I was certified as a CVA in 2008 and am currently serve as a board member. Getting the CVA credential has helped me professionally and I’m grateful for all the work that CCVA continues to do to professionalize our field.
I'm proud to be on the board and the executive leadership for CCVA. I'm able to see behind the curtains how much intentional dedication and compassion comes from the CCVA team in support of our interested parties including current and future certificants as well as the volunteer engagement profession as a whole.
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CCVA is a great organization that is a leader in the volunteer engagement field. They are good stewards of their pool of CVAs in supporting them not only through certification but also through their careers.
I'm proud to be a Board Member with the CCVA and to hold my CVA since 2022. The organization works hard to elevate the volunteer engagement profession, and my dedicated board member colleagues and I are excited to help the organization grow and extend its reach. Before 2021, I had barely heard of the CCVA, but the great efforts of the team have continued to bring the CCVA to more people!
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Applying for my CVA was a straightforward process clearly backed by a thoughtful approach to volunteer engagement across the non-profit sector. I felt supported in the process of preparing for the exam, and feel celebrated as a new CVA myself. The Council does an excellent job raising the profile of the certification and ensuring others are well prepared to join in!
Millions of Americans volunteer and hundreds of thousands of us lead these volunteers to meet the needs of our communities. We have always taken this professional work seriously but have often been overlooked as a professional field. CCVA plans to change that, establishing just how complex volunteer administration is, how deserving it is of being a recognizable career field, and ensuring a standard for professionalism and credentialing exists. Well done - I share that I'm a proud CVA with everyone I meet!
As a CVA with nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, I understand the significance of professional certifications. My journey as a CVA began in 2020 when I obtained my original certification.
The CVA designation is a critical credential for those in the field of volunteer management. It equips professionals with the necessary framework, knowledge, and standards to ensure that volunteer programs operate at their optimum level. I look forward to many years of being part of such a wonderful organization of professionals.
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I received my CVA from the CCVA in 2021 and to this day it is the best decision I have made for my professional development. It has given me the confidence to stand behind my decisions as a Volunteer Programs Manager and allows me to grow my skill set and share my expertise with others in the field. Their professional development and networking available even after certification is invaluable and I look forward to working alongside them for the rest of my career.
When I first entered the world of volunteer administration after years in a voluntary leadership capacity my first goal was to demonstrate and enhance my knowledge and skill base. Following much research into a variety of programs, I discovered the world of the CVA. I first obtained my certification in 2018 following a period of learning and developing my skillsets. I thought I set to go, having demonstrated my desire to learn and ensure the program I was responsible for was the best it could be. Little did I know what was in store. As a CVA, I found a treasure trove of amazing individuals that created a wonderful network of peers, supports and knowledge to this day. The ongoing connections and opportunities to learn continue to keep my growth going. The CCVA has made such an impression on me that I am now a board member with a group of amazing people.
I obtained my CVA in '17 and renewed in '22. This is an excellent organization, and becoming certified is something that I would recommend to any professional in this field. Just going through the application process focused my thinking about the field and what I hoped to achieve with my work. The network of support is outstanding, for both applicants and CVAs.
My journey with the profession of volunteer administration goes back a distance, to before CCVA. Emerging from the passion that professionals had for a solid credential backed by research and practice, CCVA took ahold of the challenge and has advanced the profession. As co-editor of the CCVA endorsed textbook and now as a board member, I have witnessed first hand the commitment by CCVA to ensure that our professionals have the skills to be successful champions in our communities... worldwide.
Hi, you don't know me, but my name is Michele and I live in Mississippi. Over the past 14 months it has been my privilege to be a board member for Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA). Over and over, I notice some minor miracles occurring in this organization. For example, board members actually attend meetings. They read the materials, and they show up informed and ready to participate. They freely and actively share their creativity, their knowledge, their time, and their goodwill. In my 25 years of sitting on boards (and being the executive director under boards), I've never seen anything like it. Now, I wake up each day asking "What can I do to help CCVA serve the needs of volunteer managers?" As my own attitude has become more positive, I feel I've also become a better board member, a better manager of volunteers, and a more committed CVA credential holder... and the cycle continues. Thank you, CCVA - I'm grateful for the win/win we are creating together!
CCVA is a family of professionals that have the skills and knowledge to empower community. By supporting professional development and the evolution of the profession itself, CCVA is a true agent for change. As a CVA holder, I know that I can help engage volunteers in fulfilling the mission of the organization. Moreover, I have the confidence to build solid relationships that are the foundation of a volunteer program.
Earning my CVA contributed greatly to my confidence and credibility in my role as a volunteer administrator. The CCVA has a tremendous network of amazing professionals from around the world and I am privileged to work with so many of them.
The work CCVA does to promote the profession and its ethics is so vital to our work. After years of working in volunteer administration, I'm so glad I went for my certification. CCVA made the process very smooth. Thank you for all you do for volunteer administration professional around the world.
The examination process was smooth and ordered. I appreciate the opportunity to be a CVA through the Council.
Earning my CVA helped me to gain confidence, better understand my role, and demonstrate knowledge to employers. I was able to stand out as a candidate, and get a job at an organization that aligned with my passion and values. It's also created opportunities and connections in other unexpected ways.
Getting my CVA helped my gain confidence within my role. I knew that my job was all encompassing, but breaking it down to over 70 sections to master helped relay to my management how much it takes to be a leader of volunteers. It was also helpful in establishing a more concrete community of leaders of volunteers for me, all who are clearly full of pride for their jobs.
