The IAR is whatever, but the ARC Specialist course doesn't teach you that, the test is so so so so so outdated, its pretty 80s, so far that I had to drop the test, even after they promised me that a revision is coming out but never happened
From ARC:
We’ve completed a major overhaul to the ARC Specialist Training and Certification Program and are excited to release the upgrades in January 2015. Changes to the program include updated course content, streamlined technology and the elimination of the current recertification examination.
Travel agents that are already ARC Specialists are no longer required to retake the ARC Specialist examination every four years. Instead, they will be required to complete one continuing education module, hosted on an enhanced online platform, every year to maintain certification.
Travel agents who would like to become ARC Specialists will have the option of taking the course and examination online (also using the new and enhanced online platform) or in a classroom setting, offered twice a year at ARC’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. New ARC Specialists that obtain the designation anytime within 2015 will have 365 days to complete the first continuing education module.
More information regarding the January 2015 release of the updated ARC Specialist Training and Certification Program, including the new training website, registration and FAQs will be provided in the coming weeks.