1. The CVA Credential: A Mark of Excellence
CVA = Certified in Volunteer Administration
Now sponsored by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA)
CCVA

2. 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
AVA dissolves. CCVA established as new home for CVA credential and AVA “Professional Ethics” material
2010 – CCVA also assumes management of certification program for volunteer resource professionals in U.S. healthcare settings
History and Background
Many in the audience may not know anything about the history of this program with AVA, or how it was transferred to CCVA. 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 late1970's, when it was developed by the Association for Volunteer Administration. 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.)
To date, over 1250 CVAs have been awarded, with a steady increase in the number of candidates each year. It is also important to mention that this credential has always accepted candidates from beyond the United States. There a quite a few CVAs in Canada, and there have been recent candidates from Australia, Bolivia, Bermuda, New Zealand, Japan, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. First CVA awarded in Switzerland in 2013! 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.

3. CVA Supporters Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement
Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources
Energize, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity International
Idealist.org
International Association of Volunteer Efforts
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
The Aging Network’s Volunteer Collaborative
United Way Worldwide
Volunteer Canada
VolunteerMatch
Volunteer Today
CCVA’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.
To this end, we have 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).
You can find links and more information about each of these organizations on our website. They are our partners in promoting the CVA credential. We continue to add new Supporters each year.

4. (Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration)
Two Certifications
CCVA
(Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration)
CVA
(Certified in Volunteer Administration)
Paid or unpaid professionals in any setting
International
CAVS
(Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services)
For 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!
CAVS is specialized, intended only for those in healthcare settings; USA only.
CVA is generic, intended for leaders of volunteers in any setting; international;
There are differences in the requirements, the process, the timeframes, and renewal requirements. These are summarized in a simple matrix that compares the two programs. Available at
The rest of this presentation focuses on the more generic CVA.

5. CCVA Core Competencies
Ethics
Organizational Management
Human Resource Management
Accountability
Leadership and Advocacy
Core Competencies = minimum standards of competency for managers or leaders of volunteers.
This list forms the basis of the CVA credentialing program. It is developed through the process of a Job Analysis (or Practice Analysis) – surveying practitioners to identify the full scope of skills and knowledge required in today’s environment. It is updated every 4-5 years to be sure it remains relevant and accurate. These competencies were recently updated in 2008, and validated by your peers in the field. Another Job Analysis has begun this Fall.
Note significant differences from the “traditional” list of management functions: planning, recruitment, supervision, recognition, recordkeeping, evaluation.
The following slides provide more information about the topics contained in each Core Competency.
(More detail about the topics within each core competency can be found in the CVA Content Outline on the website. You can also provide this as a handout if you wish.)

6. Ethics Understand different types of ethics
Act according to ethical principles for working with volunteers
Make ethical decisions

7. Organizational Management
Align volunteers with mission
Understand strategic planning
Develop policies and process
Manage projects and programs
Manage change

8. Human Resource Management
Engage Volunteers:
role design
recruitment
orientation and training
Support Volunteers:
supervision, coaching
conflict management, team building
recognition
sustaining involvement

9. Accountability Collect and report relevant data
Manage money & financial reporting
Manage risks
Conduct meaningful evaluation
Strive for quality improvement

10. Leadership and Advocacy
Develop leadership in self and others
Promote diversity and inclusion
Develop community relationships
Advocate for volunteers
Advocate for the organization

11. THE CVA CREDENTIAL IS… Universal, applicable to all settings
Competency-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
It is important to understand how this program is similar to and different from other certifications 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 vols. who are CVAs themselves are involved in the process of determining the competencies, writing test items, scoring materials)
Voluntary (unlike some other professions)
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"). This is a self-study, independent process. No required classes.
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.)

12. ELIGIBILITY Minimum of 3 years experience (paid or unpaid)
At least 30 % of current position related to volunteer resources management
The CVA credential is designed for the “3 year old”, although many candidates have more experience than that.
We ask candidates to 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 positions or roles. Important to have this depth of application and real-life experience in order to be successful – it is what you will draw upon during the credentialing process.
We know most individuals in the field perform this role in addition to other job duties – not as their primary role. Based on the 2004 Urban Institute Study of Volunteer Management Capacity, the average volunteer manager spends only 30% of her/his time on this activity. This requirement is designed to allow as many practitioners as possible to enter the program.
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.
CCVA

13. HOW TO APPLY Registration Period for 2014 cycle:
October 1, 2013 – March 1, 2014
Registration form in Candidate Handbook
Two letters of professional recommendation
2014 Fees:
Early Bird Discount (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) $220 US
Regular (Jan. 1 – March 1) $275 US
Additional discount for members of Points of Light – HandsOn Network, Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, Volunteer Canada, VolunteerMatch, Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources, and Habitat for
Humanity International
The registration process is quite simple:
This program runs on a calendar year, with a new “class” of candidates each year. Registration for the next cycle began Oct. 1, and will remain open until March 1.
2-page registration form in the Candidate Handbook (available on CCVA website). Asks for summary of your experience, and that you sign a statement of intent regarding professional ethics.
Must be accompanied by 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your work as a volunteer administrator. Letters can be brief, confirming that you are an appropriate candidate for this credential.
Fees: There are two levels. Save money by registering early – and give yourself more time to prepare for the exam! Note that additional discounts are available for members of Volunteer Canada, POL-HON, AL!VE, and VOLUNTEERMATCH. Details about those fees are in the Candidate Handbook and registration form.
STOP HERE FOR ANY QUESTIONS, BEFORE MOVING INTO THE DETAILS ABOUT THE CREDENTIALING PROCESS.

