Engaging, mobilizing, and facilitating volunteerism; that’s your role as a volunteer leader - but should you also consider becoming Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA)?
No matter whether you’re a relatively new volunteer leader or you’ve been coordinating for years, the CVA is a strong seal of excellence in your professional portfolio. It can even improve future career opportunities and the likelihood of promotions within your organization.
But, what goes into getting this credential? Is it really worth your time?
This article provides updated information on becoming a Certified Volunteer Administrator, reflecting the current 2025 standards.
What is a Certificate in Volunteer Administration (CVA)?
The CVA, or Certified in Volunteer Administration, is the only internationally-recognized professional certification in the field of volunteer leadership and management.
Unlike other certificates one might receive by participating in a course, this certification is competency-based. This means that only individuals who meet specific standards can receive certification. By obtaining a CVA, you hold proof of commitment and expertise in the field of volunteer management.
The certification is administered by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) and is intended for people who have a strong background in volunteer leadership. The certification is awarded to those who show competency in structuring tasks, processing ideas, and problem solving related to volunteer engagement.
Upon certification, you'll join the CCVA registry, joining a community of recognized professionals.
What are the 7 Competencies of Volunteer Administration?
Volunteer leaders, as well as volunteers, come from diverse communities, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.
To standardize these best practices, the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) has updated the following 7 Competencies of Volunteer Administration:
- Plan and Design Strategic Volunteer Engagement
- Advocate for Volunteer Involvement
- Attract and Onboard Volunteers
- Prepare and Train Volunteers
- Document Volunteer Involvement
- Manage Volunteer Performance and Impact
- Recognize, Celebrate, and Sustain Volunteer Engagement
Is it Worth Getting Certified in Volunteer Administration?
While many volunteer management roles do not require a CVA in the job listing or job description, it can be favorable for potential candidates to have on their resume.
So, if it’s not a requirement, why put in the time and effort to become Certified in Volunteer Administration?
Many organizations, including international nonprofits, support the CVA. While the CVA is not a requirement on most job listings related to volunteer administration, many organizations recognize the benefits of the CVA program.
Our honest conclusion: The CVA is really designed for current volunteer administrators, directors, and leaders looking to grow professionally and build their networks internationally.
If you’ve recently been promoted to Director of Volunteer Services or seeking out that Development Officer title, a CVA may give you the leg up you need. It demonstrates to employers your dedication to the field and readiness for increased leadership responsibilities.
Some organizations now require or strongly prefer candidates with a CVA for senior-level volunteer management roles.
Some organizations may even sponsor the CVA credential, and may also include your renewal, which occurs every five years.
What are the benefits of being Certified in Volunteer Administration?
If you’re wondering whether the CVA is worth the fee, if you should hire someone with a CVA, or if you want to make the case for your organization to cover the costs - these are some top reasons you should get a CVA certification:
- Bolsters Personal and Organizational Credibility
- Demonstrates Commitment to Volunteer Leadership
- Strengthens Organization's Image
- Validates Skills and Knowledge
- Supports Professional Development
How to Get Certified in Volunteer Administration
The CVA is a professional certification program geared towards education and training of skills that build competency in volunteer management and coordination.
Eligibility
Eligibility to apply for the CVA Credential is based off of your application. You apply to take the CVA Exam, there is no course or registration.
CVA Application Requirements:
- Document your experience in volunteer engagement
- Document examples related to 7 competencies
- One letter of professional recommendation from a supervisor or colleague verifying your experience as a leader of volunteers
- Current resume
- Agree to uphold the professional ethics in volunteer administration.
Sign up for a free learning session on volunteer ethics: cvacert.org/ethics
Candidates may also submit proof of participation in DEI-related volunteer leadership training or initiatives as part of their application to demonstrate well-rounded leadership experience.
Examination
Two examination periods are offered by the CCVA, one in April and one in October.
Details for the exam timelines can be found on the CCVA website.
Preparing for the Exam
The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. The questions will test both knowledge and skills application within the field of volunteer resource management. The exam questions are scenario-based to better assess candidates' real-world decision-making in volunteer management.
The application deadline is 1 month prior to the exam. You can take the exam anywhere you have an internet connection as the exam is administered virtually and proctored through the camera in your computer. There is a practice session prior to the date of the exam to set up the technical interface and familiarize applicants with the technology.
The CCVA offers a free Self-Assessment tool for all interested candidates. Candidates may use the self-assessment tool in order to evaluate their level of knowledge and experience within each of the 7 core-competency areas. Candidates can use this to identify knowledge gaps and to build a study plan that will help them achieve success.
How to Maintain Your CVA Certification
The world of volunteer administration is constantly evolving and CVA professionals are expected to stay up-to-date on best practices in their field.
Therefore, renewal is required every 5 years in order to demonstrate ongoing professional development and commitment to the field of volunteer leadership.
Renewal Criteria:
- A personal reflection statement that communicates your updated perspectives on volunteerism and the volunteer administration field.
- Documentation of your continued commitment to volunteer engagement through professional development and volunteering.
- At least 2 of the last 5 years (nonconsecutive) spent leading volunteers.
- Reaffirm your agreement to uphold the professional ethics in volunteer administration.
It is the responsibility of the volunteer leader to document renewal activity. Records of this activity might include conference registration forms, certificates of completion, course registration and completion, etc.
Pro Tip: Get Connected's Innovative Approaches to Volunteer Leadership webinars count towards the renewal criteria. These free webinars also offer a free downloadable Certificate of Attendance that you can keep for your records! Register for one of our upcoming free volunteer leadership webinars here
In summation, the CVA is the only internationally-recognized professional credential for volunteer administrators. Volunteer leaders who seek this accreditation are among the most dedicated to their field, and it’s a clear indication of a person who is invested in the development of themselves, their organization, and their community.
For more information on getting Certified in Volunteer Administration, you can sign up for one of CCVA's free monthly information sessions.
Dig deeper into professional development for volunteer engagement leaders in this interview with Faiza Venzant, CVA, Executive Director of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).
