Recertification Guidelines

Recertification Cycles

The recertification cycle starts with the notification from AVA of the CVA award based on successful completion of both credential components. Example: Individuals who were awarded their credential during 2003 will complete their first five-year recertification cycle on December 31, 2008.

Recertification Fees

At the completion of your five-year recertification cycle,  forward the required material to AVA along with the administrative fee set by AVA.  Refer to the AVA website for current recertification fees. 

When To Apply for Recertification

AVA will send you a reminder in June of the year in which you are due for recertification.  It is recommended that you submit the application for recertification no later than October 1 of that year.  AVA will make every effort to process your application within 30 days of receipt, and promptly notify you regarding your recertification.  This timeframe will ensure there is no lapse in your CVA status. 

Key Points To Remember

• CVA recertification is required every five years counted from the year you were first awarded your CVA.
• There are two required components for AVA recertification:
  1. A new personal Philosophy Statement (500 words),  reflecting new or updated perspectives on volunteerism and the profession of volunteer administration.
  2. You must earn 35 Professional Development Units (PDUs) through ongoing participation in a variety of professional development activities (see details below).
• It is your responsibility to maintain records documenting PDU activity. You should retain appropriate evidence of this activity, such as conference registration forms, certificates of completion, a letter documenting completed projects, etc. For example, a copy of the registration form and the program of an educational event are adequate documentation for such a professional development activity. Evidence of course registration and completion (e.g., a grade) would be adequate for credit and non-credit courses offered through post-secondary institutions. NOTE: This documentation is NOT forwarded to AVA unless requested.
• Activities and/or PDUs may not be carried over from one recertification cycle to another.
• You must retain documentation for all activities submitted for PDU credit for a further period of two years. AVA reserves the right to audit these records during that period; any PDUs that cannot be documented during the audit process may be disqualified.
• During any five-year recertification cycle, it is your responsibility to maintain a current address with the AVA office, preferably by renewing your AVA membership. Without current contact information, AVA cannot communicate with you regarding your recertification status.

Terminology Professional Development Unit (PDU). This is the way in which credits are earned towards recertification. A total of 35 PDUs are required for each five-year recertification cycle. One PDU is equal to one �contact hour� of 50-60 minutes for seminars, workshops, conferences, and training sessions.  Continuing Educational Unit (CEU). This is the way that post-secondary institutions in the United States accrue time towards credit courses in their programs. Some conferences, including the annual AVA conference, offer CEU credit for workshops attended. 1 CEU = 10 PDUs.

Governance of the CVA Recertification Program

The AVA Board of Directors approves all policies. The AVA Credentialing Committee recommends policy changes to the board and is responsible for procedures, guidelines and decisions related to, or impacting, the CVA program. AVA reserves the right at any time and without notice to vary the content and syllabi previously announced and to modify as seems appropriate to the facilities and arrangement for CVAs. Changes will not affect those who have paid the Recertification Fee.

CVA Registry

A CVA Registry is maintained on the AVA web site and will reflect all recertification dates.

Educational Registration

AVA provides registration for organizations interested in stating that a professional development course or workshop is eligible for CVA recertification credit. The organization must demonstrate that the course or workshop is consistent with the CVA core competencies. Registered courses may use the AVA logo and tag line in marketing professional development events. Find out more about Educational Registration.

Questions

Any questions regarding recertification requirements should be directed to the AVA office at 804-672-3353  or  [email protected]

A Checklist for Your Recertification Application

Submit the following to AVA toward the end of the 5th year of your cycle:

• Cover letter requesting recertification
• A completed PDU Summary Sheet
• Completed PDU Activity Tracking Forms 
• A 500-word Philosophy Statement 

Professional Development Categories:  How To Earn 35 PDUs

Only activities focused on volunteer administration and related topics will be considered eligible for CVA recertification. Personal development activities will not qualify.

PDUs may be earned in the following ways over the 5-year period:

• Attending workshops/seminars. One PDU is awarded for each 50-60 minute session or contact hour (including questions and answers) in topics related to volunteer resources management. A maximum of 30 PDUs can be earned in this category.  
• Post-secondary education. A maximum of 10 PDUs are awarded annually (30 PDUs maximum per recertification period) for each completed college/university level course in a topic related to volunteer resources management.
• Post-Graduate degree. Completion of advanced degree (post-graduate) during the 5-year recertification cycle in an area related to volunteer resources management equals 35 PDUs.
• Publishing. Two PDUs are awarded for each published page (8.5� X 11� with 1� margins, double spaced, and 11 point font) on a topic related to volunteer resources management. A maximum of 30 PDU credits may be earned in this category within each five-year recertification cycle.
• Public speaking/teaching. Two PDUs are awarded for each speaking/teaching presentation hour (50-60 minutes) on a volunteer resources management related topic. Credit is given only once per five-year recertification cycle, unless content is significantly varied during subsequent presentations. A maximum of 30 PDU credits may be earned in this category within each five-year recertification cycle.
• Volunteer leadership. Five PDUs are awarded for each year of volunteer leadership activities. Appropriate examples of volunteer leadership include being a director on a board of directors of a nonprofit organization, being a chair of a committee related to volunteer resource management, coaching/mentoring a junior manager of volunteer resources, or leading a community initiative related to volunteerism. A maximum of 20 PDU credits may be earned in this category within each five-year recertification cycle.
• AVA Credentialing Program leadership: Two PDUs are awarded for each year of volunteer service on the AVA Credentialing Committee or a related subcommittee.
• Volunteer management narrative. Writing a Management Narrative based on CVA Core Competencies and activity during the recertification cycle, maximum 1500 words. Ten PDU credits may be earned in this category within each five-year recertification cycle.
• Examination. Passing the CVA examination once per five-year recertification cycle  will earn 20 PDUs. If you select this option, it is your responsibility to notify AVA so that you can be scheduled for the exam.

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