1. The CVA Credential: A Mark of Excellence
Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration
November 2016

2. Agenda History of the CVA credential
Body of Knowledge and Competencies
Professional certification vs. certificate
Eligibility, Application and Fees
The CVA Exam
Resources and Candidate Support
Renewal requirements
Benefits of certification
IMPORTANT NOTE TO TRAINERS:
A number of changes are now in effect for 2016 and beyond. The content of these slides and talking points has been updated to reflect those changes and provide the information potential candidates need to hear.
One of the biggest changes is that the Portfolio component has been eliminated. If you receive questions about why that change has been made, here is the rationale we recommend you give:
Early in 2015 a task force of CVAs conducted a very thorough review of the Portfolio component, taking into consideration the new competencies, changes in the CVA exam,, and the pros and cons of essays as a way of determining who should be certified. After much careful deliberation the task force recommended that the Portfolio be eliminated. CCVA has full confidence in the current CVA exam as a statistically reliable and credible assessment, and therefore there is no justification for requiring candidates to “jump through a second hoop”.
As always, feel free to refer any question you cannot answer to the CCVA staff.
Thank you for being such an active ambassador for the CVA!
November 2016

3. History
Early 1980’s: First competency-based, international certification developed by Association for Volunteer Administration: CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration)
2000: Revision to update competencies & align with national certification standards
2006: AVA dissolves. CCVA established as new home for CVA credential and “Professional Ethics” material
2010: CCVA also assumes management of certification program for volunteer resource professionals in U.S. healthcare settings
2016: Cumulative CVAs awarded in 10 countries
NOTE TO TRAINER: Many in the audience may not know anything about the history of this program. So it is important to share some basic information in order to build credibility for what is to follow.
The CVA program has been in existence since the early 1980's, when it was developed by the national Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA). In 2000 the program went through a major revision. Goals of the revision were: update the competencies, streamline the process so it is less time-consuming, bring it into line with current credentialing practice in other professions, ensure accessibility to all individuals who wish to participate.
In 2006, when AVA was in the process of dissolving, many were concerned that this program be saved as a critical part of our profession. After exploring many options, it was decided to create a new organization, the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) as the new home for the program. Ownership was then transferred from AVA to CCVA. (More details about this are available on the CCVA website.)
In 2010, CCVA was asked to manage a second credential, intended for leaders of volunteers in U.S. hospitals. A bit more detail about that one in a few minutes.
To date, over 1700 CVAs have been awarded, with a steady increase in the number of candidates over time. It is also important to mention that this credential has always accepted candidates from beyond the United States. Most CVAs are in Canada and the U.S. The credential has also been awarded to individuals in Australia, Bolivia, New Zealand, Slovakia, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Zambia. While the process is still conducted only in English, we are committed to continuing to work with colleagues throughout the world to make it truly global.
November 2016

4. CVA Supporters Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE)
Energize, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity International
Idealist.org
International Association of Volunteer Efforts (IAVE)
International Volunteer Managers Day
National Assoc. of Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG)
National Human Services Assembly
Points of Light
The Aging Network’s Volunteer Collaborative
United Way Worldwide
Volunteer Canada
Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC)
VolunteerMatch
Volunteer Today
From the beginning, the Council’s vision is that the credential be “owned” by the entire field, not just one organization. To that end, the CCVA Board includes individuals from a number of major national and international organizations. This “federated” approach ensures widespread support for and visibility of the CVA credential, all of which strengthens its credibility.
The Council has also invited a number of national and international organizations to become Supporters, in recognition of this credential as a valuable professional development opportunity for practitioners. To date, these supporting organizations include ….(see list on slide).
More information about each of these organizations is available on the CCVA website. They are our partners in promoting the CVA credential.
November 2016

5. Two Certifications CCVA CVA CAVS
Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration
CVA
Certified in Volunteer Administration
Paid or unpaid professionals in any setting
International
Sponsored by CCVA
CAVS
Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services
Salaried professionals in healthcare settings
USA only
Sponsored by Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resource Professionals (AHVRP)
An important clarification:
CCVA (The Council) currently manages TWO different credentials:
Information about both is on the website, so be sure you are looking at the correct section. Easy to be confused, because the initials are so similar!
CVA is universally relevant, intended for leaders of volunteers in any setting; international.
CAVS is specialized, intended only for those in healthcare settings; USA only.
Both involve a multiple-choice exam, but there are differences in the eligibility requirements, the fees, and renewal requirements.
The rest of this presentation focuses on the more universal CVA.
November 2016

