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.
Article Contents:
- What is a Certificate in Volunteer Administration (CVA)?
- What are the 7 Competencies of Volunteer Administration?
- Is it Worth Getting Certified in Volunteer Administration?
- How to Get Certified in Volunteer Administration
- How to Maintain Your CVA Certification
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.
As of 2025, the certification exam has been updated to better reflect the evolving field of volunteer engagement, with a greater emphasis on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices and strategic volunteer leadership.
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?
World wide organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way Worldwide support the CVA. While the CVA is not a requirement on most United Way job listings related to volunteer administration, the website’s blog did tout 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.
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.
What are the benefits of the Being Certified in Volunteer Administration?
If you’re wondering whether the CVA is worth the fee, or you want to make the case for your organization to cover the costs, these are some of the benefits of 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 a points system.
CVA Registration Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience related to volunteer administration or resources management
- Minimum 30% of the candidate’s current position dedicated to volunteer administration
- Documentation of training and experience in the field
- One letter of professional recommendation from a supervisor or colleague verifying the candidate’s eligibility to apply
New for 2025: Candidates may now 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 the Spring and one in the Fall.
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 will be administered virtually, and you take it from the comfort of your office or home.
Starting in 2025, the exam will now include scenario-based questions to better assess candidates' real-world decision-making in volunteer management.
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, recertification is required every 5 years in order to demonstrate ongoing professional development and commitment to the field of volunteer leadership.
Recertification Criteria:
- A new personal philosophy statement that communicates your updated perspectives on volunteerism and the volunteer administration field. (Now required for recertification starting in 2025.)
- Documentation of at least 35 hours of professional development (up from 30 hours previously required).
Participation in at least one DEI-focused volunteer engagement training or initiative (new for 2025 to align with CCVA's expanded focus on inclusive volunteer leadership).
What qualifies as a Professional Development Unit?
One PDU is equal to one “contact hour” of continuing education that lasts 50-60 minutes. Volunteer leaders must log 35 PDUs to gain recertification within a 5 year window.
The following are examples of acceptable activities that qualify as Professional Development Units:
- Volunteer Leadership
- Five PDUs may be earned for volunteer leadership activities. These include serving on a board of directors, being a committee chair related to volunteer management, coaching or mentoring junior volunteer leadership professionals, or leading a community initiative related to volunteerism.
- A total of 30 PDUs may be earned within this category for recertification.
- Teaching or Lecturing
- Two PDUs may be awarded for each speaking/teaching presentation that is on a volunteer-related topic and lasts 50-60 minutes.
- A maximum of 30 PDUs may be earned in this category during the recertification cycle.
- Publishing Content
- Two PDUs are awarded for each published page on a topic related to volunteer management.
- A maximum of 30 PDU credits can be earned in this category during the 5 year recertification cycle.
- Post-graduate Degree
- A post-graduate degree is equal to 35 PDUs during the five year recertification cycle
- CVA Leadership
- Two PDUs are awarded for each year of voluntary service on a CVA Committee.
- Volunteer Management Narrative
- Ten PDUs may be earned within this category during the recertification cycle
- Workshops or Seminars
- A maximum of 30 PDUs can be earned in this category.
- Examination
- You can earn 20 PDUs by passing the CVA examination during the five year recertification cycle.
- Post-secondary Education
- A maximum of 10 PDUs can be earned annually for each college or university level course in volunteer resources management.
It is the responsibility of the volunteer leader to document PDU activity. Records of this activity might include conference registration forms, certificates of completion, course registration and completion, etc.
Pro Tip: Volunteer Management Insider webinars qualify as a PDU. These free webinars also offer a free downloadable certificate of attendance that you can keep for your records! Review our most recent volunteer leadership webinars or sign up for a future information session.
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, please visit the CCVA website.
