Available classroom training, orientation sessions and Site Coordinator meetings can be viewed by clicking here. Please choose and RSVP to the training session convenient for you by clicking the RSVP link for the event.

If you attend one of the virtual or classroom training sessions, please complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview/Quality Review tests found on the Link and Learn site. Both tests are 10 questions and you must pass with a score of 80% or better.

Whether you are training virtually, in the classroom or on your own, you must follow the Steps To Complete Your VITA Certification (see below)

Most of the IRS training resources are available in PDF format only. The Cooperative Ministry will have limited quantities of printed resources available for pick-up at your convenience at our offices beginning early December. You can also get the packet during group training. The training packet consists of:

Pub 4491, VITA Training Guide (PDF version here) Available electronically only.
Pub 6744, VITA Volunteer Assistor’s Test/Retest (PDF version here) Available for pick up at our office in December.
Pub 4012, Volunteer Resource Guide (PDF version here) Available for pick up at our office in December.

TRAINING RESOURCES:

(Material from each training session, whether the session is virtual or in-person will be loaded here, to include a recording of the virtual session)

Publications folder. All the resources you need to train and prepare tax returns.

Archived Training Resources

Intake with Pam, 12/10/2024. Intake and Interview Training from 2024. Enter Va2L73$7 as passcode when prompted.

VITA Training dates (Click dates to learn more and RSVP):

Orientation, December 6, December 9, December 11

Tax Fundamentals, January 3 or January 6

Exam Certification, January 10, January 15, or January 17

INTAKE TRAINING SESSION (hosted by Pam Robinson, former Director, Pro Bono Services, UofSC Law School), January 13, 2026 7-8:30 pm (Via Zoom)

Steps to complete your VITA Certification

Step 1: Create an account or register on Link and Learn Taxes

To become certified for the VITA Program, you must first self-register in the VITA/TCE Central testing system (your Practice Lab user name and password will not work on the certification test site):

Go to the VITA/TCE Central homepage at https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/. (Copy and paste into a browser, and add to Favorites for easy access at a later time.)
Click the Create Account button to set up a new IRS account. Complete the fields to create your account in the system. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*), all others are optional.
The system will allow only one account per email address. If you already have an account, the system will not allow you to create a new account with the same email address. If you can’t remember your old Login Name and/or password, use the “Forgot Password” link on the homepage and the site will send a link to reset the password to the email associated with the account.

Click here for a getting started tutorial. This document is a PDF file that walks you through everything you need to know/do.

Step 2: Complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Training and Test

To participate in the VITA/TCE program, first review the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) training course; this can be accessed on the VITA/TCE Central portal page or here. Then, all volunteers must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) test.
The Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam is a prerequisite to all other courses. If you do not pass this exam after the second attempt, you may not proceed to any other exams.
When you pass the exam, make sure you click Print Certificate in the Pass/Fail column for a certificate of completion.

Step 3: Complete the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Exam

All tax preparers, Quality Reviewers, Instructors, and Site Coordinators must also pass the Intake/Interview and Quality Review test. First review the Intake/Interview and Quality Review Training course located under “Quick Links” on the VITA/TCE Central portal page or here. Then, log in to the test center and click on the link to the Intake/Interview and Quality Review Exam.
It is not possible to take any of the other exams without first passing both the VSOC exam and the Intake/Interview and Quality Review exam.

Step 4: Taking VITA Certification Tests

Volunteers preparing tax returns must pass either the Basic or Advanced certification test. Note that Basic and Advanced are standalone certifications; it is not required to take the Basic exam if you wish to certify in Advanced. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass each certification test. After your Basic or Advanced certification, you can test for the optional Health Savings Account (HSA) certification. Only volunteers who have passed the Advanced exam may choose to test for the Military and International certifications. You are allowed two attempts to take each exam.

Step 5: Signing your Volunteer Agreement, Form 13615

After completing all the exams you plan to take, print out Form 13615, read and sign it, and return it via email to The Cooperative Ministry (VITA Volunteer). Form 13615 must be signed and dated by The Cooperative Ministry, Site Coordinator, or your instructor verifying your identity and that you have completed the required training and certification prior to working at a site. Your Volunteer Agreement is required to be on file at every VITA site at which you volunteer.

Note: All completed and passed exams are entered automatically on page 2 of the form, and all the information from your registration page will transfer to Form 13615.