HIV Education and Training Programs

Question and Answers

What is the difference between a Regional Training Center, Center of Expertise, and an Authorized Training Agency?

Regional Training Centers (RTC) deliver trainings in their specific geographical region for non-clinical health and human service providers working in the HIV/AIDS field. Trainings are provided in various regions throughout upstate and downstate New York.

Centers of Expertise (COE) are designated as experts in a specific topic and travel throughout New York State to offer specialized trainings.

The Centers of Expertise provide HIV-related training on one of these specialized topics:

Authorized Training Agencies (ATA) are agencies that are authorized by the AIDS Institute to deliver AIDS Institute-approved training curricula. Virtually every region has an ATA. ATAs are empowered to offer trainings as well as

  • Educate agency staff
  • Satisfy and train community professionals in their regions and
  • Tailor trainings according to agency needs in their region.

My agency is interested in becoming an Authorized Training Agency (ATA). How does my agency begin the process?

Contact Signature Staff Development Resources at (315) 471-0564 for more information. Training of Trainer sessions can also be viewed online.

How do I register for training?

  1. Obtain the most current Statewide Calendar of HIV/AIDS Training. Calendars are printed in six-month cycles (January - June and July - December); the most current calendar can always be viewed and/or printed from the DOH website.
  2. Identify the course you wish to attend.
  3. Identify the course date.
  4. Identify the training center that is offering the training. Look up their contact information. Some training centers will allow you to register online, but others may require that you phone them. Center staff will be happy to take your registration information and answer your questions regarding the training.
  5. After registering for a course, do not alter your work schedule or plan to attend the training until you receive a written letter of confirmation or registration from the training center.

What happens if a training is filled to its capacity and I or staff need to register for the training ASAP?

Ask the Regional Training Center about future deliveries or contact another training center in a neighboring region.

How do I obtain more information about HIV trainings in my region?

The Statewide Training Calendar can be viewed and/or downloaded online.

To receive a single, printed copy of the Statewide Training Calendar, send your mailing address to hivet@health.state.ny.us or call (518) 474-3045.

All training centers distribute a training calendar. To learn more about trainings in your region, contact the center in your area or visit the center's website to view their calendar online.

Who is eligible to attend the trainings listed in the Statewide HIV/AIDS calendar ?

The trainings listed in the Statewide calendar are intended for a wide variety of professionals and peers who offer HIV prevention to at risk individuals or health/social services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Each course has a unique audience. To find out if a particular course is appropriate for you, please read the course description and review the section which outlines the intended audience.

Including Health and Human Service Providers who are:

  • HIV/AIDS service providers and new staff to the HIV/AIDS field
  • Staff who provide HIV counseling and testing
  • HIV Case Managers including COBRA Case Managers
  • Addiction Professionals
  • Outreach Professionals/Prevention Educator/Trainer

For additional assistance about what training to attend contact a training center in your region.

HIV/AIDS Provider and New to the HIV/AIDS Field

I am new to the HIV/AIDS field, what trainings would you recommend that I attend?

Persons new to the HIV/AIDS field should also consult with their supervisor and review the menu of various topics delivered to assure that the trainings are relevant to their position. Learn more on this website.

Does New York State certify staff to provide HIV testing?

No. New York State does not certify HIV test counselor/providers and the State Department of Health does not require training for staff. Training for non-clinical staff and staff who provide on site counselor training is recommended rather than required. More information about HIV Testing Guidance is available online.

A NYS training will lay the groundwork and familiarize potential staff who offer HIV testing with the requirements of the law. Participants who attend New York State DOH AIDS Institute training receive a letter of attendance. This letter of attendance does not imply that the individual is certified or competent as an HIV test counselor/provider. The letter only implies that the participant attended the course.

What training(s) do you recommend for staff conducting HIV Counseling and Testing?

It is vital that staff conducting HIV counseling and testing understand their responsibilities under public health law, and employers may require counselors to attend trainings. A NYS training will lay the groundwork and familiarize potential staff who offer HIV testing with the requirements of the law. More information about HIV Testing Guidance is available online.

Depending on staff experience and expertise, the following trainings may be helpful to staff conducting HIV counseling and testing:

If you work at an agency that is considering or is conducting rapid testing, staff should consider the following additional trainings:

HIV Case Management

What training(s) should HIV Case Managers attend?

Learn more at COBRA HIV/AIDS Case Management.

Addiction Professionals

What training(s) might an Addiction Professional attend?

The AIDS Institute is certified as an OASAS Education and Training Provider. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services also approves courses offered by Regional Training Centers on the Statewide Calendar of HIV/AIDS Training. Approved courses also satisfy initial credentialing and renewal of CASAC, CPP and CPS.

Outreach Professionals/Prevention Educator/Trainer

What training(s) do you recommend an Outreach Professional or Prevention Educator/Trainer attend?

Persons new to the HIV field should also consult with their supervisor and review the menu of various topics delivered to assure that the trainings are relevant to their position. Learn more by visiting the rest of our website.