CVA. These three letters at the end your name that tell a person that you have the talent, capability, and experience that make you an expert for the task of managing volunteers. A 2012 study revealed that on a first scan, busy recruiters look at resumes for a total of six seconds. Spend your six seconds wisely. If indeed you only have six seconds, what will make a first impression that helps the recruiter figure out if you are a right fit for the job? Those 3 letters are imperative. Certification tells potential employers that you are knowledgeable, confident, and have good leadership potential. If you want to get that job, get that certification.
For me personally, having been the lead for VMPC’s Study Hall for more than five years, those three letters behind my name, provided my personal and professional credibility to participants. I felt the weight of the Study Hall lessen because of those 3 letters. I felt confident that I would make a difference because those 3 letters enhanced my self esteem. I am pleased and proud to have helped countless people achieve their CVA. I recently renewed my CVA and highly recommend the CVA Certification for everyone in the Volunteer Management Sector.
Wonderful and supportive organization leading the charge for recognition of the important work we do in our industry!
I received my CVA from the CCVA in 2019 and have recommended it to all of my colleagues! The educational resources and support from the CCVA are incredibly valuable to our field. The encouragement to learn new skills has given me and my coworkers opportunities to grow professionally as well as apply new ideas to our programs.
I have now held my CVA title for 3 years, and CCVA has been such an incredible organization to work with. Not only do they provide incredible resources to help with studying for this exam, but after completing the exam, CCVA remains in constant contact with professional development and networking opportunities. I highly recommend working with CCVA to anyone in the Volunteer Engagement profession!
After many years of studying and learning more about the volunteer administration profession, I received my Certification in Volunteer Administration a year ago. Through this process, I have been able to network with my peers, participate in many different professional development opportunities and build upon my skills and knowledge. I recommend this certification process to any of my peers in the volunteer administration field.
The CCVA organization is one of the best to work with as a volunteer professional. They do an amazing job of bringing people together from different disciplines, with varying numbers of volunteers, representing small to large budgets, and for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Within the CCVA network, you may learn from other volunteer professionals, including those outside your area of expertise, and use the ideas and information to improve your volunteer program. It's not an easy job to create a robust network like this community, but the CCVA team excels at bringing volunteer professionals together, communicating professional development opportunities, and recognizing the hard work and contributions provided by volunteer professionals.
Becoming a CVA has been one of the best Professional Development decisions I've made. I am so thankful to CCVA for having this infrastructure and support system in place to inspire, educate and build the capacity of Volunteer Administrators globally. The process, the tools they have in place allowed be as a full time working mom of two to still prioritize my own goals and successful accomplish that feat. Having been in Social Services for close to 15 years the CVA certification allowed me to gain new insights and tools. I feel so proud each time I sign off my name with the earned designation CVA. I have been able to apply so much new thinking, strategic lenses and new knowledge to the work I'm always leading in my organization to benefit volunteers and the communities I work for. CCVA is a trusted organization with a mission to strengthen the field, such a key player and a source of inspiration for volunteer managers from around the world. Thank you for all you do CCVA and keep up the great work!!!
I am a CVA and have been in the non-profit sector for over 20 years. I obtained my original certification in 2014 and renewed it with professional development units in 2019. The certification journey was and still is a proud one for me. This is an absolutely critical certification for those in the volunteer management profession. It provides the framework and the knowledge and standards to ensure your programs are of sound quality, sustainable and professional. I am proud to have the "3 initials" to follow my name, and always willing to have a conversation about the "3 initials" and the certification program. I enjoy being involved with the CCVA and encourage anyone who is new to the field of volunteer management or who have been sitting on the fence of this certification, to take the plunge. You will be glad you did.
I'm not yet a Certified Volunteer Administrator, but that is one of my goals. Having this certification helps set your program apart, showing that you want to work at the highest level. This is a great program, and I hope to get my credentials soon!
The Council serves other nonprofits - by making sure their Volunteer Administrators are well-trained. The long-reaching effects of this are immeasurable. They make other do-gooders, do-gooder.
Thanks for the good work!
Earning my CVA credential 11 years ago was a high point in my professional career, and its value has grown each time I renew. It pushes me to examine my commitment to my field and nudges (pushes? forces!) me to keep growing in my field. Beyond its personal value, I feel it also adds value to my organization and the field of volunteer administration. The faith-based organizations in which I work have a long history of involving volunteers. Volunteers greatly outnumber staff and do the majority of the hands on work. But rarely is a staff person tasked with seeing that the organization is intentionally helping their volunteers serve. In my experience, rarely do leaders of volunteers in faith-based
organizations network with their counterparts in other nonprofits. The CVA credential has helped me professionalize my role in my organization, and helps me promote healthy volunteerism practices in the faith-based world overall.