14. THE PROCESS: Exam + Portfolio
Multiple Choice Exam
Measures knowledge and application of that knowledge in situations and scenarios
Tied directly to Content Outline topics
Primary & secondary references are suggested for study
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
The exam has 2 types of questions, testing different cognitive levels: Knowledge and Application. More details in Handbook and handouts.
Primary and secondary references are listed for candidates to use in preparing for the exam. Strongly recommend they use the Self-Assessment Tool (in Toolkit and on website) to identify which topics they need to focus on, and then study the reference material accordingly.
All items (test questions) are multiple-choice, written by Test Committee volunteers who are CVAs.
Offered once a year, in late May.
No need to travel! Candidates arrange a local place to take the exam, and a proctor to sit with them during the exam. (Many use their own organizations.) The e-testing process makes the exam flexible and accessible.
More details will be provided to all registered candidates, including sample test questions and study tips.
The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis, using Scaled Score system. If you fail the Exam, you may take it again the following May. There is a $50 re-sit fee, but no need to re-register. This assumes that you continue working on the second part of the process, the Portfolio.

15. THE PROCESS: Exam + Portfolio
Philosophy Statement ( words)
Very personal and reflective
Beliefs and values related to your role
Ethics Case Study ( words)
Description of a real-life dilemma you have faced
Connection to CCVA professional ethics
Management Narrative ( words)
Describing and analyzing your real-life experience
There are THREE parts to the Portfolio component.
Philosophy Statement:
Opportunity for reflection. Very personal – not quoting others.
Encourage you to “dig deep”…way beyond the organization where you currently work.
Why do you care about this field, and how do you view this profession?
Well written, concise = words. Many feel it is a very satisfying exercise.
Ethics Case Study:
Description of a work-related situation involving ethics
Focus on the implications of the situation as related to CCVA professional core values
Well written, concise = words.
Management Narrative:
Selecting a cluster of activity (or project) from your real-life experience, within the past 5 years; describe it and analyze it. (Successful or not!)
Broad enough to cover the core competency areas (i.e. not jus recruitment), but narrow enough to address in words
Must address very specific questions (see handout); scored based on point system.
Written in the “I” voice; we want to hear your leadership, know how and way you did what you did, and the results.
Demonstrates disciplined, clear, professional writing
Portfolio is completed at your own pace, and submitted together. Deadline = December 31.
Identifying information is removed, so scoring is anonymous. Each Portfolio is read by 2 trained CVA readers. If you fail the Portfolio, you are given feedback on what needs to be improved, and you may resubmit within the next 6 months.

16. CANDIDATE SUPPORT Conference calls Local study-buddy or support group
Helping You Succeed!
Conference calls
Local study-buddy or support group
CVA Mock Exam online
Sample Portfolio
CVASupport GoogleGroup
Connections to CVAs near you or in similar settings
We want you to succeed, so several types of support are available:
Optional calls to review requirements, answer questions, hear advice from peers. Spring, for exam. Summer, for portfolio. These are recorded for those unable to participate when scheduled.
Local support groups becoming very popular. Building a track record of success in Portland, OR, Phoenix, Cincinnati, Denver, etc. Tips on how to structure these are available. Often led by one person who encourages others to join her. Great role for local professional network or group of volunteer coordinators.
As soon as you register, you’ll receive a CVA Toolkit with lots more information, including a sample Portfolio.
Candidates also have access to a CVA Mock Exam on-line, so they can get used to the e-testing software and resolve any technical issues prior to Exam day.
CVASupport list serve set up on Google Groups to facilitate communication among candidates. Anyone may participate to exchange tips, ask questions, and provide mutual encouragement to stay motivated and on schedule.
We are 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.

17. 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, or assess portfolios.
Lapel pin

18. 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
Certification Renewal is the norm among most professions today.
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.
PDUs can be earned a variety of ways – training or teaching, writing an article, serving in a leadership role, workshops or conferences.
Many more details, plus tracking forms, provided upon CVA award. Also available on the website.

19. THE CVA CREDENTIAL What's in it for me?.... and my organization?
These are some of benefits CVAs have shared about their experience with the program.
Ask the participants: Why are they considering this? What would they hope to gain? How might it benefit you personally , and/or your organization/employer?

20. THE CVA CREDENTIAL Potential Benefits Increased confidence
Enhanced credibility
Learning through self- assessment
Increased commitment
Transferable validation of knowledge and skills
Affirmation of current practice
These are some of benefits CVAs have shared about their experience with the program.
Ask the participants: Why are they considering this? What would they hope to gain? How might it benefit you personally , and/or your organization/employer?

21. 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 & 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 who “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, we’ll be here to support you!

22. Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration
The CVA Credential
For more information:
Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS about the process? Or anything else I’ve covered?
Will this be the year you make it your goal?
Full details available via the CCVA website, or by contacting the office. Feel free to call or anytime.
Very willing to discuss your particular situation and questions.