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I&R/A Training and AIRS Certification

Don’t Miss this Opportunity for Training and Credentialing!

n4a and National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) are pleased to provide an opportunity for Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) Training and Certification Testing at n4a’s 33rd Annual Conference & Tradeshow.

The Certified Information and Referral Specialist in Aging (CIRS-A), Certified Information and Referral Specialist (CIRS), and the Certified Resource Specialist (CRS) are professional credentials awarded by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) to individuals who demonstrate competence by achieving a passing score on the certification examination.

This year’s conference will include a two-part Pre-Conference Intensive Session and an opportunity for individuals seeking credentials to be tested for certification by AIRS. The I&R/A intensive is designed to provide a concentrated review of the key competencies needed for certification as an aging I&R/A specialist (CIRS-A). This two-part Pre-Conference Intensive Session is offered without charge, however, pre-registration is required. Applicable fees and registration are required for AIRS testing.

The intensive session is sponsored by the National Aging I&R/A Support Center, NASUA, funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging and operated in partnership with n4a. The Support Center developed the aging specialty certification program and exam in collaboration with AIRS. The certification exam will be sponsored by the Tennessee AIRS affiliate.

AIRS Certification Testing

Wednesday, July 23
7:30 am – 9:30 am
Renaissance Hotel Nashville

Examination Sponsored by Tennessee AIRS

Candidates for AIRS Certification testing will find information about the CIRS, CIRS-A and CRS examinations, application forms and fees, study materials and competencies for I&R/A specialists on the AIRS website:www.airs.org.

The following steps will assist you with the application and study processes:

  1. Review the AIRS Certification testing information provided on the AIRS website http://www.airs.org/aboutairs/about_certification.asp.

  2. Complete the AIRS Certification Application Form.

  3. Submit the Certification Application Form along with supporting documentation and payment to AIRS. Application and payment must be received by AIRS at least 30 days prior to the test date.

  4. Study Recommended Certification Resource Materials prior to testing. Study materials may be found on the AIRS website at http://www.airs.org/aboutairs/about_studymaterials.asp. AIRS provides a link to the National Aging I&R Support Center’s on-line study guide for developing aging competencies.

    The study guide for developing aging competencies can also be reached directly through the I&R Support Center’s website at: http://www.nasua.org/informationandreferral/onlineguide.htm

  5. Attend the National Aging I&R Support Center’s twopart I&R/A Pre-Conference Intensive Session on Sunday, July 20 at the n4a 33rd Annual Conference & Tradeshow. The I&R/A intensive session is designed to provide a concentrated review of the key competencies needed for certification as an aging I&R/A specialist (CIRS-A). No fee, pre-registration required.

  6. Questions? For more information on AIRS Certification testing, contact the Certification Manager at AIRS, 11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-218-AIRS ext. 201 or certification@airs.org.


I&R/A Intensives
SU1)
  Getting Ready...For CIRS-A: Part I
Presenters:    Bernice Hutchinson, Director, Consumer Information, Education and Outreach, National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), Washington, DC
Helen Eltzeroth, Deputy Director of Programs and Communications, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Washington, DC

This session will first examine the essential knowledge, skills, attitudes and work-related behaviors a professional must demonstrate to effectively perform as an I&R specialist in accordance with the AIRS performance based competencies. This session will include a particular focus on competencies for working with older persons and caregivers.

No charge for this Intensive
SU29)
  Getting Ready...For CIRS-A: Part II
Presenters:    Bernice Hutchinson, Director, Consumer Information, Education and Outreach, National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), Washington, DC
Helen Eltzeroth, Deputy Director of Programs and Communications, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Washington, DC

This session will examine infrastructures, programs, services, benefits, and the related federal legislation associated with older Americans, as well as key national resources for optimizing service delivery by aging I&R/As.

No charge for this Intensive