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Complete Your VITA Certification

All volunteers must complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (Ethics) training annually and pass the test. Volunteer preparers must pass either the Basic or Advanced certification test. Here you will find all the links and information you will need to pass your certification. *Please note that this site is mostly used as a tool during and after training and may be challenging to navigate independently.

HOW TO GET VITA CERTIFIED

Follow these five simple steps to complete your VITA volunteer training and certification.

Step 1: Create Your Link & Learn Account​

Create an account at Link & Learn Taxes. You’ll use this site to complete your online training and take your certification exams.

What to do:

  • Create a new account (all volunteers must create a new profile, even if returning).
  • Complete your online training and practice exercises.
  • After passing your exams, complete the required Volunteer Agreement (must be on file at every VITA site where you volunteer).

Helpful Guides:

All volunteers must complete the following online courses:

  1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct (Required for everyone)
    Training & Test (Publication 4961)

     

  2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review (Required for anyone preparing or reviewing returns)
    Training (Publication 5101)

After training, you’re ready to begin your exam.

About the exam:

  • Taken on the Link & Learn website
  • Untimed and open-book
  • You can save your work and return later
  • Passing score: 80%
  • Two attempts allowed

What you’ll need:

How to use these materials:

  • Early scenarios do not require preparing a tax return—just read the notes and answer questions.
  • Later scenarios require preparing a tax return using the Practice Lab.
  • Once you complete each simulated return, answer the related exam questions on Link & Learn.
    • Example: “What is the amount on Form 1040, line 8a?”

Log into your Link & Learn account to enter your answers and submit your official certification exam.
Need help accessing the exam? Refer to the “Getting Started Guide.”

Once you’ve passed your exams:

  • Open your Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement in Link & Learn.
  • Sign and date the form electronically.
  • Email it to VITA Program Staff. A signed copy must be on file at every site where you volunteer.

Guide: How to access and electronically sign your Volunteer Agreement

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