6. CCVA Job Task Analysis 2014 task force of CVAs (U.S. and Canada)
Adoption of The Canadian National Occupational Standards for Managers of Volunteer Resources (2012) as highly credible, current foundation
International survey of practitioners (850+ responses)
New Body of Knowledge and Competency Framework released Spring 2015
CCVA has assumed the responsibility for identifying the competencies for this profession and keeping them current, using a widely recognized process called a Job Analysis or Practice Analysis.
This was most recently done in 2014 by convening a task force of CVAs representing a variety of geographic locations and organizational settings. The process was facilitated by a highly experienced psychometrician.
Because the CVA credential accepts candidates from multiple countries, the task force began by reviewing recent competency and standards documents from Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The Canadian National Occupational Standards for Managers of Volunteer Resources (2012) was accepted by the task force as a thorough and highly credible model for the CVA job analysis study. The task force made minor changes to the delineation of content in an attempt to focus on the tasks CVAs perform that are unique to the field and appropriate to cover in a certification examination. The modified delineation of content was then prepared for an electronic survey to validate the work of the task force.
The survey was distributed widely throughout the U.S., Canada and beyond. . A total of 874 responses (80% response rate) were received.
The volunteer administration tasks that comprised the main portion of the survey were organized in seven content areas, or competencies. Respondents indicated how frequently they perform the tasks and how important the tasks are. The frequency and importance of responses were combined for a singular variable of criticality. The tasks were validated strongly in that 97.8% of respondents indicated that the tasks completely or adequately covered their work in volunteer administration.
November 2016

7. 2015 Body of Knowledge and Competency http://cvacert
Unique Tasks:
Plan for Strategic Volunteer Engagement
Advocate for Volunteer Involvement
Attract and Onboard a Volunteer Workforce
Prepare Volunteers for their Role
Document Volunteer Involvement
Manage Volunteer Performance and Impact
Acknowledge, Celebrate and Sustain Volunteer Involvement
As validated by the recent Job Analysis, there are now seven competencies and related tasks necessary to develop, support and sustain volunteer involvement. The focus is on tasks that are unique to this work -- which is why ethical decision-making, using technology, and other tasks are not included.
Within each “domain”/competency there is a detailed list of tasks – 67 in all! An impressive document that conveys the vast scope and complexity of our role!
A comprehensive document explaining the Job Analysis process and listing the entire Body of Knowledge is available on the CCVA website (link shown on slide).
Trainer Options: Provide the CVA Self-Assessment tool as a handout. Ask participants to share which competency they feel is most challenging for them, and why.
November 2016

8. 2015 Body of Knowledge and Competency
Enabling Knowledge:
Needs Assessment
Partnership Development
Policies and Procedure Development
Project Management
Public Relations
Record Keeping
Recruitment Principles and Strategies
Research Methods
Risk Management
Strategic Planning
Screening and Placing Volunteers
Budget and Financial Analysis
Collaboration Principles and Tools
Communication Methods & Principles
Community Needs
Volunteer Motivations
Evaluation
Ethics
Goal and Objective Setting
Human Resource Laws
Training Design
Marketing
The survey also included a list of knowledge that is required to do this work well.
November 2016

9. 2015 Body of Knowledge and Competency
Enabling Skills:
Use Interpersonal Skills to Build Relationships
Ensure a Fair and Inclusive Work Environment
Develop and Disseminate Written Communications
Analyze Work and Delegate Tasks
Facilitate Training Activities
Share Stories to Illustrate a Point
Present to Groups
Analyze Data and Make Recommendations
Convey Enthusiasm for Volunteerism
Resolve Conflict
Motivate Others
In addition, there this list of skills required to do the tasks that comprise the competencies was also identified, and strongly validated through the survey.
You are encouraged to download the complete report. Consider using it as a tool to educate your supervisor or others who may not fully understand what you do and the skills you possess.
November 2016

