How Does Our Training Work?

Based on your volunteer role (Language Interpreter, Intake Specialist, Tax Preparer, Quality Reviewer, or Site Coordinator), you'll take a curated selection of training courses to help you succeed as a VITA volunteer.

  • Step 1 - Enroll in training courses based on your volunteer role.

    Scroll down and select the training courses for your volunteer role based on the training matrix below.

  • Step 2 - Take training courses & certification exams.

    The training courses are designed to help you pass your IRS certification exams. Scroll down for more information on IRS certification exams.

  • Step 3 - Pass IRS exams & upload Form 13615.

    After you have completed your training courses & passed your required IRS certification exams, submit your Volunteer Certification Form (Form 13615) to our upload link.

Which Training Courses Should I Enroll In?

Some roles require more training than others. Use the training matrix on the right to find the courses you should enroll in based on your role!

*Remote volunteers need to enroll in the Hub Training Course in addition to the other courses for your chosen role.

IRS Certification Exams - Available Soon for 2025!

Our training courses are designed to help you pass the IRS certification exams through their Link and Learn website. Certification exam requirements vary based on volunteer role, but every volunteer must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake Specialist Exams. You must receive a score of at least 80% on each exam in your training path. If you don't pass on the first try, don't worry! You are allowed two attempts per exam. We strongly encourage you to attend one of our Study Sessions if you do not pass on the first try.

  • Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam

  • Intake/Interview and Quality Review Exam

  • Advanced Tax Preparation Exam

  • Site Coordinator Exam

Our UWTSA VITA Courses

All training courses are available to you below. More courses are coming soon!

Training FAQs

  • Am I required to complete these training courses to become a certified VITA Volunteer?

    Although it's encouraged to complete the training material, these training courses are NOT required prior to taking the IRS certification exams. However, you must score an 80% or higher to pass the exams. We strongly encourage you to AT LEAST review IRS Publication 6744 on the VITA Links page prior to attempting your exams.

  • Are the IRS certification exams open book?

    Yes! All IRS certification exams are open book. This means you can use any resource at your disposal while taking an exam such as our online training courses & IRS resources like Publications 6744 & 4012.

  • What do I do if I have a question about the training process, training material, or the certification exams?

    We offer a variety of resources to help VITA volunteers with any questions they may have. We encourage you to visit our VITA Links webpage (linked at the top of this page) which is our one-stop shop for any tax resource that might be useful for volunteers in training. We also have our VITA Support Portal (also linked at the top of this page) where a VITA Team Member will respond to your specific questions.

  • Do I have to take the Advanced Certification exam to be a Tax Preparer?

    Yes, volunteers serving as Tax Preparers, Quality Reviewers, or Site Coordinators must pass the Advanced Certification exam on Link and Learn. Additional certifications are optional.

  • Do you have options for in-person training?

    We will hold 3 in-person training sessions for Intake Specialist and Tax Preparer roles from November-January. Check the VITA Links page for dates, and make sure to RSVP if you plan to attend an in-person session.

Are You Ready For Your Certification Exams?

If you're ready to take your IRS VITA certification exams, you can jump ahead. Sign in or create an account with the IRS' Link and Learn testing platform by clicking the button below!

Click here to sign in or create your account

Have You Completed Your IRS Certification Exams Already?

Upload your Volunteer Certification Form (Form 13615) by clicking the button below!

Certification Form Upload