The following is a set of step-by-step instructions that explain how to process your CFI renewal with an FSDO after completing the Gleim FIRC:

1. Once you have passed all 16 study units and completed the course, you will be given the option of renewing your CFI certificate directly through Gleim, using ACR processing service. If you choose not to use this service you must choose whether you wish to receive a completion certificate (for anyone who is not renewing a CFI certificate and simply wants a record of having completed the course) or a graduation certificate (to be presented to an FSDO by a CFI who wants to renew his/her CFI certificate). Renewing CFIs must choose to receive a graduation certificate.

2. Once you have chosen to receive a graduation certificate, click Continue and you will see an Affidavit and Graduation Certificate. It will include your name, address, graduation date and certificate number, the signature of Dr. Gleim, and the Gleim corporate seal. Print this page. In order for this Affidavit and Graduation Certificate to be valid you must sign attesting to sole and unassisted course completion.

3. You will need to make an appointment and take your Affidavit and Graduation Certificate to your FSDO before the last day of your expiration month. Please note that you are now required to make an appointment to visit a FSDO. This may be difficult after 9/11. You may wait to fill out your FAA Form 8710-1 at the FSDO (you may want to call to ensure they have copies) or you may print a copy of FAA Form 8710-1 or from here and complete the front side prior to arriving at your FSDO. You will also be given a chance to print out the blank form after you have completed all study units of the course. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view and print the blank FAA Form 8710-1 from the FAA's website. Download this now if you do not already have it installed or if you have an older version. Present to an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) inspector your Affidavit and Graduation Certificate showing that, within the past 3 calendar months, you have successfully completed the Gleim Flight Instructor Refresher Course, your valid and current CFI certificate, and a completed FAA Form 8710-1.
   1. REMEMBER that, in order to use the FIRC Affidavit and Graduation Certificate to renew your flight instructor certificate, both your flight instructor certificate and your Affidavit and Graduation Certificate must be in the hands of an FSDO inspector before either expires.

If you have questions about renewing your CFI certificate, please contact Gleim technical support at (888) 874-5346 (8 am to 9 pm weekdays, Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm, Eastern), or via email at support@gleim.com or use our Online Support Form.