CVA Certification
Support & Community

Better Impact is proud to support volunteer administrators who are pursuing the Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential.

The CVA certification program, including the certification process and exam, is owned and administered by Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), Better Impact is not the owner or administrator of the CVA certification or testing process.

Our role is to cultivate a supportive network of volunteer administrators and provide resources, connections, and opportunities to help professionals grow in their practice—including those preparing for the CVA.

Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration seal
Connect.
Learn.
Prepare.
Grow.

As part of Better Impact's community of volunteer engagement professionals, volunteer administrators can access opportunities such as:

CVA Study Groups

Connect with fellow volunteer professionals to share resources, discuss key concepts, and stay accountable while preparing for the exam.

Peer Connection & Support

Learn from other volunteer administrators and exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices.

Scholarship Opportunities

Explore available opportunities to help offset the cost of professional development and CVA preparation.

Practical Resources

Access tools, conversations, and learning opportunities designed to support your continued growth as a volunteer engagement professional.

Important: For official information about CVA requirements, applications, testing, and certification, please visit the CVA website.

Visit CVA Program (CCVA)

The Tony Goodrow
CVA Scholarship

Supporting leaders of volunteers by reducing financial barriers to CVA certification and recognition.

Applications for the fall 2026 and spring 2027 cycle have closed. Please check back during Volunteer Appreciation Week for the next exam cycle.

Year one
13
scholarships awarded to Better Impact admins taking their CVA exam
Details:
Full coverage of the CVA exam fee (400$USD)
Open to Better Impact clients and non clients
First time CVA exam writers only
No repayment
Up to 10 scholarships per year
CVA badge

CVA Badge

Already earned your CVA? Let the community know. Better Impact customers using Volunteer Impact can display the CVA badge on their profile.

Showcase your achievement
Build credibility with your peers
Inspire and mentor others
Request your CVA badge

CVA Online Study
Group

Connect, learn and prepare alongside other volunteer management professionals.

Better Impact hosts two online study groups a year—leading up to each exam window.

Sessions are 9 weeks in length and open at no cost to users of the Better Impact suite of products.

Lead by Better Impact staff who have their CVA's and experience in volunteer administration
Focus on the Seven Competencies of Volunteer Administration
Discuss key concepts, share resources, and learn from each other
Spots are limited!
Ready to join?

Register your interest and we'll be in touch with dates for the next session.

Have questions? Email us at cva@betterimpact.com

CVA Online Study Groups: two opportunities each year

Better Impact hosts two 9-week CVA Study Groups each year. Each group is timed to finish just as the corresponding CVA exam window begins.

Spring CVA Study Group
Spring CVA Study Group
Take the exam in April
Registration closes
December 31
9-week study group
January – March
CVA exam window
Applications to CVA to take the exam due March 1
Fall CVA Study Group
Fall CVA Study Group
Take the exam in October
Registration closes
June 30
9-week study group
August – September
CVA exam window
Applications to CVA to take the exam due September 1

Questions about becoming a CVA

Thinking about pursuing the Certified in Volunteer Administration credential? We've gathered answers to common questions to help you understand what the CVA is, where to find official information, and how Better Impact can support your preparation.

What is the CVA?

The Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is an international professional credential for people who lead, manage, and support volunteer engagement.

This certification recognizes professionals who demonstrate knowledge and competency in volunteer administration. The CVA exam is competency-based and focuses on applying knowledge and skills to real-world volunteer engagement situations.

Visit CCVA for more information →
Who is the CVA for?

The CVA is designed for anyone whose work involves leading, managing, or supporting volunteers. If volunteer engagement is a meaningful part of your role, this credential may be a strong fit.

Because CCVA establishes the eligibility requirements, we recommend reviewing the most current requirements before you apply.

Who administers the CVA credential and exam?

The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) administers the CVA credential and sets the requirements for certification and examination.

Better Impact provides education and resources to help professionals prepare, but we do not administer or award the CVA credential.

Visit CCVA for more information →
When are the CVA exams offered?

CCVA currently offers two testing cycles each year.

Spring: April 1–14, with applications due March 1
Fall: October 1–14, with applications due September 1

Please note. exam dates and deadlines may change, so please check CCVA's current certification page before planning your application or preparation schedule.

Visit CCVA for more information →
How should I prepare for the CVA exam?

A helpful first step is to learn more about the CVA credential and exam process by attending a CVA Information Session. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the certification, eligibility requirements, application process, exam, and what to expect as a candidate.

Register for an upcoming CVA Information Session →

You can also review the official resources provided by CCVA, including the Body of Knowledge and Competency Framework, self-assessment tool, sample exam questions, suggested references, and other study materials.

As you prepare, you may also find it helpful to create a study schedule, join a study group, review real-world volunteer management scenarios, and practice applying concepts rather than simply memorizing information.

Visit CCVA for more information →
Does Better Impact offer CVA exam preparation study group?

Yes. Better Impact offers CVA Exam preparation Study Group twice each year to support professionals preparing for the CVA exam.

Our training is designed to help you:

Review the major concepts and competencies covered by the exam
Connect exam content to real-world volunteer administration
Practice applying knowledge to scenarios
Identify areas where additional study may be helpful
Build a structured approach to exam preparation
Connect with other professionals preparing for the CVA

The training is intended to complement CCVA's official resources, not replace them.

For additional questions about participating in the Better Impact study group contact cva@betterimpact.com.

When does Better Impact offer the CVA Exam Preparation Training?

Better Impact offers CVA Exam Preparation Training twice each year. Spring registration opens December 1, and Fall registration opens June 1.

Our next training application will open on [XX]. Stay tuned for upcoming dates, registration details, and additional information about the next training session.

Do I have to participate in a study group to take the CVA exam?

No. Better Impact's study group is optional. It is available for candidates who would like additional structure, instruction, and support as they prepare.

CCVA determines the requirements for applying for and taking the CVA exam, so candidates should review CCVA's current eligibility and application requirements directly.

Does Better Impact's training guarantee that I will pass the CVA exam?

No. No preparation course can guarantee a passing result.

The CVA exam is administered and scored through CCVA's certification process. Our goal is to help you feel more prepared, strengthen your understanding of the material, and approach the exam with greater confidence.

How much does the CVA exam cost?

The CVA exam fee is set by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) and may change over time. For the most current exam fee, application costs, and any additional fees, please visit CCVA's official certification information before applying.

Visit CCVA for more information →

The CVA Study Group is offered at no additional cost to current Better Impact Suite customers. A fee may apply for non-customers. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Are there scholarships available to help cover the cost of the CVA exam?

Financial assistance may be available through CCVA or other organizations, depending on the current funding opportunities. Because scholarship availability and eligibility can change, we recommend checking CCVA's website for the most current information about financial assistance.

If you're planning to pursue your CVA, keep an eye out for Better Impact's annual CVA Scholarship opportunity.

Learn more about the Tony Goodrow scholarship →
Where should I go for official information or additional questions about the CVA exam?

CCVA should be your first stop for official CVA information, including eligibility requirements, application details, testing windows, exam policies, and certification updates.

Visit CCVA for more information →
Still have questions? Contact our team at cva@betterimpact.com
Coming soon

From our CVA community

We're proud of the administrators who invest in their professional growth. Here's what some of our CVA Study Group participants have to say.

Read their stories (coming soon)
Not sure where to start?

We're here to help you find the right resource for your CVA journey.

Contact us