CIRS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CIRS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which adaptive technology would best assist a worker with limited hand mobility? → A foot-operated computer mouse.
2. Which of the following is classified as a physical workplace hazard in occupational health? → Excessive noise levels exceeding 85 dB in a manufacturing facility
3. Within an FCE protocol, 'material handling' evaluation encompasses which set of tasks? → Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects in various planes and distances
4. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in professional practice? → To ensure consistent delivery of products or services that meet established standards
5. How should negative or difficult information be communicated to stakeholders? → Honestly and promptly, with proposed solutions or mitigation steps
6. Which of the following is an important benefit of effective case management in industrial rehabilitation? → Reduced disability duration and better recovery outcomes.
7. What should be the first action when a new regulation is enacted that affects your practice? → Review the regulation, assess its impact, and develop an implementation plan
8. How does job modification support rehabilitation? → By temporarily reducing physical demands.
9. During Jamar dynamometer grip strength testing, which handle position response pattern is most consistent with genuine maximum voluntary effort? → A bell-shaped curve with peak force at the second or third handle position
10. Which US federal agency is responsible for setting and enforcing legally binding workplace exposure limits for toxic substances? → OSHA — Occupational Safety and Health Administration
11. What is the purpose of a return-to-work (RTW) plan? → To transition the worker back to full duties gradually.
12. According to AOTA and APTA practice guidelines, work hardening programs are typically conducted for how many hours per day? → 4 to 8 hours per day
13. Which assessment would best evaluate a worker's ability to lift safely post-back injury? → The Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE)
14. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Treatment Protocols & Interventions? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
15. Why is interdisciplinary collaboration important in rehabilitation programs? → To provide comprehensive care and support.
16. What is the purpose of conducting a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)? → To measure the worker’s physical abilities against job demands.
17. A Lifting Index (LI) calculated from the NIOSH Lifting Equation is considered to represent an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury when the value is: → Greater than 1.0, indicating the task exceeds the recommended weight limit
18. Which best describes the scope of Patient Safety & Infection Control in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
19. What is a common outcome measure for rehabilitation success? → Return to pre-injury job function.
20. What is a key component of an individualized return-to-work plan? → A tailored job description considering medical restrictions and capabilities.
21. Which best describes the scope of Pharmacology & Medication Management in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
22. The Isernhagen Work Systems (IWS) FCE protocol is notable because its test criteria are based on which classification framework? → Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) physical demand levels
23. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) in industrial rehabilitation? → To objectively measure a worker's physical abilities relative to job demands
24. What is the most important competency assessed in Emergency Procedures & Critical Care for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
25. What is the primary purpose of industry regulations in this field? → To protect the public and ensure consistent professional standards
26. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
27. What is a 'light duty' assignment in a return-to-work program? → Modified or less demanding work assigned temporarily during recovery.
28. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Emergency Procedures & Critical Care? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
29. What is the primary purpose of workplace modifications for injured workers? → To align job tasks with the worker's abilities.
30. What are the key characteristics of effective documentation? → Accurate, complete, timely, legible, and objective