CAVS: The Gold Standard in Healthcare Volunteer Leadership

In a world where volunteerism continues to shape healthcare communities, professional certifications in volunteer management are becoming a key asset for individuals looking to make a greater impact in their organization. One such recognized credential is the CAVS (Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services) designation. CAVS is a professional certification designed for individuals in the field of healthcare volunteer management. It provides formal recognition of a person's expertise in coordinating, leading, and supporting volunteers within healthcare organizations and aims to set a high standard of healthcare volunteer management services worldwide.

The CAVS certification is awarded by The Beryl Institute. Since 2015, The Beryl Institute has been committed to the improvement of patient experience through continuing education and professional certification and has been a cornerstone in the development of the field of patient experience. The Institute’s Credentialing Center offers the CAVS professional designation, which is achieved by completing and passing the CAVS online examination. It also approves and provides Patient Experience Continuing Education Credits (PXEs) to support the professional development efforts of individuals committed to continued personal and professional growth in healthcare volunteer services management.

The mission of the CAVS certification is to strengthen the healthcare volunteer management profession, foster a culture of service, and enhance the quality of volunteer programs across diverse sectors of our healthcare systems. Since its inception, CAVS has gained significant traction worldwide. Today, we have candidates pursuing their CAVS certification in multiple countries worldwide, demonstrating its broad appeal and the universal need for skilled healthcare volunteer professionals.

Eligible candidates must have at least two years of paid healthcare volunteer management experience in a healthcare organization. Applicants often hold roles such as a Volunteer Coordinator, Manager, or Director.

The certification process follows these three steps:

1. Application: Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates must submit an application detailing their experience, educational background, and volunteer management skills, along with $375 examination fee, which includes a $100 non-refundable application fee.
2. Examination: After applying, candidates must pass an examination assessing their knowledge of volunteer services management, as outlined in the CAVS Handbook.  The CAVS exam is offered twice a year, in January and July.  Application deadlines are due by November 21 for the January exam and May 21 for the July exam each year.
3. Continuing Education: Once certified, individuals must complete continuing education to maintain their certification, ensuring they stay current with industry trends and best practices in volunteer management and human experience.

For professionals in the healthcare volunteer management field, the CAVS certification stands as a mark of excellence. It enhances career prospects, builds professional credibility, and opens doors for networking with other certified professionals. Additionally, it serves as a reflection of a commitment to quality healthcare volunteer management and effective community service, ensuring the best human experience possible throughout our healthcare systems. 

Those who have pursued CAVS certification highlight its significance in their careers and the broader healthcare community:

“I am proud to hold the CAVS certification. It’s an outward sign of my commitment to this industry, to supporting leaders who come behind me, and ensuring the importance of our work is always known and visible.”  

Alex Seblatnigg, CAVS, CPXP
Director of Volunteer Services and Internal Engagement , Shepherd Center 

“I am proud and honored to have the CAVS certification.  I have held this distinction since 2014.  Having my CAVS certification is important as it indicates I have the body of knowledge on healthcare volunteer management.  I feel well versed in program development, management of volunteers, departmental operations, budget planning, and legal/risk matters.  Having this certification acknowledges my commitment to the volunteer profession, my ongoing desire to continue to take educational opportunities available and provided the avenue to always want to continually advocate for volunteers in healthcare.”

Linda Fisher, CAVS
Regional Director, Medical Center of the Rockies/
Poudre Valley Hospital/Greely Hospital 

Whether you're an experienced healthcare volunteer manager looking to formalize your skills or someone new to the field aiming to grow, the CAVS certification is a valuable asset that can help you make a lasting impact. With a strong network of certified professionals and a process designed to build expertise, pursuing this credential is an investment in both your future and the communities you serve.

To learn more about the CAVS certification and get started on your professional designation journey, please visit our website The Beryl Institute Credentialing Center to learn more details about the designation’s development, exam process, and recertification requirements. We are currently accepting applications through May 21, 2025, for the July 2025 exam window. 

If you’d like more information, join us on a free webinar March 5 at 10:00 AM at Better Impact to hear from CAVS professionals about what this designation means to them and how it impacted their careers. 

I look forward to supporting all of you on your journey to strengthen your commitment to human experience and volunteer management in healthcare. 

Jessica Barker
Director, Credentialing and Continuing Education
The Beryl Institute Credentialing Center