Certification

Now Accepting

Summer Applications
Due April 19, 2019

Certification

The Level I Multiple Choice Exam is being replaced with an interview process;
the Level II Exam is being replaced with a written essay on what changes are needed in Victim Services;
Level III Presentation will remain the same.

Maryland Victim Assistance Certification Program (MVSCP). Certification for Victim Assistance Professionals is available in three levels coinciding with years of experience and training. You are eligible to become certified within two years of entering the victim assistance field if you have completed a 40 hour basic training academy such as RVAAM, NVAA, or other SVAA. Each level has specific requirements and testing, as well as a minimal fee for processing. Once certified you will be required to complete continuing education training as well as certification renewal every three years.

SEASONED Victim Service Providers and Advocates May be Grandfathered into Level 1! Please inquire directly with the Certification Coordinator.
Prior to completing the certification requirements, you will need to:

Complete the Certification Application Form, download/print PDF below, and

Complete the Certification Payment Form download/print PDF below and submit with the Certification Application Form.

There are three levels of certification in Maryland, each require a specific set of qualifications and are described in detail below:

LEVEL I (VASI)
a) complete application packet; b) minimum of two years’ experience (paid or unpaid); c) 40 hours of training (RVAAM, NVAA, or other SVAA) and 3 hours of Ethics in Victim Services Training; d) interview; e) $50 application processing fee.

LEVEL II (VASII)
a) complete application packet; b) minimum of five years’ experience (paid or unpaid); c) 80 hours of training (40 hours RVAAM, NVAA, SVAA and 40 hours advanced training and/or University level coursework in victim services) and 3 hours of Ethics in Victim Services Training; d) written essay on what changes are needed in Victim Services; e) $75 application processing fee.

LEVEL III (VASIII)
a) complete application packet; b) minimum eleven years’ experience (paid or unpaid); c) 120 hours of training (40 hours RVAAM, NVAA, SVAA and 80 hours advanced training and/or University level coursework in victim services) and 3 hours of Ethics in Victim Services Training; d) oral presentation on approved topic in Victim Assistance; e) $100 application processing fee.