Developed and offered by the Commission, this course is designed for everyone responsible for designing, implementing, or sponsoring volunteer programs. It is built around the novice level competencies for managers of volunteers.
Over the past 25 years the profession of managing volunteers has gathered steam. Realizing that the skills and knowledge of managers of volunteers are similar, if not the same, as other professionals, practitioners and academics began a systematic process of creating competencies for managers of volunteers.
Starting with a fundamental Code of Ethics, the Council for the Certification of Volunteer Administration has developed sets of competencies that include ethics, advocacy, human resources, operations, and leadership.
The course runs for 6 weeks and is offered at least twice a year -- once in the spring and once in the fall. Most sessions are proctored by Commission staff.
The Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is the only international professional certification in the field of volunteer resources management.
Originally developed by the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA) several decades ago, the program is now sponsored by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).
Individuals who want to earn this credential must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Minimum of the equivalent of three years 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.
The voluntary CVA credential reflects mastery of the knowledge required of practitioners in this field as measured through an exam and peer assessment process.
Overview from the Council of the CVA (PDF)
For details and to apply to be a candidate, visit the CVA website.