Certification Process
The "Certified in Volunteer Administration" (CVA) credential is offered for practitioners in volunteer resources management. Originally developed by the international Association for Volunteer Administration, the program is now sponsored by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).
Unlike many "certificate" or certification programs being offered by colleges and universities, this professional credentialing program is performance-based. It is not intended to teach individuals how to manage volunteers effectively. Rather, it is designed to measure an individual's "knowledge-in-use"--the application of knowledge and skills by those with real-life experience in this role. This includes the assessment of a candidate's ability to structure tasks, produce ideas, and solve problems. (See list of definitions related to certification and professional credentialing.)
The CVA Professional Credentialing Program:
- is voluntary
- is performance-based
- is grounded in core competencies and standards
- developed by colleagues and peers
- defines volunteer administration as a profession
- provides a vehicle for updating best practices
- is open to salaried and non-salaried individuals
- from all types of organizations
Core Competencies
Individuals pursuing the CVA credential are expected to demonstrate successfully their knowledge and ability to apply skills required for competent volunteer management, based on their actual performance in the role. Five core competencies have been identified that serve as a foundation for this profession, regardless of the setting or type of organization where volunteers are at work.
As the result of a Job Analysis study conducted in 2008, the five core competencies are:
- Ethics – The ability to act in accordance with professional principles.
- Organizational Management – The ability to design and implement policies, processes and structures to align volunteer involvement with the mission and vision of the organization.
- Human Resource Management – The ability to successfully engage, train and support volunteers in a systematic and intentional way.
- Accountability – The ability to collect relevant data and to engage in meaningful monitoring, evaluation and reporting to stakeholders.
- Leadership and Advocacy – The investment of personal integrity, skills and attitudes to advance individual, organizational and community goals through effective volunteer involvement.
The Credentialing Process
A two-part measurement methodology has been designed to demonstrate a candidate's knowledge and application of the core competencies. This is a self-study process, requiring no travel or special classes.
Part I: Portfolio
Philosophy Statement: 500 words (a personal reflection on beliefs and values related to Volunteer Resources Management)
Management Narrative: 1,500 words (a description of activities and experience focused on three of the core competencies)
Both pieces are written based on the candidate's experience within the field (i.e. observations, actions, insights, lessons learned) rather than on presenting information from textbooks or classes. The Philosophy Statement and Management Narrative must be submitted at the same time and are then subject to a peer review process.
Part II: Multiple Choice Examination
The test is made up of 80 questions documented to the CVA primary references. It is a two-hour proctored examination, given once a year in May at local sites selected by candidates. Multiple choice questions are based on case studies directly linked to primary references (books, articles, etc.).
Once registered, CVA candidates may start the process with either the portfolio or the examination. However, they are required to sit for the exam in May. Both the portfolio and the exam must be completed by December 31.
Eligibility
Individuals wishing to become credentialed must meet these requirements in order to register as a candidate:
- Minimum of the equivalent of three years of full-time experience related to volunteer resources management. This experience can be a combination of several part-time positions, and can include both salaried and non-salaried roles.
- Minimum of 30 percent of current position related to volunteer resources management.
- Two letters of professional recommendation from supervisors or colleagues, verifying the candidate's activity in the field and his/her appropriateness as a candidate for this credential.
Fees: 2009
- Early Bird Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 $ 190 US
- Regular Jan. 1 – March $ 240 US
Special Rate
forPoints of Light & Hands On Network Members:
- Early Bird Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 $ 175 US
- Regular Jan. 1 – March $ 205 US
Candidates must also purchase a few reference materials upon with the exam is based. (Cost for texts is approximately $75 US.)
Registration
NOW CLOSED. Registrations for the 2009 cycle will be accepted from October 1, 2008 until March 1, 2009.
The 2009 Candidate Handbook with complete details about references, timeframe and registration forms will be available October 1, 2008.