InformOntario Symposium “The Certification Process” June 2014

1. InformOntario Symposium“The Certification Process”June 2014 Faed Hendry - CIRS Manager – Training & Outreach Findhelp Information Services Toronto, Ontario 416-392-4544 fhendry@findhelp.ca

2. Session Objectives and Outcomes • To provide an overview and deeper understanding of the CIRS and CRS process. • To highlight changes and options regarding the Certification process. • To provide information on techniques to minimize test anxiety and provide strategies for exam preparation. • Questions and Answers

3. What is Certification? AIRS Certification is a professional credentialing program for individuals working within the I&R sector of human services. Certification is a measurement of documented knowledge in the field of I&R and I&R/A reflecting specific competencies and related performance criteria, which describe the knowledge, skills, attitudes and work-related behaviors needed by I&R practitioners to successfully execute their responsibilities CIRS/CRS

4. How are the tests created? Stage 1: The Job Task Analysis Stage 2: JTA Validation Stage 3: Assessing Existing Questions Stage 4: New Question Development Stage 5: Question Review Stage 6: Cut Score Review Stage 7: Exam Creation Stage 8: Final Exam Review

5. Composition of CIRS Exams

6. Composition of CRS Exams • Database Development & Maintenance 50% of exam • Communication 12% of exam • Quality Assurance 18% of exam • Reporting 10% of exam • Training6% of exam • Professional Issues 4% of exam

7. Key Resources for CIRS Certification • AIRS Standards and Quality Indicators for Professional Information & Referral • CIRS Performance-Based Competencies for Information & Referral Specialists • CIRS Job Task Analysis • The ABC’s of I & R Sections 1-18 • Your Experience – Don’t forget this!

8. Key Resources for CRS Certification • CRS Job Task Analysis • The ABC’s of I&R Sections 19-24 • Indexing with the AIRS/INFO LINE Taxonomy • Setting Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Determining the Scope of a Resource File • Taxonomy Supplements: How to Keep the AIRS/INFO LINE Taxonomy Updated for Your Resource File:

9. Recertification Your AIRS Certification lasts for 2 years from the time you pass the examination. Every two years, you must apply for recertification. You do not need to retake the examination to be recertified but you must submit an application form that documents at least 10 hours of I&R training over that two year period.

10. Facts About Certification Ontario has the second highest total of Certified Information and Referral Specialists…….. next to which state? Approximately 75% to 80% of examinees pass the test. The exam is graded on a pass/fail basis. Exams are based upon 100 multiple choice questions. All exams are now computer-based but they all still require a proctor. “Proctor U” testing option

11. Test Anxiety - What Causes It? It may be past experiences of blanking out on tests or the inability to readily retrieve answers to questions that can bring on an episode of test anxiety. It could also be a lack of preparation for an exam which is a real reason to be worried about test performance. Errors in time management, poor study habits, failure to properly organize material and cramming the night before the exam are also likely to increase test anxiety.

12. Ten Tips for Taking Certification Exams • Simulate the Required Behaviour – Application of Knowledge. • Spaced Practice – It is better than cramming! • Don’t psych yourself out • Stay away from others right before the test • Don't expect to know everything • Plan your time and pace yourself • Read the entire question • What to do when you don’t know the answer • Check Your Answers • …..and remember to breathe!

13. Make Certification Preparation Fun • Study Groups • AIRS Online Practice Exams • Certification Exercises/Games

14. Questions? Thank you for attending this session!