If you are passionate about leading and supporting volunteers, earning your Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) can significantly enhance your professional development.
The CVA is a globally recognized certification designed for individuals who manage or coordinate volunteer programs. It reflects a strong understanding of volunteer engagement practices and a commitment to professional standards in the field.
What Is the CVA?
The Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential demonstrates professional expertise in volunteer management and leadership.
Key Details:
- Focus: Professional excellence in managing, supporting, and engaging volunteers.
- Awarded by: The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).
- Requirements: Candidates must meet specific experience criteria and pass a written exam based on the CCVA Body of Knowledge.
- Purpose: To validate professional competence in areas such as:
- Strategic planning
- Volunteer recruitment and onboarding
- Performance management
- Ethics and leadership in volunteer engagement
Learn more: CVA Fact Sheet (PDF)
Why Earning a CVA Is Beneficial
The CVA certification provides value to both individuals and the organizations they serve.
Benefits for Individual Practitioners:
- Clarifies personal values and professional ethics
- Identifies areas for skill development
- Measures expertise against national standards
- Builds self-confidence and professional recognition
- Strengthens leadership and decision-making skills
- Enhances credibility and reputation within the field
- Demonstrates transferable knowledge and abilities
- Reinforces a commitment to professional excellence
- May increase employability and advancement opportunities
Benefits for Organizations and Employers:
- Demonstrates a commitment to excellence in volunteer management
- Strengthens organizational credibility and community reputation
- Enhances understanding of best practices in volunteer engagement
- Assesses employee performance and application of core competencies
- Identifies leadership potential among staff
CVA Exam Eligibility
To qualify for the CVA exam, applicants must demonstrate both professional experience and active involvement in volunteer management.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A minimum of three years of full-time experience in volunteer resource management (or equivalent)
- At least 30% of current job duties related to volunteer management
- Documented activity in at least five of the core competencies outlined by the CCVA
- Submission of:
- A completed application form
- A current résumé
- One professional recommendation (from a supervisor, colleague, or certified CVA familiar with the applicant's work)
How to Get Started
To begin the certification process:
- Visit www.cvacert.org to download the CVA Certification Handbook for complete application details.
- Review eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documentation.
- Submit your application and supporting materials by the posted deadlines.
Contact CCVA:
Phone: 804-794-8689
Email: info@cvacert.org
Earning your CVA certification signifies a strong commitment to professional excellence in volunteer administration. It enhances both personal credibility and organizational impact, providing a solid foundation for advancing leadership in volunteer engagement.
