The FARS and CFARS were developed to provide a standard measurement that will assess functional needs and progress and provide service outcome information to state legislatures, healthcare accrediting organizations e.g., (JCAHO), monitor agency level quality improvement initiatives, and assist clinicians with individualized treatment planning. This self-paced online certification system provides training on evaluation of cognitive and behavioral (social and role) functioning for adults (FARS), or children or adolescents (CFARS) receiving behavioral healthcare services.

This comprehensive web site and downloadable manuals cover many different areas related to the practical use of the FARS and CFARS, however the primary learning objective of the online training is to ensure:

A. You will be able to use the FARS and/or CFARS Problem Severity Rating Scale as demonstrated by your ability to take at least two and pass at least one training vignette, and to successfully pass a competency-based certification test by correctly rating 13 out of 18 FARS domains, or 12 out of 16 domains on the CFARS certification test. Simultaneously, you will demonstrate the following:

1. An overall understanding of the purpose of each of the domains.
2. Ability to use presenting behaviors and symptoms to determine functional domain ratings.
3. Ability to identify functional areas to be addressed in the treatment/service planning process post FARS rating.

The FARS and CFARS Web-Based Training and Certification process is self-paced but can generally be completed within two to three hours for each instrument.