Certification Forum: Introduction of the New Certification Program

By Bob Rude, PE, CVS-Life

If you were not able to attend the 2016 Value Summit presentation of the new Certification Program at the Certification Forum, we want to take this opportunity to introduce you to the many changes.

First of all, the new certification program is transitioning from an experienced-based program to a core-competency based program. Nine function based core competencies form the central focus of the plan. Spread throughout these nine competencies are forty learning objectives. These are detailed in the table shown below.

Over the next few months we will be sending new teaching materials for use by the Module I and II instructors detailing the lesson plans for each of the learning objectives to be addressed in their courses. In June of 2017, we will begin testing for these learning objectives in the VMA and CVS exams.

Another component of the new program is the transition plan over the next four years. This four year plan is detailed below for your use. Key changes are:

• AVS is now replaced with VMA (Value Methodology Associate).
• Recertification is replaced with Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
• First time CVS qualifications are simplified.
  Annual renewal fee and biannual (every 2 years) PDHs will be required.
• Looking more closely at the transition to the new VMA,

AVS is now replaced with VMA.

• AVS is no longer issued as of June 1, 2016.
• The current AVS exam will be used for the next year and the VMA certification will be issued to those passing the exam.
• All AVS certifications will be transitioned out by June 2020. Existing AVS’ will have the option to change to the VMA or pursue their CVS.
• Certification will be Competency Based. The VMA will not teach and test on all nine of the core competencies. The VMA candidate will be expected to demonstrate a limited working knowledge of the core competencies.
• Starting June 2017, 8 hours of professional development will be required every 2 years.

Looking at the changes to the CVS certification. The initial CVS certification is changing.

• Will address all nine of the core competencies.
• The practice requirements of 480 contact hours from a minimum of 12 value studies will be restructured to simplify candidates’ access to the required experience activities.
• Only one CVS certification will be issued. The academic and program manager tracts are eliminated.
• Future exams will be multiple choice and computer based.
• Starting June 2017, 40 hours of professional development will be required every 2 years.

We are working to develop the many details for implementing this new certification plan. We will be explaining these steps in additional Value World articles to come. We hope this introduction is helpful for you. If you have any thoughts and communication regarding the plan, please send them to Melissa Baldwin at SAVE International headquarters info@value-eng.org.

We want to hear from our members how you use any of the Core Competencies. We Invite you to write an article on any of the Core Competencies and give us some practical example too.