10. A Multi-Purpose Resource
Basis for certification programs
Curriculum development by trainers and educators
Holistic framework for new practitioners
Hiring and capacity-building tool for H.R. managers and executives
Guidance for individual professional development
Professions of all kinds regularly conduct a similar Job Analysis process. The results form the basis of certification, but they can be a useful tool for multiple audiences:
CVA candidates may better understand how the core competencies of their work are determined through the Job Analysis process, and form the basis for professional certification.
The CVA examination committee uses this Framework to guide the writing of test questions.
Training programs and educators may be interested in the validated tasks and knowledge/skill statements to ensure their programs are up to date and consistent with the certification.
Reviewing this Framework can help new practitioners better understand their management and leadership role.
The Competency Framework provides a tool to assist executives and H.R. managers in supporting and strengthening the function of volunteer administration within their organizations.
Individuals may use these statements to guide their own plans for continuing professional development.
November 2016

11. The CVA Credential IS… Universal, applicable to all settings
Competency-based certification
Developed by peers
Voluntary
Internationally accessible
IS NOT… A “how to” course or class
An education-based certificate of completion
Linked to a specific college or university
It is important to understand how this program is similar to and different from other certifications and certificates that are offered elsewhere:
The CVA Credential IS:
Open to individuals from any type of organization, with either salaried or non-salaried experience (accessible; inclusive)
Competency-based (measures knowledge-in-use; assumes you've had some real-life experience doing the job)
Grounded in core competencies and standards developed by your peers (not academic theorists. CVAs themselves are involved in the process of updating the competencies, writing test items, etc.)
Voluntary (unlike some other professions that require certification)
International (English-only right now; based on American/Canadian materials. Long-term goal to go global in the true sense of cultural and language adaptation.)
The CVA Credential IS NOT:
A course on how to manage volunteers (assumes you know the basics and have been doing the work for at least 3 years; although you definitely learn from the process, the emphasis is on assessing your current competencies rather than teaching you how to do the work )
A "certificate of completion" (like other programs offered that may call themselves a "certification"). Certificate programs are based on learning objectives. Certification programs are based on competencies. The CVA is a self-study process, with no required classes before you take the exam.
Affiliated with a particular college or university (some instructors have based their courses and training on the CCVA core competencies, and CCVA is now looking a ways to strengthen the connection between college course work and the credential.)
November 2016

12. Candidate Eligibility
Minimum of 3 years experience (paid or unpaid)
At least 30 % of current position related to volunteer resources management
Documented educational and experiential readiness
NOTE TO TRAINER: Although the basic eligibility requirements have not changed, the 2016 application form is more detailed/rigorous. You may want to have a copy handy in case there are questions.
Applicants must document that they have the equivalent of at least 3 years experience doing this type of work. Can be the accumulation of a number of part-time or full-time positions. Important to have this depth of application and real-life experience in order to be successful. (Although designed for those with 3 years of experience, we have candidates with many more years of experience as well. Average length of experience for CVA candidates = 7-8 years.)
The application also asks about your educational background, and for examples of how you have performed a variety of
tasks related to volunteer management.
We know most individuals in the field perform this role in addition to other job duties – not as their primary role. Less than 30% makes it unlikely that you have the necessary depth and range of experience to demonstrate “knowledge in use”. There are sometimes exceptions made in certain circumstances, so if you are not sure if you meet this eligibility requirement, please contact CCVA to discuss your specific situation.
The application form does require some time and careful thought. However, it is intended to serve as a “readiness” tool to help you – and CCVA – guage whether you are ready to take the certification exam.
November 2016

13. How To Apply Applications accepted continuously
Download Application and Certification Handbook
Include resume and one letter of professional recommendation
Submit via or postal mail
All materials and payment must be submitted before review by CCVA. Incomplete applications not accepted.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
The CVA Certification Handbook is available to all as a downloadable PDF on the website. It contains complete information on the testing process, study tips, etc.. (Note: The new Certification Handbook replaces the previous Handbook and Toolkit. You may want to have a copy of the Handbook available to show and/or refer to.)
There is also an electronic fillable Application. Applicants must also submit one letter of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your work as a volunteer administrator. (The Application form provides details about the content of the letter, etc..)
A copy of your resume is also required.
Submit all materials to CCVA by or postal mail. MUST BE COMPLETE.
Payment must also be received before your application can be reviewed.
November 2016

