data interpretation
- Evidence-based reporting standards for defensible impairment evaluations
- Structuring written reports that withstand legal, insurance, and administrative scrutiny
- Common documentation errors and how to avoid them
- Applying AMA Guides 5th Edition methodology consistently across practice settings
- Communicating impairment findings clearly to non-clinical audiences
Course content is developed and taught by practicing MDs and DCs with direct experience in impairment rating evaluations.
Who Should Take the 5th Edition Advanced Course?
This course is for physicians, chiropractors, and other licensed healthcare professionals who perform, or intend to perform, permanent impairment ratings and need a thorough, clinically grounded foundation in AMA Guides 5th Edition methodology.
Completing this course is only part of your Nevada requirement.
Under NV Rev. Stat. 616C.110, Nevada physicians performing workers' compensation impairment ratings must also pass the NIRSAT exam, which includes the 5th Edition content covered here plus Nevada-specific legal questions. You may also be required to complete the Nevada IR Stress Disorders Seminar. Consider enrolling in the NIRSAT Course Bundle, which includes this course together with the Nevada legal content.
Certification Exams
After completing the 5th Edition Advanced course, you are eligible to sit the CIRS certification exam, the national AMA Guides 5th Edition credential. Nevada physicians sit the NIRSAT exam instead, which covers the same content plus additional Nevada-specific legal questions and satisfies both the state requirement and national CIRS certification simultaneously.
- 4 hours: online, self-scheduled, one sitting
- 75% passing score required
- One question at a time; cannot return to previous
- Exam fee: $895 (priced separately from the course)
- Certificate emailed immediately upon passing
- QRG Study Guide available for $75 as recommended preparation
- Exam fees non-refundable regardless of result
- Same format and passing score as CIRS exam
- Includes additional Nevada-specific legal questions
- Passing issues both NIRSAT and CIRS credentials simultaneously
- AAEME submits your certificate to the Nevada DIR twice monthly
- You must also submit directly to the DIR
Enroll in the 5th Edition Advanced Course
All sales are final. No refunds under any circumstances. If you have questions about this course before enrolling, use our contact form before completing your purchase.
Enroll in 5th Edition Advanced ($998)Complete Your Certification Preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the 5th Edition Advanced course, including how it relates to the CIRS and NIRSAT certification exams and what it means for Nevada physicians.
Is this course required to take the CIRS certification exam?
Yes. The 5th Edition Advanced course is the required educational prerequisite for the CIRS certification exam. Physicians who have not completed an AAEME-approved AMA Guides 5th Edition course are not eligible to sit for the CIRS exam.
What is the difference between the CIRS and NIRSAT exams?
Both exams cover the same AMA Guides 5th Edition impairment rating methodology taught in this course and carry the same format, duration, and passing score. The NIRSAT exam additionally includes Nevada-specific legal questions covering workers' compensation law and statutory compliance under NV Rev. Stat. 616C.110. Nevada physicians required to hold NIRSAT certification should sit the NIRSAT exam; passing it satisfies both the state requirement and the national CIRS credential simultaneously. Physicians outside Nevada sit the CIRS exam.
Does completing this course give me a credential?
No. Completing the 5th Edition Advanced course earns 8 CME/CEU hours but does not issue a credential on its own. The CIRS credential is issued upon passing the CIRS certification exam. The NIRSAT credential is issued upon passing the NIRSAT exam. Both exams are priced separately at $895.
I practice outside Nevada but may see Nevada cases occasionally. Do I need NIRSAT?
If you perform workers' compensation impairment ratings on Nevada cases, even occasionally, you may be subject to Nevada's certification requirement under NV Rev. Stat. 616C.110. The requirement applies to the case jurisdiction, not just your state of licensure. Contact the Nevada DIR or a Nevada workers' compensation attorney if you are uncertain whether your practice triggers the requirement. See our Nevada requirements page for details.
What happens if I fail the CIRS or NIRSAT exam?
If you do not achieve a 75% passing score, you will receive notification of your result. Exam fees are non-refundable regardless of result. Retake policies and applicable fees are disclosed at the time of exam registration. The QRG Study Guide is available for $75 and is recommended preparation before retaking the exam.
What is the refund policy?
All sales are final. AAEME does not offer refunds under any circumstances, including failure to complete the course, failure to pass the exam, change of mind, or change in practice. If you have questions about this course before purchasing, please use our contact form before completing your enrollment.
How long do I have access to the course after enrolling?
Course access is granted for one year from the date of enrollment.
I have a question that is not answered here. Who do I contact?
For any questions about the 5th Edition Advanced course or certification process, use our contact form.