Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Complete the registration process. You may pay with a credit card and gain immediate access to the modules. You may also pay by check or money order. With these methods, access to the modules will not occur until your payment has been received by the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology.

During registration, be sure to use the name that matches your legal form of identification, such as a driver's license.  Confirmation of identity is required to sit for the examination.

What qualifications do I need to complete the program?

A minimum of two years of experience as a Service Coordinator or two years equivalent work in social services or a related health care field on behalf of older adults and/or families; or two years property management experience with responsibility for assisting residents with service acquisition; or in any field with supervisory and/or customer service experience.  Candidates must submit documentation of qualifying experience.

Candidates who hold an Associate's, Bachelor’s, or another advanced degree but who do not have the experience described above may sit for the Comprehensive Exam after providing proof of the degree (transcript, copy of diploma, a letter from the institution).

Where is the Comprehensive Exam offered?

The PSC exam is a web-based exam proctored by either an in-person testing site or using Proctorio, an online proctor tool. Please visit the Exam page for detailed information about both of these options.

Are there any required prerequisites before starting or completing the PSC program?

Yes! In addition to meeting the above program qualifications, you must provide proof of prior completion of either:

• SC101: Fundamentals of Service Coordination completion, post 2016 version.  

OR

• Service Coordinator Foundations (SCF) - This series of six on demand modules offers participants knowledge and tools to become familiar with their role and study the groundwork for success in service coordination. Please contact AASC directly for more information about the SCF modules.

All PSC and SC101 or SCF modules must be completed at least 30 days before sitting for the examination.

I registered on the PSC website using a name other than what is on my driver's license. Can I still take the exam?

The name on your PSC account must match the name on the state or federal photo identification that you present at the testing site.  If the name on your PSC account does not match your ID, please update Your Account with the correct information. The testing center will verify your identity before providing access to the examination.  If other circumstances apply (such as a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court-approved legal name change), please contact the office at aging@osu.edu for assistance.

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?

The American Association of Service Coordinators will issue your certificate. Through the issuance of the certificate and verification that you have met the program's requirements, the Association will designate that you are a Professional Service Coordinator. 

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 program?

You must complete the twelve core modules within two years of beginning the first module in the program. Once you complete the required modules, you will be expected to sit for the Comprehensive Exam within one year of completing the last required module.  There is a required 30 day wait period between completing the last module and taking the examination.

I completed the module and would like to refer to it from time-to-time, or print parts for future use/reference. Am I allowed to do this?

Yes. Completed modules remain "live" in your "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.

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, email aging@osu.edu or 614-293-4815 during normal business hours.

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 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday.

If you receive an error message during normal website usage, please email ogg-webmaster@osu.edu, and you will get a response during normal business hours.

I purchased the program at the discounted bundle rate, but I am unable to complete the requirements. Can I transfer the program to someone else?

No, as a knowledge-based program, it is not transferable and non-refundable. 

What if my employer paid for the program for me? Can another service coordinator at my place of work use any remaining uncompleted modules?

No, unfortunately, unused portions of the program are not transferable and non-refundable, regardless of what funds were used or if the program was purchased at the regular or discounted rate.

What if I cannot complete the modules within the allotted two-year time frame after registering for the program?

Those who have been unable to complete the twelve modules within the required timeframe may request a one-time extension of six months, no matter their reason for the extension. The following stipulations will apply:

• An administrative fee of $150 per person is charged (in addition to any applicable current module and exam fees). The administrative fee must be paid within 45 days following the beginning of the extension period. If the payment is not received within the 45-day time frame, the offer for the extension period will be rescinded, and the participant will, therefore, not have the opportunity to complete the PSC Program.
• The PSC Program staff will issue an invoice for the administrative fee, and payment must be made to the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, The Ohio State University, c/o Jennifer Bechtel, 1645 Neil Avenue, Suite 210D, Hamilton Hall, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
• AASC membership must be paid in full when the extension period begins. This membership is paid to the American Association of Service Coordinators, see http://servicecoordinator.org.
• Once the twelve modules have been completed within the six-month extension period, candidates have one year to sit for the Comprehensive Exam.

What if I am unable to take the Comprehensive Exam within the allotted one-year timeframe after completing the twelve core modules?

Those who have been unable to take the Comprehensive Exam within the required one-year timeframe may request a one-time extension of six months, no matter the reason for the extension. The following will apply:

• An administrative fee of $150 per person is charged (in addition to any applicable exam fees). The administrative fee must be paid within 45 days following the beginning of the extension period. If the payment is not received within the 45-day time frame, the offer for the extension period will be rescinded, and the participant will, therefore, not have the opportunity to complete the PSC Program.
• The PSC Program staff will issue an invoice for the administrative fee, and payment must be made to The Ohio State University, Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, c/o Jennifer Bechtel, 1645 Neil Avenue, Suite 210D, Hamilton Hall, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
• AASC membership must be paid in full when the extension period begins. This membership is paid to the American Association of Service Coordinators, see http://servicecoordinator.org.

What if I don't pass the Comprehensive Exam the first time and need to re-take it?

Those who do not pass the Comprehensive Exam the first time within the required one-year timeframe will automatically receive a three-month extension at no cost. The following will apply:

• A three-month extension will automatically be extended to the PSC participant from the original exam due date.
  • The extension will not incur the $150 administrative fee if the re-take exam is taken within the three-month extension period. 
  • The $100 Comprehensive Exam fee must be paid for each Comprehensive Exam taken.
• If the re-take Comprehensive Exam is not taken during the three-month extension period, an administrative fee of $150 will be charged (in addition to any applicable exam fees) upon request for an extension.
  • This administrative fee must be paid within the extension period. If payment is not received within the extension time frame, the offer for the extension period will be rescinded, and the participant will, therefore, not have the opportunity to complete the PSC Program.
  • The PSC Program staff will issue an invoice for the administrative fee, and payment must be made to The Ohio State University, Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, c/o Jennifer Bechtel, 1645 Neil Avenue, Suite 210D, Hamilton Hall, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
  • AASC membership must be paid in full when the extension period begins. This membership is paid to the American Association of Service Coordinators, see http://servicecoordinator.org.

What if I am unable to meet the PSC Renewal Program requirements and my PSC designation expires?

The PSC Renewal is offered to ensure that Professional Service Coordinators (PSCs) maintain the highest professional standards and enhance their continued competence. Not meeting the requirements of the PSC Renewal Program results in an expiration of the PSC designation. However, reinstatement may be requested, with documentation of 36 hours of continuing education submitted. The Reinstatement Fee (in addition to the Renewal Fee) is as follows: $25.00 AASC Members; $50 non-members if the application is 0-6 months late; $50.00 AASC member; $100 non-member if the application is 7-12 months late; $100.00 AASC member; $200 non-member if the application is 13-18 months late; for 18 months or later, contact AASC.