14. 2017 FEES Regular fee: $350 US Member discounted fee: $315 US
Points of Light – HandsOn
Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement
Volunteer Canada
VolunteerMatch
Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada
Habitat for Humanity International
National Association for Volunteer Programs in Local Government
United Way Worldwide
Exam re-sit fee: $95 US
CVA Renewal fee: $175 US
Because applications are now accepted year-round, there is no Early Bird discount.
Fees may be paid by check or via credit card on the CCVA website. NOTE: The fee must be paid before CCVA can review your application and approve you as a candidate. If you are not accepted as a candidate your fee will be refunded.
If you fail the exam the first time, you will be eligible to re-take it once by paying the re-sit fee of $95. If you fail a second time, you must pay the full application fee again in order to take the exam again.
November 2016

15. The CVA Exam 100 multiple choice questions to assess:
Knowledge: recall of facts, concepts, procedures
Application: ability to apply knowledge to situations and scenarios
10 Field Test questions (not scored)
All questions based on Body of Knowledge and Competencies
All questions equally weighted
Two hours to complete the exam (computer based testing)
Scored on a pass/fail basis
There are 100 scored questions on the Exam. (Increase from 80 previously.)
Two types of questions: Knowledge and Application.
There will also be 10 Field Test questions. These will be scattered throughout the test (you won’t know which ones they are), but will NOT count in your final score. Field testing is a common practice used in certification exams. It is a way to try out brand new questions to see if they perform well before being added to the pool of approved questions for future exams.
All questions relate to the Body of Knowledge and Competencies. That serves as your “content outline” of all the topics that may be covered by the exam.
You will have 2 hours to take the exam.
The exam is scored pass/fail, using a Scaled Score system (explained further in the Handbook). You will not receive the results immediately, as there are additional psychometric steps that are taken to determine the final scores. Candidates do not receive details about questions they missed; this is because many questions are used on future exams.
November 2016

16. The CVA Exam
Delivered via computer using Pearson VUE global network of testing centers with on-site proctoring
Candidates schedule their own exam
Exam Schedule:
Spring Exam Window
First 2 full weeks of April
Application Deadline
March 15
Fall Exam Window
First 2 full weeks of October
September 15
CVA candidates now take the CVA exam at a local testing center. The Pearson VUE network consists of 8000 testing centers in 160 countries, and delivers certification and educational exams for many leading professions.
After receiving authorization from CCVA, candidates select the testing center that is most convenient and schedule their own exam directly with Pearson VUE. Candidates will be directed to a Pearson VUE web page where they can see the list of testing centers in their state or province.
The CVA Exam is offered twice a year, during a 2-week window in early April and early October. Although applications are accepted all year long, there is a deadline for each testing window. This is to ensure adequate time to process your application, and then for you to obtain a schedule slot at your preferred testing center.
The two exam windows provides great flexibility! When you are ready to apply, you don’t have to wait very long to take the exam. You can select the time of year that works best for your personal & work schedule. And if you fail the first time, you don’t have to wait too long to take it again.
Again, the Handbook provides much more information about all of this.
November 2016

17. Exam Reference Materials
Exam content not based on memorization of any particular book or reference.
Self-study focused on gaps in your knowledge and/or experience
Sample references:
Volunteer Administration: Professional Practice. (1st or 2nd edition)
Ellis, Susan. From the Top Down. (1996)
e-Volunteerism – The Electronic Journal of the Volunteer Community
Professional Ethics in Volunteer Administration (free)
The CVA exam is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to apply the concepts of effective practice, rather than the memorization of information learned through direct study of any particular book or reference. A variety of resources are listed here, but there are certainly many other publications that address various topics.
Candidates are encouraged to use the Self-Assessment tool provided as a guide to identify which topic areas they need to focus on as they read and study.
Note about the CCVA textbook: The first and second editions were organized around the CVA core competencies established prior to A third edition, based on the new 2015 body of knowledge, will be available in Fall All editions continue to be relevant and valuable study resources.
November 2016

