[KLC NOTE: I’ve included several options for guiding people through submitting CAP-HC forms, completing training, and taking certification test(s). Let’s talk through them over a call.]
VITA Volunteer Training
You’ve already taken the first step toward becoming a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer with Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC)!
[Next, you’ll need to complete:
- A few CAP-HC volunteer forms
- IRS training and certification requirements for your VITA volunteer role]
Next Steps
[KLC NOTE: This is one option for guiding people through submitting CAP-HC forms, training, and certification. The best option for us will depend on how much info we want housed on the CAP-HC website vs. directing people to info on the Link & Learn site.]
The people who participate in the VITA Program should be confident they are receiving accurate tax return preparation and quality service. The required training and certification for VITA volunteers ensures the quality and accuracy of tax return preparation as well as consistent program operations across VITA sites.
Ready to take your next steps toward becoming a VITA volunteer? Here’s how:
Complete these CAP-HC volunteer forms
[KLC NOTES: Add something here about why this info is needed. Is it an org standard? CAP-HC policy?
Each bullet point would link to the corresponding downloadable/fillable PDF form.]
To become an official CAP-HC volunteer, we need to have the following documentation on file:
- Volunteer Application form
- Emergency Contact Information form
- Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement Commerce using the button below.
- Consent to Release Name or Likeness
- Authorization and Consent to a Criminal Background Check
Email your completed forms to: taxassistance@caphennepin.org
Complete your IRS training
Standards of Conduct – Ethics Training
New VITA volunteers are required to complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct – Ethics Training.
All VITA volunteers must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct certification test.
Use the button below to access this training.
Intake/Interview and Quality Review Training
New VITA volunteers are required to complete the Intake/Interview and Quality
Review Training.
All VITA volunteers who answer tax law questions or assign, prepare, and quality review tax returns must complete the Intake/Interview and Quality
Review certification test.
Use the button below to access this training.
Complete your certification(s)
[KLC NOTE: We could either do this step as shown here with description + button or have a standalone button that links to the Certification Process section below. It depends on how much Certification Process info we want to house on our site vs. directing people to Link & Learn.]
Use the button below to create a new account or log into an existing account. Then follow the prompts based on your VITA Volunteer role.
Note: Users with an existing account must reset their password using the “Forgot Password” link.
If you need help following the Link & Learn prompts, use the button below to open the “Getting Started” guide :
- Creating a new account or logging into an existing one.
- Taking the right certification tests for your VITA Volunteer role.
- Signing your volunteer agreement.
[KLC NOTE: The CAP-HC Forms, Training Requirements, and Certification Process sections are another option for guiding people through submitting CAP-HC forms, completing training, and taking certification test(s).
CAP-HC Forms
To become an official CAP-HC volunteer, we need to have the following documentation on file:
- CAP-HC Volunteer Application form
- Emergency Contact Information form
- CAP-HC Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement form
- Consent to Release Name or Likeness form
Email your completed forms to: taxassistance@caphennepin.org
Training Requirements
The clients who participate in the VITA Program should be confident they are receiving accurate tax return preparation and quality service. The required training and certification for VITA Volunteers ensures the quality and accuracy of tax return preparation as well as consistent program operations across VITA sites.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides training, practice tests, and certification tests on their Link & Learn Taxes site to ensure every VITA Volunteer’s success.
Ready to start your training? Use the button below to begin your VITA Volunteer learning journey.
Click the “Getting Started” quick link to access a helpful guide for:
- Creating a new account or logging into an existing one.
- Taking the right certification tests for your VITA Volunteer role.
- Signing your volunteer agreement.
Certification Process
Each VITA volunteer role requires a specific certification process. The table below shows what certification(s) are available and required.
| Certification | Role(S) | Estimated time | Minimum Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer Standards of Conduct | All Volunteers | 1 Hour | 8 of 10 Correct |
| Intake/ Interview & Quality Review | 20 Minutes | 8 of 10 Correct | |
| OPTIONAL: Foreign Student | Intake/ Interview & Quality Review Certification Prerequisite | 2 Hours | 40 of 50 Correct |
| OPTIONAL: Site Coordinator | Intake/ Interview & Quality Review Certification Prerequisite | 1 Hours | 12 of 15 Correct |
| Basic (recommended for new volunteers) | 4+ Hours | 24 of 30 Correct | |
| Advanced (recommended for multi-year volunteers) | 4+ Hours | 28 of 35 Correct | |
| OPTIONAL: Puerto Rico Level 1 | Basic Certification Prerequisite | 2 Hours | 12 of 15 Correct |
| OPTIONAL: Puerto Rico Level 2 | Puerto Rico 1 Certification Prerequisite | 2 Hours | 12 of 15 Correct |
| OPTIONAL: Military | Advanced Certification Prerequisite | 1 Hour | 12 of 15 Correct |
| OPTIONAL: International | Advanced & Puerto Rico 1 Certification Prerequisites | 1 Hour | 12 of 15 Correct |
Frequently Asked Questions
KLC NOTE: I’M NOT SURE WE SHOULD INCLUDE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY. IS THERE A PLACE IN THE LINK & LEARN SITE WHERE WE CAN LINK TO THE FAQ PDF YOU SENT ME?
How do I access the online Certification tests?
- Use the “Link & Learn Certification” button below to create a new account or log into your existing account.
Note: Users with an existing account must reset their password using the “Forgot Password” link. - Once you’re logged in, follow the prompts based on your VITA Volunteer role, which may include verifying your account email.
- Click the “Take Certification Test” button and select the certification level needed for your role.
- Complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct test first.
- Complete the Intake/Interview and Quality Review test next.
- If needed for your role, complete any subsequent exams.
What if I forget my Link & Learn Certification account password?
Visit the Link & Learn Certification page. Use the “Forgot Password” link and follow the prompts to regain access.
If you are not able to reset your password, email the help desk for additional assistance: linklearnsupport@Archsystemsinc.com
What if I do not receive the e-mail after using the “Forgot Password”
reset tool?
First, check to see if the e-mail is in your junk or spam mail folder.
If not, the Link & Learn team can reset your password manually. Email the help desk and include the following information:
- Mailing/home address associated with your account
- Email address associated with your account.
Note: Emails received after hours or on the weekend will be answered the next business day.
What if I need to change an answer on the online test?
Use the “Back” button to review or change your answer to
a question. Once you click “Submit,” you cannot change your answers.
What if I am unable to complete an online test in one session?
The online system will bookmark where you stop in an online test. When you log back in, click “Continue” for the test you were taking to complete the test.
What is the passing score for certification?
The passing score is 80% or higher.
Are there any helpful hints for taking the online test?
When entering a fill-in answer, use only numbers. Do not use symbols such as dollar signs, commas, or decimal points or the answers will be incorrect.
It is also important to review Volunteer Tax Alerts (VTAs)
prior to taking the online certification tests.
What if I do not pass a test on my first attempt?
- The online test allows a total of 2 attempts at certification for each test.
- The paper test (Form 67 44, VITA/TCE Volunteer Assister’s Test/Retest) includes a retest after the original test. The retest asks different questions for the same scenarios used in the original test.
Note: A maximum of two attempts are allowed to certify for each test.
What documentation can I obtain if I certify through the online test
with Link & Learn Taxes?
Once you successfully complete a test, you can print a course certificate.
Volunteers can sign Form 13615, Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement, electronically. You can also print or save a copy of the Form 13615.
Can I use references to complete the test?
The test is an open book test. You can use forms, instructions, and other reference material to take the test. You should complete the test on your own.