HOW DOES CERTIFICATION BENEFITS ME & MY AGENCY

1. Gives you visible recognition for your accomplishments in the field. Tells others, you have achieved a nationally recognized standard.
2. Enhances the credentials of Community Action staff.
3. Provides an edge in competing for public and private grant funds.
4. Improves your professional marketability when competing for higher positions in your own agency or another CAA.
5. Establishes standards that encourage future community action leaders to carry on the quality work of the movement's founders. Future generations will benefit from your commitment to excellence today.
    

WHO IS CERTIFICATION FOR?

Certification is designed for current and emerging managers or leaders in the Community Action Profession. To achieve certification, employment in either a CAA, a delegate agency or sub-grantee of a CAA, a CSBG eligible entity, a state or regional association office, or a state community services program office is required.

HOW DO I KNOW IT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If the following describes you, then CCAP may be right for you.

1. You are a program manager, or an executive, or a supervisor, or a department head, or a deputy director. Or you are preparing yourself for this kind of position or responsibility in your agency.
2. You are committed to the vision and values of Community Action.
3. You are committed to maintaining high ethical standards of professional conduct.
4. You are willing to learn more about the history, vision and values of Community Action as well as the principles of good management, the best practices of 21^st century leadership and the current theories about poverty in America.

I AM NEW TO COMMUNITY ACTION. SHOULD I STILL CONSIDER CCAP?

I HAVE COME UP THROUGH THE RANKS AND HAVE LITTLE FORMAL HIGHER EDUCATION. CAN I STILL QUALIFY?

You may be an appropriate candidate for CCAP even if you are relatively new to Community Action and are a ready learner, or if you have “come up through the ranks” and never earned a degree. You may find it helpful to download the Candidate Data Form and “take a test run.”  If you think you can earn at least 200 points you could be ready to start.

IT ALL SEEMS SO DEMANDING. WILL THERE BE HELP FOR ME IF YOU I CHOOSE TO BECOME A CANDIDATE?

Yes. Many CCAPs have agreed to mentor new CCAP candidates. Once you become a candidate a CCAP is assigned to you as a mentor to help you through the process. In addition, some states offer ongoing technical support to candidates. In addition, the Community Action Partnership holds a training each year at the annual convention to assist CCAP Candidates in making the best of their candidacy

WHAT ARE THE STEPS?

Follow these three steps to become a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP):

1. Complete a Candidate Data Form (CDF): an accurate record of your experience as a management executive, education, involvement in national, regional, state and local Community Action activities, and in association management activities outside the CAA. The CDF must be received and postmarked no later than 3rd Wednesday in January of the year of expected certification.
2. Develop an Executive Skills Portfolio (ESP): a sample of work, structured according to specified guidelines, that documents and demonstrates your application of the vision and values of community action and contributions made as managers and leaders. The completed ESP must be submitted by the 3rd Wednesday of February of the year of expected certification.
3. Pass a Written Exam (administered annually on the 3rd Wednesday in June): A combined minimum score of 700 points on the CDF and ESP qualifies you to sit for the examination. The four hour exam is based in the community action Body of Knowledge document, which cites core areas in which candidates should be highly knowledgeable. The passing score is 70 % of the available points. The exam is offered once a year. A study guide is prepared in advance of the examination each year to assist candidates in preparing for the specific examination drawn up for that year.
    

ARE THERE COURSES I NEED TO TAKE TO BECOME A CCAP?

There are no specific “courses” that you must complete to become a CCAP. The CCAP is not tied to any particular educational program or curriculum. Participation in community action training programs and conferences at the state, regional and nation level, however, is often very helpful.