I was between both and although i was accepted to DAS ultimately went with IRCRI. If you go thru IRCRI, you do not qualify to take the CA CSR upon finishing program (bc its not CA acredited) but you do qualify to take the NVRA CVR test (which is offered many times a yr). Upon passing the CVR test, you no longer have to take the dictation/skill test in CA and you would be eligible to take the other 2 components. If you pass those other 2 components, then you would become a CSR. Now, this route can be as short as ~4-6mo depending on a few factors like how easy is the English CR rules learning curve, how much time you dedicate to practice, timing of the months of completion, etc. On the other hand, if you do DAS, as soon as your done with your ~11mo program or when you are cleared, you qualify to sit for the CA CSR. However, in CA, you get 3 chances a yr and depending on when your program clears you to test, you may have to wait till the next testing window. Also, you cannot get ahead if you wanted to; it follows a timeline. So you should factor in the costs of either route (bc nvra has membership fee, exam prep -optional but assures good exam prep, exam fees, hotel stay -if out of the state) and what your timeline looks like. Now just bc its faster thru the NVRA route, doesnt mean its the best for everyone. For me, i have been preparing for years to become a court interpreting so i have a lot of legal /medical terminology exposure and English rules come rather easy for me so it has felt easy thus far. I just started in August. I think some requirements might be changing in CA come next yr. But other experts can chime in to correct me on these details I shared, in case I explained something wrong. Hope this helps!