CDVP Certification

A person who has completed the requirements as specified in the Certification Criteria of the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals, Inc. manual.

Why Certify?

• Certification helps maintain integrity, standards, and quality of care in Domestic Violence Support
• Advance skills through continuing education and training
• Increase qualification for career opportunities

The ICDVP, Inc. Board has contracted with Continental Testing Services, Inc. to conduct its Certified Domestic Violence Professional program. Tests are given twice annually in the Chicago Metropolitan area and in Springfield. The tests are usually offered every February and September, with deadlines to get applications in 4-6 weeks prior to the actual test.

Certification will be applicable for two years, at which time the applicant must renew the certification. In order to renew the certification, the Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) must complete 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the two year period.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring training is obtained from an ICDVP approved training site and supervision is obtained from an ICDVP approved supervision site.

Requirements for Eligibility

The following are requirements to become a Certified Domestic Violence Professional.

1. Complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training at an ICDVP certified training site.
   • 40-hour trainings completed prior to 2004 will not be accepted.
   • Certified training sites are listed on the ICDVP website here.
   • 40-hour training certificate to be submitted with examination application to Continental Testing Services, Inc.
     • 20-hour on-line / 20-hour in-person or 20-hour virtual / 20-hour in-person trainings from an ICDVP certified training site are accepted alternative methods of obtaining the 40-hour training.

1. Complete 150 hours of satisfactory, documented, supervised work at an ICDVP-certified supervision site within two years of the examination application to be a CDVP (See CDVP Supervision Eligible Services).
   • 150 hours must be completed within two years of the examination date with all hours completed prior to submission of the application.
   • Supervised work must be completed under the supervision of a current Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional currently employed at a certified supervision site as a supervisor/manager per their job description.
   • 150 hours must begin subsequent to completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence training at an ICDVP-certified training site.
   • ICDVP Supervisor Assessment form must be submitted with examination application.
2. Pass the knowledge-based certification test which is offered twice annually (Chicago Metropolitan area and Springfield) through Continental Testing Services, Inc.

ICDVP, Inc. will review any applicant who has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, has been investigated or had disciplinary action taken against them by a licensing/credentialing agency, or has had a suit/claim filed against them as a result of professional services. ICDVP, Inc. retains the right to deny certification, or application for certification, for any individual.