FAQ's
- How do I get started?
Just travel to Register and complete the registration process. You may charge your tuition and registration fee to a credit card and gain immediate access to the modules or you may follow the guidelines provided at Register for using either a check, money order, or purchase order as your payment method. With these methods, access to the modules will not occur until your payment has been received by the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Ohio State.
- What qualifications do I need to complete the program?
All certificate candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or five years of experience in social services or a related field.
Those who do not possess a bachelor's degree must submit a resume that documents a minimum of five years of paid employment in social services or a related health care field on behalf of older adults and/or families (i.e., serving clients and fulfilling the needs of the population served). Experience in social services or a related health care field includes, but is not limited to, case management, senior activities programming, long-term care, health and wellness programming, adult and/or child day care programming. AASC has the option to determine whether the experience is eligible.
- Where is the Comprehensive Exam offered?
Candidates have a mix of testing opportunities annually, including during, before or after the AASC National Conferences. The exam is also given in Columbus, Ohio, as well as other regional locations, which are arranged as the program moves forward.
- How often is the Comprehensive Exam offered?
At a minimum twice a year (National Conference location and Columbus, Ohio). We establish other exam locations as available, making them as convenient as possible, both in timing and location.
- Who issues my Certificate once I complete all the requirements of the program? Does it mean I am "certified" or have a different licensure status?
Your Certificate will be issued by the American Association of Service Coordinators. Through the issuance of the Certificate and verification that you have met the requirements of the program, the Association will designate that you are a Professional Service Coordinator.
Note: All candidates must be members of the American Association of Service Coordinators prior to receiving the Professional Service Coordinator designation from AASC.
The continuing education obtained through the program is offered by The Ohio State University in collaboration with the Association. However, this program does not carry academic credit, licensure or certification authority. It is offered to enhance discipline-specific training for Service Coordinators and to broaden the professionalism of service coordination.
- How long do I have to complete all the requirements for the Certificate?
You must complete the core and elective modules within three (3) years of entry into the program. Once you complete the required core and elective modules, you will be expected to sit for the Comprehensive Exam within one (1) year of completion of the last required module.
- How many continuing education hours will I need each year to keep my Certificate active?
You will need twelve (12) hours per year (same as HUD requires). These may be obtained through additional online modules or other training within the scope of your job. Documentation must be submitted to AASC every three (3) years. Contact AASC at 614-848-5958 for further information.
- Will you be developing more modules?
Yes, we will continually develop modules. You may use future modules to meet the requirements for keeping your certificate active, as well as meeting HUD continuing education requirements for Service Coordinators.
- May I pay for the modules with a Purchase Order?
Yes, please travel to Register to obtain guidelines for paying with a purchase order, as well as paying by check or money order.
- I have not graduated from high school; however, I have more than five years of experience in social services. Can I still participate in the program?
There is valuable information in each module that can be helpful in your current position, and we would encourage you to take the online modules. The credit earned in this program qualifies for your required yearly HUD training.
However, up through December 31, 2006, in order to take the exam and receive the designation of Professional Service Coordinator, you must have proof of a high school diploma or GED.
After January 1, 2007, all participants who wish to become a Professional Service Coordinator must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or five years of paid employment in social services or a related health care field on behalf of older adults and/or families (i.e., serving clients and fulfilling the needs of the population served). Experience in social services or a related health care field includes, but is not limited to, case management, senior activities programming, long-term care, health and wellness programming, adult and/or child day care programming. AASC has the option to determine whether the experience is eligible.
- I completed the module and would like to refer to it from time-to-time, or print parts of it for future use/reference. Am I allowed to do this?
Yes. Completed modules remain "live" in you're My Modules list and may be referred to as you would like. You may also print all or parts of the modules. However, the internet is not uniformly formatted to perform the printing function, so you may find that margins are cut off, graphics don't print appropriately, etc.
- How will I know when more modules are available for me to complete?
Anyone who has registered for the program previously will be notified via e-mail when new modules are released. In addition, AASC will send notification through their web-based newsletter to all members.
- If I have a problem, who should I contact?
For assistance with module selection, registration, credit card charge or refund issues, continuing education credit documentation, or other program clarification questions, contact Linda Mauger at Ohio State, mauger.10@osu.edu or 614-293-8031, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday.
For assistance regarding which modules might be most appropriate for your area of practice contact AASC at 614-848-5958, between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM EST, Monday through Friday.
If you receive an error message during normal usage of the web site please contact Paul Cook, Webmaster, at Ohio State, cook.424@osu.edu, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- My budget is limited. Could a Proctor administer the Exam for me locally?
Effective January 1, 2007, Proctors are no longer arranged on an individual basis. All candidates who sit for the Comprehensive Examination must do so at one of the locations, dates and times identified by the program.