By Bob Rude, PE, CVS-Life, FSAVE – Chairman, SAVE International Certification Board
As you are aware, SAVE International has been bench marking the virtual format for conducting value studies and teaching the Value Methodology Fundamentals 1 (VMF 1) course. At this time, the results are all positive. Virtual value studies are producing good results, and the pass/fail rate for the Value Methodology Associate (VMA) certification exam is the same as when courses were taught in person.
SAVE understands the need to make the virtual format a permanent part of our business model. With that being said, the SAVE Certification Board still recognizes that in-person value training remains the preferred option. Live workshop experience is encouraged to allow the Certified Value Specialist (CVS) candidate opportunity to learn team member unspoken communication cues, manage interactions between individuals and monitor individual team member engagement.
In support of continuing our CVS candidate’s progress toward certification, SAVE has extended the following temporary changes to the requirements for becoming qualified to sit for the CVS exam. In light of the continuing COVID issues, the SAVE Certification Board has approved the following changes in the qualification requirements for CVS candidates:
CVS Candidates
- The two value studies required between taking the VMF 1 and VMF 2 courses may be completed using the virtual value study format.
- All of the required 240 contact hours may be accomplished using the virtual value study format.
- The candidates’ facilitation of the three job plan phases (Function Analysis, Creativity and Evaluation) may be conducted using the virtual value study format. The CVS advisor must witness the facilitation experience using the virtual format and provide the required written documentation.
- All of the required 24 hours of facilitation training may be accomplished using virtual teaching formats.
- Virtual value studies conducted between March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 qualify for these changes.
These changes to the CVS qualifications are in effect until December 31, 2021. Candidates submitting their qualifications must clearly identify which of the certification requirements have been accomplished using the virtual format.
VMF 1 and VMF 2 Courses
- The VMF 1 course may use the virtual format from this point forward as an alternate option to in-person class teaching. Instructor submissions of pre-course materials are still required for virtual VMF 1 courses. Instructors should visit www.value-eng.org/VMF1InstructorProcedures for a list of submission requirements and other important information.
- The VMF 2 course remains not approved for the virtual format. However, both the SAVE Board and the Certification Board are reviewing the future possibilities for virtual learning.
You can find the most up to date information on changes affecting the SAVE Certification Program on the SAVE website here www.value-eng.org/CertProgVirtualChanges.
Please do not hesitate to contact the SAVE business office at info@value-eng.org if you have any questions.
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