Test

To participate in the VITA/TCE program, you must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct training and test and sign Form 13615. Volunteers preparing tax returns must pass at least the Basic certification test. A minimum score of 80% is required for each certification test. After your Basic certification, you can test for Intermediate certification. Once you have achieved both of these certifications, you may test for any or all of the other certifications: Advanced, Military, and International.

Online testing is fast and efficient; you will know immediately if you passed and can print out the certification for your Site Coordinator. If you do not pass the test the first time, you may review the course material and try again. You are allowed two attempts to pass each certification level. A paper test option (Form 6744) may also be available. Talk with your Instructor or Site Coordinator for more information on these options.

All volunteer instructors and site quality reviewers must be certified, at a minimum, at the Intermediate level. If the site is preparing returns at the Advanced, Military, or International levels, the volunteer's certification level should be comparable. It is strongly encouraged for volunteers to certify at the Advanced level.

If you do not pass the retest to receive certification, speak with your Site Coordinator about other ways in which you can contribute, such as greeter, client facilitator, communication specialist, or technical support, among others.