What is VAT Online?

Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) is a Web-based training funded by the Office for Victims of Crime. The training combines core information and fundamental skills needed by victim service providers to assist victims of crime effectively and sensitively. Additional information is provided to meet the specific needs of identified populations.

How do I register?

Click here and fill out the required information to create an account in the learning management system. Watch our orientation video for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

How do I take a course?

Once you have created an account and enrolled in courses, log in to the learning management system to select and launch your desired VAT Online module.

What are the goals for VAT Online training?

The goal of VAT Online is to provide a user-friendly training tool that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to develop the essential skills and knowledge they need to assist victims of crime more effectively. A secondary goal is to provide the training at a time and place convenient to the learner, which is achieved by the Web-based format.

How are these topics taught using an online format?

Each module in VAT Online is taught using interactive methodologies, case studies, exercises, and other suggested activities to enhance the user's learning.

Who is the intended audience?

The intended audience is new victim service providers with less than 3 years of experience working with victims of crime. The training also will serve as a refresher course for more experienced victim service providers.

How long does it take to complete VAT Online? Will I have to complete it all in one sitting?

The entire training is designed to take approximately 42 hours to complete. It does not have to be completed all in one sitting. In fact, it is divided into various modules and sections so that the user can review it at his or her own pace and bookmark the last module reviewed. Each module takes about 30–90 minutes to complete. Learners can complete all modules or can complete specific modules, based on their learning needs.

What are the costs associated with this training?

This training is offered free of charge. Since the training is available online, there are no tuition or travel costs associated with taking it.

Who developed VAT Online and how did they decide what topics to include in the training?

This training was funded by the Office for Victims of Crime and developed by OVC TTAC, working closely with a group of nationally known subject matter experts who combine theory with practical expertise. Both OVC staff and the subject matter experts decided on the range of topics to include in the training.

How often is this training going to be updated? Will I have to take this training every few years?

VAT Online will be updated every 2 years so that its content remains current. Your supervisor may request that you review specific modules periodically as a refresher.

What type of computer capability do I need to take VAT Online?

You will need a computer that has Internet access, as VAT Online is an Internet-based, online training. It can be used with a MAC or PC. We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome and having the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.

If you are experiencing difficulties accessing the course, please refer to the workstation requirements.

Note: It is recommended that OVC TTAC's online training courses be taken on a desktop computer and not on the learning management system's mobile website or their mobile application. We are unable to troubleshoot any issues that may arise from using the mobile version of these trainings.

Who can I contact if I have questions or technical problems with accessing or using VAT Online?

You can contact VAT Online technical assistance at VATOnline@ovcttac.org or 1-866-682-8822.

Do I need supervisor approval to take the VAT Online training?

Anyone can access the VAT Online training. However, since VAT Online is national in scope, your supervisor can help you apply the information and skills more specifically to your area and your agency, and can help you address your individual career plans.

Can I take VAT Online training during my work hours or do I have to take the training at home?

The program is available 24/7. You can take it from any location where there is a computer with Internet access. If you are using it as part of your on-the-job professional training, you should consult with your supervisor regarding when and where to take the training.

How will my supervisor know when I have completed VAT Online?

You can share your certificate(s) or transcript with your supervisor.

Is there course accreditation for completing VAT Online?

The VAT Online training is part of the NACP pre-approved training list. This training meets the requirements for the Introductory Advocacy Training area that can be used to apply for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). View a complete list of all of the VAT Online modules and their lengths. To meet the minimum requirements for the NACP Provisional Level, completion of 40 hours from the VAT Online training is required. NACP requires a transcript that indicates that 40 hours of training has been completed. Click here to access your transcript.

How do I access and print my certificate(s)?

When you have completed each module, you will receive a certificate of completion. You can download your certificate of completion by accessing your badges in the learning management system.

Who can I contact to learn more about VAT Online?

You can contact OVC TTAC at VATOnline@ovcttac.org or 1–866–682–8822 to learn more about this offering.