Virginia
CHW Association
Virginia Community Health Worker Association
Credentialing Council
Credentialing Council Type
Start of Certification
Total CHWs Certified
Average Certifications per Year
Legislation Supporting Certification
Private Cerfication Board (but under state oversight)
2018
270
75
The Virginia Certification Board (VCB) is an authorized agency acting on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). According to the Code of Virginia(HB688), VDH is the approving body for Community Health Workers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. HB2004 is the 1st legislative action submitted in 2019 by the Virginia Department of Health. It failed to pass the Senate. This led to another bill being introduced in 2020 under HB688, which was later enacted into law by the Governor.
Training
Training has to be provided by "approved" training providers.
Guiding Competencies
The Virginia Certification Board released a Certified Community Health Worker Content Outline that guides what students must be taught before sitting for the certification exam. This content outline, therefore guides the training offered at each training site.
Requirements
Facilitated Hours
Facilitated Format
Practicum Hours
Practicum Format
Costs/Tuition
Mandatory
60 in last 3 years
In-person, online with facilitator, online self-pace, or combination
50
Paid or unpaid, PT or FT
$100 application fee
No
Eligibility
Age
Residency Status
Minimum Education
Experience
Background Check
18
Must live or work in VA at the time of application
High school diploma/GED
1 year FT or 2000 hours PT
None
*Experience can come from volunteer work or paid employment. May combine hours from various organizations/experiences but must be within the last 3 years.
Screen for Fit
None
Training Sites
Community colleges, government organizations, nonprofit organizations
Tracks
None
Specialization
None
Instructor Credentials
Prefer instructors to have experience using various teaching methodologies and adult learning modalities as well as work-related experience relevant to the CHW curriculum.
Legacy
None (phased out)
Examination
No standaized exam, only standardized curriculum. End of course exam and project are unique to each community college program.
Cost
$100.00 initial certification
$75.00 re-certification
Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) provides a scholarship to subsidize the cost of certification or recertification.
Recertification
Number of CEUs Frequency Cost 30 (3 must be in ethics) Every two years $75 application fee
Reciprocity Policy
Recognize certification from states other than VA on a case-by-case basis, often working with other boards.
Special thanks for contributions from Alissa Bradley and Shanteny Jackson. See the bottom of the webpage for the full reference list. Last updated December 2023.