Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) Initial Certification
How to apply:
- Read the 2026 CVA Handbook and attend a free information session to understand what is required to apply for the exam.
- Make sure you are familiar with the Body of Knowledge and Competencies as you will be asked about them on the application form.
- Gather your reference letter and a current resume in PDF format. You will need to upload these as part of the application.
- Make your exam payment using one of the links on the bottom of this page by September 1, 2026.
- After you make your payment, apply for the exam by September 1, 2026. using the application form located HERE.
2026 Exam Dates & Deadlines
| Application & Payment Due | Exam Window |
| March 1, 2026 | April 1-14, 2026 |
| September 1, 2026 | October 1-14, 2026 |
Regular Exam Fee
$400
(for payments made by the application deadline)
Late Exam Fee
$450
(for payments or applications submitted after the application deadline)
Exam Retest Fee
$125
(for payments made by the application deadline)
Late Exam Retest Fee
$175
(for payments or applications submitted after the application deadline)
Exam Fee for Current CVAs taking the exam for credit toward renewal
$125
NOTE: Payments are made online via credit card using PayPal. They must be received by the application deadline for each exam session.
You may contact us at info@cvacert.org for alternate payment arrangements.
Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) Renewal
In the constantly changing contemporary work environment, the standard of best practices in volunteer management must remain at the highest level of expertise possible. Professionals in all fields are expected to be fully up-to-date in their chosen area of expertise. Employers and customers alike have high expectations of the services provided by certified professionals. Renewal of the CVA credential is required every five years to demonstrate continuing professional development and to retain the right to use the professional appellation, CVA.
Additional CVA Renewal Resources including articles and videos are located on the Resources page
How to renew your CVA credential in 2026.
1. The CVA renewal process is changing. Watch a video detailing this change.
2. Find the correct guidelines and tracking form for your renewal on our Resources page.
3. Provide payment using the link below prior to December 1, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Complete submissions (documentation and payment) by May 31, 2026 qualify for the early bird rate of $150. Renewals submitted between June 1 and December 1, 2026 qualify for the full rate of $200. Late submissions will incur a $50 late fee.
4. Make your submission via this online form
NOTES:
- This form cannot be saved as a draft.
- Once you’ve started filling out this form, you will need to complete it.
- You will need to upload all your forms.
- They should be separate PDFs that are no larger than 10MB each.
- Please remember to keep CCVA informed of your current contact information.