Re-certification Back to Certification Programs
To retain certification applicants must within three years attend either:
  • Three VAZO-sponsored events
  • Two VAZO-sponsored events and one additional certification program, course, or an approved program listed below.
It is the individual's responsibility to submit his or her re-certification application (17 kb PDF) on or no more than six weeks prior to his/her expiration date. There are no grace periods. Anyone failing to obtain recertification must retake the exam to retain a valid CZA or CZO. Everyone is encouraged to check the list of expiring certifications.
Re-certification deadlines
March 28 of each year
October 1 of each year

Re-certification Resolution adopted by the membership October 1, 1999
(Revised for clarification and event update by the VAZO Executive Committee - September 14, 2005)

Be it hereby resolved, that the VAZO certification program be amended to require re-certification every three years to maintain certification. Re-certification may be obtained by reexaming or demonstrated continuing professional development through successful completion of courses as approved by the Executive Board and the Education Committee.

The following programs, courses and/or events shall be deemed acceptable for qualifying by way of continuing education credits to meet the requirements: VAZO Sponsored Events

  • VAZO Professional Development Workshops
  • VAZO Annual Conference
  • VAZO Educational Conference
Additional Non-VAZO certification programs, courses, and approved programs (qualify for third event only)
  • VA Tech Certified BZA Member Programs
  • CPEAV Commonwealth Land Use and Zoning Conference
  • CPEAV Certified BZA Member Program (10 week program)
  • CPEAV Certified Planning Commissioner Program (10 week program)
  • CPEAV BZA or Planning Commissioner Graduate Seminar - Dr. Mike Chandler
  • VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation - Basic E/S, Inspector, Plan Reviewer, or Program Administrator
  • American Planning Association - AICP
  • Certified Building Official - DPOR
  • Certified Professional Code Administrator, CPCA
  • Building Code Academy or Advanced Official Module of the Virginia Building Code Academy
  • Virginia Police Academy for Law Enforcement Officers
  • VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Services - Special Conservator of the Peace Certification Program
The following may qualify for the third event if approved in advance by the VAZO Education Committee:
  • VAZO Regional Training Meetings
  • Building Certification, Course Title: _______________, DPOR
  • Other: Continuing Education Units _______________, Course Title
  • Accrediting college Name:
  • Other Zoning, Planning, or Building Related Educational Program:
If approval of an alternative course is denied by the Education Committee, it may be appealed to the Executive Committee for final determination.

Forms

Application form for the Certified Zoning Officer and Administrator Examination
Application form for Re-certification
Application form for State Membership in VAZO
Application for Exam Prep Training (offered in July and December)
Approved list of eligible re-certification training programs and classes (Appendix A)
Suggested reading list for examination