CCVA has been fantastic in not only supplying the resources and the connections needed to attain my Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) but also in connecting me to other professionals across the world. Through CCVA I've made connections that I would not have otherwise and this has even recently helped me get on another professional board.
CCVA has given me a purpose. I had no idea I could have a dedicated career in volunteer service. Networking, professional development, and a credential program are just few of the many benefits I have received as being part of CCVA. I look forward to staying connected!
So proud to have earned my certification in Volunteer Administration through this great organization. They are working hard to promote this profession and offer educational opportunities to all of us as we continue to work in this field.
LaNelle Fabian, CVA
The CCVA is an organization that encourages growth and standards for Volunteer Administrators. The Certification and re-Certification process helps Volunteer Administrators remain current in the field as standards and norms change. Additionally, the CCVA is a resource for networking and information in an ever-increasing field as the need in this world for volunteers continues to expand.
I've been involved in the volunteer management field for 20 years. Earning my CVA in 2017 has enabled me to take my knowledge, skills and abilities to a higher level. Adding the CVA credential to my job title strengthens my credibility. As a CVA I am part of a network of professionals that supports and empowers each of us to influence volunteer impacts and truly make a difference in our world through the power of volunteerism.
Feel like you’re slogging through the business of non-profit volunteer management?
Get little respect or support in what you’re doing?
CCVA & CVA can help!
I’m proud to post my certification on biz cards and resume. The resources available, the encouragement of professionals, the camaraderie of being with others in my field is supportive and helps me create a better program.
I earned my CVA in 2004. CCVA has provided opportunities for me to be active in the CVA community since, through engagement in peer review and opportunities to connect with other CVAs. The organization has adapted to the needs of members throughout the years, creating a smoother process and remote exam option, and expanding opportunity to practitioners outside of the US and Canada. The CVA designation carries with it designation of professional achievement, and the team currently working to make this happen for CCVA is very dedicated and intentional.
Not only it a great way to move the profession forward through formal accreditation, it is also a network of amazing volunteer engagement professionals that you can join and connect with. Together we learn and grow to keep ourselves up to date with leading trends and efficiencies. Wish I would have sat for my CVA sooner.
I highly recommend CCVA and the CVA certification for all my volunteer management friends. It's a great way to show your professional expertise, network, and learn new skills. I have just re-certified and the process was streamlined and easy, with very fast communication from CCVA. The leadership is great about sharing resources and opportunities with the network!
As a Volunteer Manager for the last 15 years in the nonprofit sector, I found this certification absolutely crucial to obtain. I proudly include this certification on my resume, and email signature and know it has made a difference in my job search process over the years. I studied for and passed the exam originally in 2010 and then renewed with professional development units and written essays in both 2015 and 2020. I recommend the CVA certification to any volunteer professional I come across in the field.
The Certified Volunteer Administration program teaches the level of professional practice and excellence needed to make sure volunteers' valuable time and skills are not just used effectively, but amplified. I recommend all volunteer managers/administrators seek to achieve their CVA.
I earned my CVA in 2014 and the resulting community connections and professional development opportunities have been priceless to my career success! I have enjoyed mentoring newer and applying CVAs around the world in their career paths, as well as being mentored by some long time CVAs (and CCVA textbook authors). I would not be where I am today as a consultant, speaker, and writer without achieving my CVA.
CCVA has the most dedicated community of volunteers and cause believers I have ever met. The tenure of those engaged spans years and in most cases decades. It speaks to the importance of the organizations mission/vision and the professionalism with which volunteers are engaged. In 2012, I was elated to be receiving my CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator). I spent 14 years in the nonprofit sector as a professional volunteer manager, and learned of the CVA through friends in the sector that had it or were in the process of studying. In addition, I served on the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration’s External Relations committee from 2012 - 2018, when I then transitioned to Board as Chair! I look forward to serving CCVA for many years to come in a variety of roles.
Volunteer Administration has been a key role in my nonprofit career Working with policy and program volunteers has made magic happen - impacting communities and their people who live in them. The CVA credential has lifted up the work and provided a trusted certification to support the skills and knowledge of volunteer administration. I am proud to have CVA and encourage others to get their certification.
As the director of volunteer services and spiritual care in a healthcare organization I have seen the immediate benefits of obtaining my CVA designation. Having the opportunity to network with other volunteer leaders in and out of my field has allowed me to think outside of the box in my daily role while bringing best practices to my organization.
CCVA offers many opportunities to receive ongoing education and professional development. I highly recommend to volunteer leaders, new and seasoned, pursue the CVA designation by investing in yourself and your career.
I earned my CVA 5 years ago. Doing the work for and earning this international designation was a confidence boost for me and a credibility boost for my career.
