- Registration for the 2005 cycle is now closed.
- Registration for the 2006 cycle begins October 1, 2005 and
ends March 1, 2006.
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General Information
Introduction
Introduction
The �Certified in Volunteer Administration� (CVA) credential is offered
by the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA) for practitioners in
volunteer resources management.
Unlike many �certificate� or certification programs being offered by
colleges and universities, the AVA professional credentialing program is
performance-based. It is not intended to teach individuals how to
manage volunteers effectively. Rather, it is designed to measure an
individual�s �knowledge-in-use� � the application of knowledge and skills
by those with real-life experience in this role. This includes the
assessment of a candidate�s ability to structure tasks, produce ideas and
solve problems.
The AVA Professional Credentialing Program:
- is voluntary
- is performance-based
- is grounded in core competencies and
standards developed by colleagues and peers in the field
- defines volunteer administration as a
profession
- provides a vehicle for periodic updating of
best practices
- is open to individuals with either salaried or non-salaried
experience from any type of organization.
Core Competencies
Individuals pursuing the CVA credential are
expected to demonstrate successfully their knowledge and ability to apply skills required for competent volunteer management,
based on their actual performance in the role. Five core
competencies have been identified that serve as a foundation for
this profession, regardless of the setting or type of organization where
volunteers are at work.
The five core competencies identified by AVA
are:
The Value of the CVA Credential
Benefits for the individual practitioner:
Benefits to organizations/agencies/employers:
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�Achieving my CVA increased my level of confidence in myself and
the job. This benefited both me and my organization as I spoke
with greater authority.�
� Sue Wood, CVA, Calgary, Alberta
Canada |
The Credentialing Process
A two-part measurement methodology has been designed to demonstrate a
candidate�s knowledge and application of the core competencies.
Eligibility
Individuals wishing to become credentialed by AVA must meet these
requirements in order to register as a candidate:
Fees
AVA Members: $
179 US
Non-Members: $ 300 US
Cost of Reference
Materials: (approx. $75 US)
Recertification
Recertification is required every five years in order to maintain the
CVA credential. Individuals are expected to earn Professional
Development Units (PDUs) through a variety of activities that demonstrate
they are active in the field and continuing to learn and develop as a
professional.
How To Begin the AVA Credentialing Process
The 2006 registration period is October
1, 2005 to March 1, 2006.
Once registered, CVA candidates
may start the process with either the portfolio
or the examination. However, they are required to sit for the exam in May of
that year. Both the portfolio and the exam must be completed by December 31,
2006. To begin:
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Obtain the CVA Candidate Handbook from the AVA web site or by contacting
the AVA office by phone, fax or e-mail. There is no charge for
the handbook.
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Complete the registration forms in
the Handbook and return them to the AVA office with fee payment and
reference letters.
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�I was already a CVA when I interviewed for
this position. The organization was very impressed that I was
certified in volunteer administration and added this as a requisite to the
job description. My boss has said many times that certification in any field
brings instant credibility.�
� Audrey U. Larkin, CVA,
Louisville, KY USA |
For questions, please contact the Association for Volunteer
Administration
Download the Candidate Handbook and
Registration Form.
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