Oklahoma Association
of Community Action Agencies

2800 N.W. 36th
Suite 221
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Phone:
(405) 949-1495
Fax:
949-0955

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The Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) is a peer recognition certification program for present and potential managerial level employees in the field of community action. The National Association of  Community Action Agencies launched the CCAP program in 1992 after nearly two years of development and testing.

Benefits of CCAP

• It establishes nationally recognized professional standards for community action — both standards of conduct and standards of performance.

• It acknowledges experience, recognizes, excellence, and validates achievement.

• It translates community action’s values and knowledge to a new generation of leaders.

Program Overview

The certification program is composed of three major elements:

• A specially formatted resume called the Candidate Data Form that is designed to enable community action senior managers opportunities to gain credit for their years of experience in the field.

• A professional work sample called the Executive Skills Portfolio that permits candidates to submit their own work samples for evaluation by their peers.

• An examination based on community action history, community action vision and values, traditional management skills, and leadership skills.

Financial Support

The Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies (OKACAA) offers three $500 scholarships annually for the CCAP program. The Oklahoma Weatherization and Housing Advisory Council, Oklahoma Head Start Association, and OKACAA each fund a scholarship. The scholarships can be used to pay the enrollment and examination fees for the program.

• Applicants must have been an employee of Community Action for at least one year.

• Applicants must be a paid member of the scholarship awarding organization.

• Applicants must describe why they wish to become a CCAP.

• A letter of recommendation from the agency executive director and at least one other community service leader must accompany the application.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has endorsed the program and has assisted candidates with training expenses.

This information sheet draws from the article, “The Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) Program: Its History, Accomplishments and Future Growth” by June Bailey, CCAP Chair, NACAA CCAP Commission published in the Spring 2000 issue of Community Action Digest.

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