I passed the IR and had a job offer that same night!
Friend of mine passed IR(H) last week. Two interviews this week and starts next week for one of them. 1 week from a pass to an interview and job offer.
Seems the IR is the way to go. Just make an informed decision as to where to train for the IR. Some 'new-start up' IR training providers might be worth avoiding until they build a reasonable reputation.
Ask any IR training provider their pass rate, how long they have been operating and obviously cost will be an issue to some.