Certified Dementia Volunteer™ CDV™
Dementia education equips volunteers with the skills to support people living with dementia and prepares them to earn their Certified Dementia Volunteer™ (CDV™) certification. It’s one of the ways NCCDP helps organizations turn dementia volunteer opportunities into lasting, meaningful roles.
How Do I Obtain Certification?
Step 1
Complete the ADDC Seminar
This live, one-day Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar is taught by an NCCDP-certified trainer and is the required seminar for those pursuing CDV certification.
See the list below to find an upcoming seminar.
Step 2
Submit the CDV™ Application
Submit the CDV™ application for consideration.
Who is CDV™ Certification For?
Volunteers are the heart of any memory care community. A strong volunteer effort depends on giving volunteers real, meaningful dementia care education.
Well-prepared volunteers are equipped to:
- Support people living with dementia with confidence and skill
- Strengthen the overall quality of care your organization provides
- Deliver a consistent, higher standard of service
CDV™ certification was created specifically for:
- Volunteers with hands-on, ongoing experience supporting people living with dementia
- Volunteers who have completed the ADDC seminar but don’t qualify for CDP certification
- Organizations looking to formally recognize their volunteers’ dedication and skill
Show your volunteers how valued they are for the delivery of services in memory care. Register them for one of our upcoming seminars, or host the ADDC seminar directly for your staff and volunteers.
Renewal Process
Renew Certification
Login to your account and if eligible to renew, a renewal button will be visible on your account page. The renewal button will show up 60 days prior to the expiration date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to Your CDV™ Credential Questions
Click through the drop-down list to find the details you need about training, requirements, costs, and the steps to certification.
Who should apply for CDV™?
Anyone who volunteers with individuals living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia, with over one year of experience.
What do I need to apply?
To apply for CDV certification, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Actively serving as a volunteer at a care community, hospital, rehab center, hospice care, homecare agency, association, etc. that provides dementia care services
- Minimum of 1 year completed with at least 40 hours per year, and currently an active volunteer with individuals living with dementia
- High school graduate
- At least 18 years of age
You’ll also need to upload the following documents in PDF, WORD, or JPG file format:
- A certificate of completion from the Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Seminar, taught by an NCCDP-certified (CADDCT) trainer in good standing
- A letter from your organization’s Volunteer Director, Administrator, or Executive Director verifying status of participation, standing, and service hours
What are the fees associated with this certification?
The fee is $55.00 for a 2-year certification. Renewal after two years is $55.00. The Corporate Group (10 or more) rate for organizations is also $55.00 per person.
Renewal Requirements
The renewal of the CDV certification is every two years. You’ll be sent email renewal notices two months prior to your expiration date. You are asked to renew online. Once you renew, a new certification will be emailed to you. There is an additional fee to receive a hard copy of your certification in the mail.
How to become a dementia support worker?
To become a dementia support worker, start by gaining experience in caregiving, healthcare, or volunteer roles that involve supporting people living with dementia, then complete dementia-specific education to build skills in communication, behavior support, and safety.
Earning a certification like the Certified Dementia Volunteer (CDV) or Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) can strengthen your qualifications and prepare you to provide person-centered care.