The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration is such a great non-profit that supports so many volunteer engagement professionals across the globe. The team works hard to ensure that leaders in the industry have the support for certification. I'm very thankful for all of the knowledge and experience that I have gained in my time as a CVA and thankful for the opportunity to serve on the board.
The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) has been a huge part of my professional career as a volunteer manager. I have 25+ years of experience in the field and have held the CVA credential for 15 of those years. Using the internationally-recognized designation "CVA" behind my name lends credibility, prestige, and ensures the highest ethical standards for all the nonprofits I assist with volunteer management plans, recruitment, and recognition events. Since I earned my CVA I have won a Hometown Hero award and a Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award for volunteer service in Jackson, Mississippi. Thank you, CCVA, for being a leader in this field and for encouraging me to achieve more and more!
I am so pleased to have this opportunity to personally and professionally endorse the CCVA! The work that my colleagues in volunteer engagement do has huge multiplier effects on communities and society. At the same time our profession has been abysmally overlooked by non-profit leadership. The CCVA helps shine a spotlight on the competencies required by this important and complex role, by ensuring that practitioners are performing at their highest standards and ethics. And it helps ensure that volunteer engagement professionals are continually developing their skills and knowledge, so that they can better support the organizations and the communities where they work.
Writing my CVA exam in 2020 not only consolidated my knowledge and skills, but gave me the confidence that I could practice this work in any non-profit setting or sector that I found myself in. So impressed I was by my learning journey that I encouraged my own provincial association for volunteer engagement professionals in Ontario, PAVRO, to align with the CCVA in offering the CVA to our members and to discontinue offering our own homegrown credential, the CVRM (while still offering recertification).
For our profession there is strength in numbers and the more of us with this credential, the greater our capacity to advocate for more equitable and effective volunteer engagement in our communities, and the more that non-profit employers will require this valuable credential of their staff. Thank you to the CCVA for everything you do to elevate the profession and by extension, everything you do to strengthen civil society and improve quality of life in our communities.
I am so proud to have earned (and renewed) my certification. CCVA continues to encourage my professional development and advocates for excellency in the field of volunteer administration.
Being part of CCVA has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The support I have received from other like-minded professionals has guided me in my role as an Engagement Specialist within Volunteer Services at our land conservation non-profit. From learning opportunities to networking events, CCVA is my 'go to' whenever I am looking for additional guidance.
CCVA does incredible work progressing the field of volunteer engagement. They help to set important standards of ethics for the field and elevate the profession. Volunteer managers often work alone in departments of one or a few people, so the CCVA provides an essential opportunity to network and share best practices across the field.
Earning my CVA credential is one of my most proud career milestones. CCVA made is easy to not only find the information I needed, but also provides resources available and even offered informational webinars to help me fully prepare. Above all, what I am most grateful for about CCVA is that it does so much to build a community of professionals with volunteers in their care.
I am so grateful that CCVA exists to provide support, training, and a community for leaders of volunteers. Obtaining my CVA is one of the best professional decisions I ever made. They provide on-going support and encouragement and also advocate for the field of Volunteer Management, lending credibility to the work we do as volunteer management professionals.
CCVA provides a welcoming environment for leaders of volunteers through community, professional development, and job seeking advice.
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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.
I truly appreciate the word of CCVA to greater professionalize and standardize the field of volunteer administration! Last year, I took the CVA exam (administered by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration). CCVA's staff and volunteers got me interested in the process and helped to connect me to others who had studied for and taken the exam.
Overall, studying and getting my CVA through CCVA has made me a stronger, more innovative and ethical leader of volunteers.
Their continuing education opportunities have helped me learn more about change management, risk management, ethics, leading volunteers, and DEIA.
CVA. Those 3 little letters behind my name add credibility to what I do every day in the field of volunteer engagement. But maybe more importantly, as someone who never completed college, it gives me the confidence that I know what I'm doing when I stand up before a room of my peers to present at a conference or am in a roomful of my co-workers and they are looking to me to better understand what makes a volunteer tick. I earned my CVA in 2017 and am in the process of renewing it. The CCVA works with volunteer engagement professionals before and after the process, but the mentoring and support doesn't stop there - they offer relevant and thought-provoking speakers and webinars to keep us up-to-date in our field. I've been in the field for over 28 years, and I've never felt so supported in all my career.
I recently earned my CVA, and was impressed with the organization and support provided by CCVA during that process. Their communication was quick and thorough, and the requirements were clear and easy to navigate. I am looking forward to becoming involved with this organization which endeavors to promote such an important profession and skill set.
I received my CVA in 2009 and have renewed twice since then. I have one more renewal before I retire from the field of volunteer engagement. I was working in this field long before I received my CVA. It had been a personal and professional goal of mine to earn my CVA. When I did, that certification represented a validation of my work, my dedication to best practice, and my place shoulder to shoulder with some amazing other CVAs. It carries with it the responsibility and honor of supporting my fellow CVAs and the Association, and encouraging those who are working toward their own CVA goals.
As a professional leader of volunteers I have greatly appreciated having the CVA certification. This credential demonstrates my commitment to the field, provides an independent assessment of my skills and experience, and connects me with a tremendous range of other experts who share their knowledge and best practices freely. I am proud to be a CVA! (Suzanne H.)
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 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.