Victim Advocacy Certificate Course

Starting at:

$995

Train for a rewarding career as a victim advocate

Flexible 100% online class

24/7 course accessibility

Complete in just 7 weeks

Text Only format available through select partners 

More Information

Informational webinar video recording

Learn more about this course!
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Provide invaluable legal services

Whether you are just starting out on your career path or looking to build on your job skills, opportunities for trained victim advocates are on the rise. Our nation’s state courts see more than 100 million cases of victimization each year, and crime can have a devastating impact on those involved. Our intensive Victim Advocacy Certificate Course is designed to train and qualify you to provide assistance to crime victims.

Course topics include legal terminology, legal process, legislation regarding victims rights, jurisdiction and venue, ethics, effects of victimization on the victim, victim advocate skills, guardianships, and crisis intervention. Also covered are counseling skills for victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, murder, and homicide. 

The Victim Advocacy Certificate Course meets the training needs of busy professionals who are interested in assisting crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. 

National Advocate Credentialing Program
National Organization for Victim Assistance

Successful graduates of our training program will be eligible at minimum for the NACP Provisional Credential and possibly for the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Credential based upon their experience in the field. Please refer to the NACP link for additional information: https://www.thenacp.org/pre-approved-trainings-by-location/

View our recorded webinar

Learn about the coursework, learning outcomes and answers to frequently asked questions

Victim Advocacy Certificate Course webinar — This session was recorded on March 2, 2022 and mentions a March 7 start date. Our courses are open enrollment and start every 8 weeks.

Class formats

Find the right option for you

For over 40 years, CLS has provided students with flexible and effective legal education through a variety of formats catered to a busy life. All formats are designed and updated to remain on pace with the current industry, and are taught by working professionals. Whether you prefer to learn 100% online around your schedule or at your own pace via our text-only format, we have an option for you.

No matter which option you choose, the Victim Advocacy Certificate Course offers you a high-quality education by providing the fundamental skills you will need to succeed as a Victim Advocate.

Our asynchronous virtual classroom format allows busy students to learn anytime with an interactive platform that offers 24/7 access to course materials and video and printed tutorials.

Discussion forums and a built-in email tool allow for easy communication with your instructor and peers​​.  

Review the material as many times as necessary for full retention of the information and complete weekly assignments to help you stay on track​​.

  • New sessions start every 8 weeks
    • We offer 6 sessions per year
  • 24/7 course access
    • Once registered, your password and access information will be sent via email prior to the start of class
  • Student support
    • CLS by BARBRI provides ongoing administrative and technical support for all students.

Review the Online Victim Advocacy Certificate Course syllabus to learn more.

Highly Recommended Legal Resource:

  • WESTLAW legal research access. Please call 1-800-522-7737 for more information. Order online

This option is available to students who, because of location or schedule conflicts, are unable to take the course in other formats.  

Ideal for students who do not have access to a computer or the internet, the Text Only format is a printed version of the online course and requires only the printed lesson material sent to you along with your textbooks. 

  • Start Anytime 
    • Enroll today and you have a maximum of 12 months to complete the course. 
  • Completing Assignments 
    • Mail or email assignments to CLS by BARBRI for grading. 
  • Student Support 
    • Questions may be directed to the instructor via a toll-free number or via e\mail. 

Review the Text Only Victim Advocacy Certificate Course syllabus to learn more.

Highly Recommended Legal Resource:

  • WESTLAW legal research access. Please call 1-800-522-7737 for more information. Order online
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

About Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Non-credit training programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective face-to-face and web-based learning programs. Instructors/course mentors are actively involved in your learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed. The training programs offered through Workforce Development are not part of academic degree programs.

Commonwealth University Workforce Development
Ulmer 323, 401 N Fairview St
Lock Haven, PA 17751
570-484-3128

Become a victim advocate

Learning outcomes

Participants will be prepared to work in victim advocacy arenas, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers and crisis hotlines, and with state and county governments to assist crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery.

Upon graduation from the course, you will be eligible for the Provisional Credential through the National Advocacy Credentialing Program (NACP) in affiliation with the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). Your prior experience in the field may also qualify you for the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Credential through the NACP.

Career outlook

Victim advocates provide invaluable legal services, including advocating for victims’ rights and guardianship, reviewing related legislation, crisis intervention, and counseling victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, child abuse and other crimes. A career as a Victim Advocate could offer you an opportunity to work in a variety of places, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers and hotlines, or government agencies. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to take CLS courses?

CLS courses are designed for adult students and are taught on a college level. Minimum requirements to take any of our courses are a high school diploma or GED, and to be 18 years of age prior to enrollment.

Can I get financial aid?

Traditional financial aid (Pell grants, Stafford Loans, etc.) usually do not apply to these courses due to their continuing education status. Please view our Payment Options information to explore possible options.

Request more information

Are you interested in learning more about the Victim Advocacy Certificate Course? Complete this contact form to receive emails and text messages from CLS. You’ll also be able to set up a personalized consultation with one of our Enrollment Counselors, who can answer all of your questions and recommend the best course for you.

You’ll receive updates on:

  • How CLS courses work
  • Victim Advocate career growth and outlook
  • Course pricing, payment options and promotions
  • Exclusive webinars, events and more!

I had a great experience with CLS. Well-organized content, accessible instructors, engaging coursework. Overall a great experience.

— Adam S.

CLS allowed me to get my certificate from the comfort of my own home and I loved that I could choose which main university the certificate would be coming from as well. Thank you for the positive experience!

— Anna I.

I was very impressed with the course content, knowledge and availability of the professor and pace of the course. Definitely recommend CLS!

— Jodi B.

The feedback from the online instructors and the CLS administrative staff was excellent! This was one of the most important factors for me since it is an online program. The online element of the CLS program is convenient, efficient and, to an certain extent, personalized to fit anyone’s particular needs.

— Josh M.

I enjoyed the CLS program because it was flexible, practical, and educational. All objectives were clearly laid out each week and I learned so much from all the reading and assignments. You work hard for your grades and it definitely pays off.

— Melanie R.

The online courses are great and convenient. They are perfect for someone working part or full-time.

— Brian H.

Watch our recent informational webinar video recording

Watch Now
What you’ll learn:
  • How the online course works
  • Instructor and peer/student interactions
  • Career growth and earning potential
  • Our accredited college and university partners
  • Course pricing and payment options
  • Required materials and textbooks

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