18. Candidate Support Comprehensive CVA Certification Handbook
Self-Assessment tool
Local study group or study-buddy
Connections with CVAs near you or in similar settings
Sample test questions (not intended as a major study tool)
FAQ’s
Visit
Several types of candidate support are available:
The Certification Handbook is your #1 resource!! Read it carefully and keep it handy.
The CVA Self-Assessment tool is downloadable from the website.
Local support groups area becoming very popular. They are building a track record of success in Portland, OR, Phoenix, Cincinnati, Denver, etc. Tips on how to structure these are available in the Handbook. Often started by one person who encourages others to join. Great role for the local professional network or group of volunteer coordinators.
The Council is always willing to help you connect with other CVAs in your city or state, or who work in a similar type of organization as you. This can help you feel less isolated and more confident.
To locate these resources, visit the website page specifically intended for “Current Candidates”
November 2016

19. Award of CVA Status Use of CVA designation Certificate Media release
Announcement letter
CVA Registry on website
Invitation to join committees
Lapel pin
When you successfully become Certified in Volunteer Administration:
Use the initials after your name. Add to business card, signature.
A certificate: Proudly display this visible symbol of your accomplishment! Frame your certificate, hang it in your office.
Media release: Publicize your success in local publications, your organization’s newsletter or your local volunteer managers’ network.
Announcement letter: CCVA can help you share this achievement with others by sending a letter to your employer.
CVA Registry: Public proof or your credentialed status, with date of award and expiration date. Useful tool for employers to verify your certification.
Committee involvement: Consider signing up for one of the Credentialing committees, to help identify references, write test questions, marketing & outreach, etc.
Lapel pin
November 2016

20. Certification Renewal
Required every 5 years
Must earn 35 Professional Development Units (PDUs) per 5-year recertification cycle
Demonstrate learning, professional growth, leadership
Maximum flexibility, minimum time to track
Details and tracking forms provided
Certification Renewal is the norm among most professions today. (There are NO changes for 2016 related to renewal)
Once earned, the CVA credential is valid for 5 years. This was determined to be manageable, and appropriate – given that this profession doesn’t change as rapidly as more technical fields.
Goal = to show continuous learning and growth, and activity in the field
Primarily keeping track of what you would be doing anyway. Most renewing CVAs earn many more than 35 PDUs.
PDUs can be earned a variety of ways – training or teaching, writing an article, serving in a leadership role, workshops or conferences. Many ways to earn PDUs, as long as the activities are in addition to the core requirements of your job.
More details, plus tracking forms, provided upon CVA award. Also available on the website.
November 2016

21. Benefits of Certification
Increased confidence
Enhanced credibility
Learning through self-assessment
Increased commitment
Transferable validation of knowledge and skills
These are some of benefits CVAs have shared about their experience with the program.
TRAINER OPTIONS:
Ask the participants: Why are you considering this? What would you hope to gain? How might it benefit you personally , and/or your organization/employer?
November 2016

22. Benefits of Certification
Affirmation of current practice
Demonstrated organizational commitment to excellence
External validation of professional competencies and leadership potential
Connections to other like-minded peers!
These are some of benefits CVAs have shared about their experience with the program.
TRAINER OPTIONS:
Ask the participants: Why are you considering this? What would you hope to gain? How might it benefit you personally , and/or your organization/employer?
November 2016

23. Are YOU Ready? 3+ years of experience
More years of experience does not mean you have a better chance of success
This is NOT about memorizing what you read
Emphasis on understanding universal principles and concepts of effective practice
Professional certification is a rigorous process requiring time and focus
Based on what you’ve heard today, do you think you are ready to make certification a professional goal?
The requirement for at least 3 years of experience is essential because this is a competency-based process.
That being said, lots of experience does not guarantee success. In fact, sometimes long years of working in the field can be a disadvantage because you will more naturally jump to assumptions that they way you’ve been doing something in your own job is how it would be done everywhere.
The Exam is designed to assess your understanding of effective practice no matter where you might be doing volunteer management.
It is not enough to “know” the facts – certification is aimed at determining whether a candidate “understands” the concepts as they might be applied in the real world.
Some candidates think that all they have to do is read and memorize the CCVA textbook information, and they will pass the Exam. In fact, it is possible to pass the exam without reading that book at all! Information about universal best practices is available from many sources.
As with any professional certification, the CVA program requires time. You need to fit it into you life to allow adequate attention, and take it seriously.
When you are ready, CCVA is here to support you!
November 2016

24. Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA)E: W:
November 2016