Leaning into that confidence boost led me to send in an application for the CCVA Board, which I was thrilled to be accepted onto in 2020. I'm proud to be part of a team of professionals working to advance our profession and support leaders of volunteers worldwide.
The global CVA community is growing - which means more networking and education opportunities and more doors opening for CVAs. Plus, since it's made up of folks who have made careers out of stewarding volunteers, it's a well organized, highly motivating, and sincerely supportive group.
I earned my certification in 2016 and renewed in 2021. Without a doubt, having an internationally-recognized certification of my professional knowledge, adherence to ethical standards, and experience has served to advance my career. Earning a professional certification is a marker of excellence recognized by nonprofit staff, board members, and the public.
Having my certification was instrumental in my move to a senior leadership role, granting credibility to new strategies and grounding my responses to crisis. If you're considering pursuing your CVA, I highly recommend making this investment in yourself and your career.
I cannot recommend enough the CCVA and pursuing the CVA credential. This organization has established itself in the field of volunteer administration as a thought-leader and support system for individuals looking to learn and propel their career forward. The test preparation was challenging, as it should be and the process of actually taking the test was seamless for me. Beyond the credential, the CCVA provides an opportunity for CVAs across the world to gather and network, which has been essential to my career. I could not be more proud of my CVA credential and highly recommend everyone pursue it. The resources and community are there to assist you in your journey.
As a director of volunteer services a healthcare setting, many of my clinical peers have various certifications and designations. I was able to level the playing field when I obtained my certification in volunteer administration 15 years ago. The organization provides opportunities for professional development, networking and ongoing education. Completing certification was one of the beat professional decisions I’ve made.
My professional journey has taken many twists and turns but, from an early age, I knew the value of volunteering. I knew that the experiences I could have donating my time and talent would build my confidence and also my professionalism; which it inevitably did!
When my career path took and abrupt turn in 2015, I decided to go back to school and 'level-up' in the areas I was passionate about and that included volunteering.
I turned to the CCVA for certification and I have never looked back. The organization, in partnership with the authors of the Volunteer Administration: Professional Practice textbook, provide the preeminent certification a manager of volunteers can achieve.
After studying hard and being awarded my credential, I turned to what I knew; volunteering, and joined the board in 2019.
Although I am definitely biased, the CCVA is a tremendous collection of dedicated professionals who, whether serving on the board of directors or on various committees, are seeking everyday to inspire and encourage individuals who lead volunteers in organizations all over the globe.
The CCVA is a global network of like-minded people passionate about volunteering and I am proud to serve and be a part!
In 2016, while on maternity leave, I obtained my CVA designation from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. Here are three ways obtaining the certification has already been a no brainer for me. Gosh! I only wish I had done it sooner.
1. Credibility – The CVA is the only international professional credential for volunteer engagement professionals. Obtaining the certification has already increased my credibility as a speaker, writer, professional, and mentor not only in Canada but around the world. A happy coincidence of that is that my network has exploded and I have an international community of CVAs that I can look to for help and resources.
2. Confidence – Since obtaining my CVA, I feel a renewed confidence in my ability, career prospects and options for growth and development in our field. The task of preparing, studying and sitting for the certification exam was an affirmation that I am doing work that is valuable and requires great skill. It also reinforced that this is a profession that requires constant learning, building new connections and daily work in better understanding people through a personal commitment to diversity and inclusion work.
3. Contribution – We spend our days asking people to contribute. Obtaining my CVA has allowed me to do the same for our profession. I believe in certification so much that I volunteered as a Board Member for the Council which eventually led to me being hired as Executive Director. Being able to contribute on behalf of people whose work I admire is a privilege. As a CVA, take your knowledge to ALI!VE , a DOVIA, volunteer centre or your local AVA and contribute what you can when you can.
Bringing credibility and confidence to your work and making a contribution to the profession through obtaining your CVA is one way to elevate this profession, promote professional ethics and elevate your practice.
CCVA is a shining beacon for volunteer engagement professionals when they wonder if their position is not relevant. The CCVA works tirelessly to help VEPs explore the depths of our profession and to focus on continued learning and professional development. As an organization they respond to the need of the working professional and strive for excellence in their credentialing processes. I have been a CVA for 8 years and am offered opportunities to stay engaged, grow my skillset and become an advocate for professional volunteer managers. I see a tiny glimpse of the work happening behind the scenes and am inspired by the board and executive directors drive to help as many VEPs gain their credential and impact their organization.
Attaining my CVA was an important step in my professional journey as a leader of volunteers. I have increased confidence and credibility. I also have had the opportunity to network and meet other volunteer leaders both in and out of my field. I strongly recommend individuals who are serious about staying in the field of volunteer management to work towards attaining the certification. Now, as a board member, I get to have fun while meeting CVA candidates and providing them information about how to get certified.
