WHY

• Gain national recognition for your professional knowledge and skills
• Enhance your credibility as a leader in the field
• Increase your competitive edge for promotions and professional advancement
• Earn potential credit at higher-educational institutions

WHO

Employees of any of the qualifying, Community Action Network organizations below:

• A local public or private Community Action Agency or other CSBG Eligible Entity
• A delegate agency or sub-grantee of a Community Action Agency
• A state, regional or national CAA association
• A state or federal government partner to the Community Action Network

HOW

• Submit your completed CCAP Application online between July and October.
• Over the next three years, successfully pass the two-step CCAP examination process.

○ An online, proctored examination is offered annually in April
○ An independent writing assignment about a pre-defined, current theory/approach to poverty reduction is offered annually in May
○ As a CCAP Candidate, you get to decide the order and timing in which you complete the examination steps
○ If needed, you may repeat one or both examination steps through your 3-year candidacy

• Successful candidates are recognized and honored each Fall during an Awards Gala at NCAP’s Annual Convention.

GETTING STARTED

Get Support

Meet with your Executive Director or Board Chair to determine the level of financial and professional support you can expect from your organization. Determine how much time you will need and be allowed to devote to CCAP preparations. Here’s a template to help you start that conversation.

You may also want to consider support in the form of a CCAP study group or a CCAP mentor. Both are personal choices you can make as a CCAP candidate. NCAP’s CCAP team can help guide you towards available study groups and mentors at your request.

Start Your Journey

Once you are ready to start your three-year CCAP candidacy, visit NCAP’s Member Portal between July and October to complete the online application.

APPLY ONLINE

Create an account or log into NCAP’s Member Portal, where you can access the CCAP Credential Application. We recommend first reading the How-To Guide for Applying for CCAP, which is also available within the Member Portal.

YOU’VE EARNED YOUR CCAP. WHAT’S NEXT?

We’ve outlined the following steps and resources for staying engaged with the program, meeting renewal requirements, and keeping up-to-date with your CCAP credential.

Keeping Your Credential Current

To remain in good standing, CCAPs are required to renew their certification every four years by completing a CCAP Renewal Application in NCAP’s Member Portal. Additional requirements include:

• Demonstrating the CCAP’s participation in on-going learning hours
• Demonstrating the CCAP’s continued support for and engagement in the CCAP program
• Securing professional recommendations
• Recommitting to abide by the Community Action Code of Ethics
• Submitting a $250 Certification Renewal fee

Staying in Touch with the CCAP Office

Please be sure to keep your contact information updated in NCAP’s Member Portal. The CCAP team will contact you with important information about keeping your certification up-to-date and other program news. If you switch positions, or change email addresses or phone numbers, it is important to let us know. You worked hard to earn your credential and we want to help you keep it!

Staying Engaged with the CCAP Program

There are many ways a CCAP can remain engaged in supporting both the CCAP program and the professional certification of members of the Community Action Network. Regularly read CCAP emails and NCAP’s eNews for announcements about program volunteer opportunities and watch the “What’s New in CCAP Renewals” webinar video for details.