The CCAP Class of 2012 at the Awards Gala at the Annual Convention in New York

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Benefits | Who should Apply | Steps | How to Apply
Upcoming Webinars | Completed Webinars | CCAP Curriculum | 2013 CCAP Study Guide

HOW DOES CERTIFICATION BENEFIT 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.

WHO ADMINISTERS THE CCAP PROGRAM?

The CCAP Program is administered by an independent body, the CCAP Commission. Members of the Commission are appointed to 3-year terms by the Partnership Board Chair as recommended by the Commission. The Commission operates according to rules that they've developed to ensure the integrity of the program. All Commissioners are CCAP's and committed to the continuous improvement and relevance of a quality program. The CCAP program is one of two Excellence Initiatives of the Partnership. It is devoted to personal achievement. The Commission meets several times per year to develop ways to expand opportunities for CCAP's for leadership and contributions to the field.

COMMISSIONERS

Chair
Tom Tenorio, CCAP
Chico, CA  

William Breidinger, CCAP Emeritus
Syracuse, NY

Lois Carson, CCAP Emeritus
Riverside, CA

Janice Daku, CCAP
East Wilton, ME

Paul Dole, CCAP
Barbourville, KY

Karen K. Lueck, CCAP
Kearney, NE

Charles McCann, CCAP Emeritus
St. Joseph, MO

Jerralynn Ness, CCAP
Hillsboro, OR

Janice Riley, CCAP
Gainesville, GA

Winston Ross, CCAP
Elmsford, NY


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. You must be in a management level position for a minimum of 24 months to qualify. To see what qualifies CLICK HERE.
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 21st century leadership and the current theories about poverty in America.

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

Just about everyone who is committed to the vision and values of Community Action and aspires to recognition for their management and leadership skills is an appropriate candidate for certification as a Community Action Professional (CCAP). Some are ready right now to enroll in the Partnership’s certification program because of their level of leadership and length of experience. Others who are newer in the field may need some help preparing for CCAP candidacy. The “Building Your Pathway to CCAP” program is designed to help those not yet ready for certification toward their CCAP goal.

To learn more about “BUILDING YOUR PATHWAY TO CCAP" click here.

To see a list of CCAPs who are ready to assist you as MENTORS en-route to CCAP click here.

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 have been in a management level position for at least 2 years (full 24 months) and if you think you can earn at least 300 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. The Partnership is developing a “Pathways to CCAP” mentoring program for anyone who desires to become a CCAP but does not meet the 2 year management level position requirement or falls short of the 300 point minimum for the Candidate Data Form. To learn more about the pathways plan, send an email request to ccapcontact@aol.com . Once you become a candidate there are many options to participate in CCAP study groups, whether by face to face meetings, or in virtual meetings. In addition, a series of webinars is presented each year by the Partnership to help candidates develop their Candidate Data Form, formulate their Executive Skills Portfolio and receive guidance about the CCAP examination. You can access upcoming and past webinars at the end of this page. The Partnership also 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 at the Community Action Partnership Office or at the CCAP e-mail address, ccapcontact@aol.com , by 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 received at the Community Action Partnership Office or at the CCAP e-mail address, ccapcontact@aol.com , 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 minimum score of 300 points on your CDF and a minimum score of 300 points on your ESP along with a combined total minimum score of 700 points for both submissions 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. And the “Pathways to CCAP” training program is highly recommended for those not yet ready for CCAP candidacy. To learn more about this program, send an e-mail message to ccapcontact@aol.com.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Download and complete the CCAP Enrollment Form Return the completed application form along with:

1. Three letters of recommendation
2. The signed Community Action Code of Ethics
3. The completed Qualifying Positions Worksheet along with
4. The required enrollment fee ($425 members & $635 non-members), and you are well on your way to earning the right to carry the banner of CCAP.  

CCAP Examination

Original air date: April 5th, 2013

Click here for the recording

Click here to view the slides

While the CDF documents Community Action experience and the ESP is the candidate's means to communicate Community Action skills, the examination is the method to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge base expected of Community Action leaders.

Objectives:

1. Identify the route to qualifying to sit for the examination
2. Understand the testing methods and types of questions used in the examination
3. Understand how source materials are to be used in preparation for the examination (the Study Guide)
4. Identify the options open to candidates to prepare for the examination

 CCAP Executive Skills Portfolio
 
Original air date: January 4, 2013
 
Click here for the recording
 
Click here to view the slides

While the CDF affords the opportunity to be recognized for experience in the field of Community Action, the second major step, the Executive Skills Portfolio (ESP), gives CCAP candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills as Community Action leaders.

Objectives:

1. Understand what qualifies as an appropriate work sample for the ESP
2. Identify the process for constructing the portfolio
3. Understand the intent of the 4 brief explanatory essays that the candidate writes to accompany the work sample
4. Understand how the ESP is evaluated by the CCAP Commission

CCAP Candidate Data Form (CDF) 

Original air date: November 30th, 2012 

Click here for the recording

Click here to view the slides

 
The CDF is the first of three major steps in becoming a CCAP. The form functions as a "fill in the blanks" resume. It provides the opportunity for CCAP candidates to be acknowledged for their experience in Community Action as a part of their qualification for CCAP certification Objectives:

1. Understand the rationale for CDF
2. Identify what qualifies for inclusion on the CDF
3. Understand the intent of each section of the CDF
4. Know the methods for CDF submission

Orientation to CCAP

Click here for a recording.

Click here to view the slides.

CCAPs (Certified Community Action Professionals) are on the front lines of leadership in Community Action. CCAP is the only national peer based certification program that recognizes the accomplishments of current and emerging Community Action leaders. This session introduces potential CCAP candidates to the intent, structure and benefits of becoming a CCAP.
Objectives:

1. Understand the benefits of CCAP for current and emerging Community Action leaders
2. Identify the qualifications for CCAP candidacy
3. Understand the general requirements for each of the steps to becoming a CCAP
4. Identify options for assistance in process of becoming a CCAP

OTHER RESOURCES

2013 CCAP Study Guide

• Study Guide
• Exam Study Guide Attachment A
• Exam Study Guide Attachment B
• 2013 Study Guide Attachment_C
• Exam Study Guide Attachment D
• Exam Study Guide Attachment E
• Exam Study Guide Attachment F
• Exam Study Guide Attachment G

2011 CCAP Convention powerpoint presentation

Community Action Body of Knowledge

Executive Skills Portfolio

CCAP Payment Form

2012 Candidate Data Form in Word 2010 format

Candidate Data Form Addendum

Complete CCAP Enrollment Guide