Q.  Over the past year I have received information from various VSA organizations and companies claiming they can certify or recertify CVSA Examiners.  Is this true?

These issues have been brought to our attention on a number of occasions.  The old maxim “buyer beware” applies here.  The NACVSA is the only professional organization in the world authorized to recertify CVSA Examiners, and only the manufacturer of the CVSA can certify CVSA Examiners.  Other individuals and organizations that claim to be authorized to certify or recertify CVSA examiners are simply not being forthright.  All CVSA training materials as well as the CVSA software are copyrighted.  Therefore, the use of these materials is controlled by the manufacturer.  Additionally, only NITV-certified instructors are authorized to deliver CVSA training and install CVSA software updates on your CVSA system.  These generic VSA trainers have no right to use NITV copyrighted material nor do they have access to the CVSA II software to update your system.  Please see the CVSA Technical Alert  for additional details on this topic.

Q.  I've heard there was a merging of all the regional associations into the NACVSA. Is that true and why was it necessary?

The NACVSA was formed several years ago after it was learned, among other issues, that some VSA practitioners were mixing and matching protocols from different VSA systems, which had never been scientifically tested or validated by filed research.  At that time, the NACVSA was formed to align its professional standards with the manufacturer of the CVSA – the National Institute for Truth Verification (NITV).  NITV is the world leader in VSA technology, and the only VSA manufacturer in the world with two US Patents and a third Patent Pending.  NACVSA quickly grew into the world’s largest professional organization for CVSA Examiners, with more than 1,000 members.  The NACVSA is unique because it is the ONLY voice stress related organization in the world with a professional fulltime staff that works for your benefit every day.  For more information about the benefits of joining the NACVSA please review members Benefits page.

Q.  Is it necessary to participate in the Certification program if I wish to take the advanced training classes offered by the NACVSA?

The advanced classes are open to everyone regardless of your intentions to obtain advanced certification levels.  Advanced training classes are designed to assist every examiner by providing you with up-to-date investigative materials and presenting it in such a manner as to assist you with developing comprehensive and effective CVSA examinations. You may feel free to take one or all of the advanced classes that will be offered by the NACVSA.  Samples of training topics which will be accepted by the NACVSA as advanced training are listed as follows:

(NOTE - All such courses must be POST Certified or pre-approved by the NACVSA in order to    qualify for the Professional Certification Program)

• Advanced Interview/Interrogation Training

• Background/Pre-Employment Investigations

• Sexual Assault Crimes

• Child Abuse Crimes

• Property Crimes

• Intelligence Operations

• Narcotics

• Custody/Jail Investigations

• Homicide Investigations

• Cold Case Investigations

Q.  What recognition will be afforded to those who participate in the NACVSA Professional Certification Program?

• Senior CVSA Examiner: A high-quality certificate identifying the individual as a Senior CVSA Examiner.

• Expert CVSA Examiner: A high-quality certificate identifying the individual as an Expert CVSA Examiner; Recognition in a special section of the NACVSA website.

• Master CVSA Examiner: A custom-made certificate identifying the individual as a Master CVSA Examiner; Recognition in a special section of the NACVSA website; Publication of the final IRP paper on the NACVSA website.

Q.  How do I arrange for CVSA training in my area?

Simply send us an email or contact us by phone with your request.  We will work with you to hold a training class in your area.  Providing professional training to our members and other Certified CVSA Examiners is our primary mission, and we will work to ensure you have readily available training to meet your needs.

Q.  How do I join the NACVSA?

It is simple – the only requirement is that you must be a currently Certified CVSA Examiner in good standing.  For further details please go to the Membership page and/or fill out the enclosed application and mail it along with your payment to receive your personalized NACVSA Certificate of Membership, an NACVSA Membership Card, and an NACVSA lapel pin.