AIRS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which is an example of an open-ended question useful in crisis assessment? → 'What has been happening that led you to call today?'
2. After a high-risk crisis call ends, which follow-up practice is recommended when the caller has consented? → Make a scheduled follow-up call to check safety and linkage to services
3. Which practice reflects proper handling of confidential contact records? → Restricting access to authorized staff and following the agency's data security policies
4. Which element is part of the ABC model of crisis intervention? → Achieving contact, Boiling down the problem, Coping
5. Which national three-digit number connects callers in the U.S. to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline? → 988
6. What does it mean for an I&R service to be inquirer-centered? → Services are shaped around the inquirer's needs, strengths, and preferences
7. When evaluating the effectiveness of an outreach campaign, an I&R agency should primarily measure: → Changes in call volume and diversity of callers reached
8. A crisis specialist says: 'It sounds like you feel betrayed and alone right now.' This is an example of: → Reflecting feelings
9. In order to empower clients to make their own informed decisions, an I&R specialist should always strive to: → Offer a reasonable choice of referrals with accurate, unbiased information about each.
10. Which best describes a "warm transfer"? → Staying on the line to introduce the inquirer and their situation to the receiving agency
11. What is the first step in effective service delivery for I&R professionals? → Establishing rapport
12. Which phrase is MOST likely to escalate an agitated caller? → 'Calm down, you're overreacting.'
13. In which situation is a closed-ended question most appropriate? → Gathering a specific fact such as the inquirer's ZIP code
14. In AIRS standards, a 'service gap' is defined as: → A situation where community need exists but no adequate resource is available
15. A caller says they plan to end their life tonight. What should the specialist do first? → Assess immediate safety and follow crisis intervention protocols
16. A specialist strongly disagrees with a caller's religious beliefs. How should this affect service? → Personal values should not influence the quality or content of referrals
17. A caller expresses a clear plan to end their life tonight. What is the specialist's ethical priority? → Follow crisis protocol to ensure safety, including emergency intervention if needed
18. When is follow-up with an inquirer most strongly indicated? → When the inquirer is vulnerable or in an emergency situation and has given permission
19. In community outreach, the 'digital divide' refers to: → Unequal access to internet and digital tools among different population groups
20. An inquirer presents an eviction notice, a utility shutoff, and a need for job training. How should the specialist proceed? → Work with the inquirer to prioritize needs, addressing the most urgent first
21. How should challenges in applied methods and techniques be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
22. How should inquirer records be handled under AIRS Standards? → Stored securely with access limited to authorized staff and retained per policy
23. During a crisis call, the I&R specialist summarizes: 'So you lost your job today and you're scared you won't make rent.' This technique is called: → Paraphrasing
24. Which inquirers are generally the top priority for follow-up under AIRS Standards? → Vulnerable or high-risk inquirers who may not be able to follow through on their own
25. Which practice best supports inquirer empowerment during a referral? → Giving the inquirer several appropriate options and helping them choose
26. A specialist shares a funny but identifiable story about a caller on personal social media. This primarily violates which ethical standard? → Confidentiality and privacy of inquirers
27. Why is professional development essential in I&R services? → To enhance skills and maintain standards
28. An agitated caller is yelling and using profanity but is not threatening anyone. What is the BEST initial de-escalation strategy? → Use a calm, low tone, acknowledge their frustration, and let them vent briefly
29. How should challenges in core concepts and principles be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
30. A caller reports that someone is breaking into her home right now. What is the correct response? → Connect her with 911 or emergency services immediately