The CVA credential is a mark of excellence for volunteer management professionals that is granted by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. It involves passing an exam testing core competencies like ethics, organizational management, and leadership. Candidates must have 3 years of relevant experience. Maintaining certification requires earning professional development units over 5 years. The credential aims to be generic, performance-based, and developed by peers in the field.

1. The CVA Credential: A Mark of Excellence

2. Founded late -1970’s by AVA. Major revision in 2000. Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration founded in 2006 as new home Current supporters: Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) Energize, Inc. Idealist.org International Association of Volunteer Efforts (IAVE) International Volunteer Managers Day National Assoc. of Volunteer Programs in Local Government National Human Services Assembly People First – Total Solutions Points of Light Institute & Hands On Network United Way Volunteer Match Volunteer Today

3. What does it mean to be a professional? What profession do you identify with?

4. CCVA Core Competencies Ethics Organizational Management Human Resource Management Accountability Leadership and Advocacy

5. THE CVA CREDENTIAL IS… Generic, applicable to all settings Performance-based Developed by peers Voluntary International IS NOT… A “how to” course or class A certificate of completion Linked to a specific college or university

6. ELIGIBILITY Minimum of 3 years experience (paid or unpaid) At least 30 % of current position related to volunteer resources management

7. HOW TO APPLY Registration Period for 2010 cycle: October 1, 2009 – March 1, 2010 Registration form in Candidate Handbook Two letters of professional recommendation 2010 Fees: Early Bird Discount (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) $200 US Regular (Jan. 1 – March 1) $250 US (additional discount for members of Points of Light – Hands On Network and the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement)

8. THE PROCESS: Exam + Portfolio Multiple Choice Exam Measures knowledge, application and analysis Tied directly to core competencies Based on specific primary references Total of 80 questions; two hours in length 4th Wednesday in May, via web-based system Candidates arrange local proctor & test site Scored on a pass/fail basis

9. THE PROCESS: Exam + Portfolio Portfolio Philosophy Statement(100-250 words) Very personal and reflective Beliefs and values related to your role Ethics Case Study (100-250 words) Description of a real-life dilemma you have faced Connection to CCVA professional ethics Management Narrative(1500-1750 words) Describing and analyzing your real-life experience

10. CANDIDATE SUPPORT Helping You Succeed! Conference calls Local study-buddy or support group Practice Exam on-line Sample Portfolios CVASupport GoogleGroup Connections to CVAs near you or in similar settings

11. Award of CVA Status: Use of CVA designation Certificate Media release Announcement letter CVA Registry on website Invitation to join committees Lapel pin

12. CERTIFICATION RENEWAL Required every 5 years Must earn 35 Professional Development Units (PDUs) per 5-year recertification cycle. One PDU equals one contact hour or 0.1 CEU. Demonstrate learning, professional growth, leadership Maximum flexibility, minimum time to track Details and tracking forms provided

13. THE CVA CREDENTIAL What's in it for me… …and my organization?

14. The CVA Credential For more information: www.CVAcert.org Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration 804-794-8689 ccva@comcast.net