The Reserve requires that each Verification Body employ a minimum of two Lead Verifiers. This ensures that each verification team includes at least two certified Verifiers: one to serve as the Lead Verifier and one to serve as the Senior Internal Reviewer. Lead Verifiers must complete the Verification Body’s internal training processes and procedures, complete the Reserve’s general and protocol-specific training courses, and pass the Reserve-administered exam (comprised of multiple choice and short essay questions) associated with each course.
After passing the general exam and at least one protocol-specific exam, the individual becomes a Reserve-recognized Lead Verifier (valid for three years) and will be provided a certificate as proof. The individual verifier is provided with the certification, but it is only applicable when he or she is employed or contracted by an accredited Verification Body. Refer to the Reserve’s Verification Program Manual for specific verifier requirements.
Verification Training Schedule
Please refer to the Upcoming Verification Training Schedule for a schedule of upcoming trainings.
To re-take an exam, please send an email to [email protected] .
Verification Training Registration and Participation Policy
By registering and participating in the training course, the Reserve does not guarantee that attendees will pass the course exam and receive Lead Verifier certification. To receive Lead Verifier certification in the sector or project type, the individual must meet all requirements as described in the Reserve’s Verification Program Manual. Individuals who do not pass the exam, choose not to take, or are unable to complete the exam on the date it is given will receive a certificate of training completion, but will not have met the Reserve’s training requirements for Lead Verifiers. These individuals have one year from the original date of the course to pay an administrative fee and re-take the exam. If more than one year has passed, they must re-take both the training and the exam.
Training Integrity Policy
The verification training course required homework and exam (“coursework”) should be completed independently. Consulting other individuals and/or plagiarizing others’ work to complete the homework and/or exam is strictly prohibited. Failure to complete the coursework independently may result in action against the individual verifier and/or verification body by the Reserve, up to and including revocation of an individual’s or organization’s approval to provide verification services under our program. Any evidence of fraudulent activity will be reported to the relevant accreditation body.
Refund Policy
Cancellations to any Reserve training must be made in writing to [email protected] a minimum of two weeks prior to the training start date. Cancellations will receive a 50% refund of the registration fee. Refunds will be issued within 30 business days after the training concludes. No refunds will be issued for requests made after the two week deadline. The Reserve will not make exceptions to this policy. However, if the Reserve cancels the training, the registrant will receive a full refund.
Registrations can at any point be transferred to a future training or to another colleague. Please submit any change requests in writing to [email protected].
Exam Accommodations Policy
The Reserve will provide reasonable and appropriate exam accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with documented disabilities or medical condition who demonstrate a need for accommodations. Individuals for whom English is not a primary language may request an extension of testing time up to 30 minutes. Requests for accommodations must be made prior to beginning the exam and no later than one week prior to the exam submission deadline.
Training Language Policy
Reserve trainings may be held in English or Spanish. If the training is being held in a language that is not your primary language, you must be proficient enough in the language to conduct verification services in the language. Training participants are not permitted to depend on a translation service (such as Google Translate or webinar translation) for participating in the training or for the required homework and exam (“coursework”). The Reserve will not provide translated material, or answer questions about translations.
Verification Body Training FAQs
Attendance:
- I have a scheduling conflict and cannot attend a training. What are my options?
You will need to wait until the next training we offer, or a sector-specific training in the same grouping. The Reserve publishes updated training schedules on a regular basis.
- I need to leave the training early. Is that okay?
No, full participation and attendance is required. Please ensure you are able to attend the entire training before registering.
- I registered for a training, but now I am unable to make it. What are my options?
You would follow our Refund Policy as outlined on this page.
- What are my payment options?
You can pay directly on the platform where the training will take place (Zoom/GoToWebinar) using a credit card. If you prefer to pay via bank transfer, please reach out to the exam organizer to request an invoice. Kindly note that only one invoice per organization per training type will be issued.
Accreditation:
- I am a project developer or other interested party. Can I take the training?
Yes, you can take the training for non-accreditation purposes for a reduced fee. Please note that the trainings are focused on verification bodies, and questions from individuals seeking accreditation will be prioritized.
- I have ARB accreditation – does the Reserve accept that?
The Reserve accepts ARB accreditation for Livestock, Mine Methane Capture, and ODS training, per our grouped accreditation rules. ARB’s Forest training is accepted only for U.S. Forest projects reporting up to V3.2. The Reserve does NOT accept ARB’s lead verifier accreditation in lieu of the Reserve’s general verification training.
- I’ve successfully passed Reserve VB trainings and meet the Reserve’s lead verifier requirements. Can I now train my colleagues so they can achieve lead verifier status under your program?
No, every verifier seeking accreditation under our program must meet the lead verifier requirements – the Reserve does not accept outside parties training lead verifiers under our program.
- I passed my exam. How long does my certificate last?
Certificates last three years from the date they are sent.
- My certificate is close to expiring. How do I renew it?
If you are in your first three years of accreditation, you will need to re-take the relevant exam to get re-accredited. There is an administrative fee associated with this exam. If you pass this re-accreditation exam, your certificate is extended for another three years.
At the end of the six years (initial accreditation and subsequent re-accreditation), you can renew your certificate every year without taking an exam by serving as lead verifier or senior internal reviewer on at least two projects in the relevant grouping within the last 12 months.
Exams:
- What is the format of the exam?
Each exam is comprised of three sections – multiple choice, short answer, and quantification. All exams are conducted online via Survey Monkey.
- How long do I have to take the exam once I click the link?
You have two hours to take the general verification exam, and two hours and 30 minutes to take protocol-specific trainings.
- How many times can I take the exam?
You may only submit responses to an exam one time. If you do not pass your exam, please see responses to the question below on re-takes.
- I’m taking the training with colleagues. May we work on the homework or take the exam together?
No, under no circumstances are you allowed to work with or consult others during your homework or exam. The course required homework and exam (“coursework”) should be completed independently. Consulting other individuals and/or plagiarizing others’ work to complete the homework and/or exam is strictly prohibited. Failure to complete the coursework independently may result in action against the individual verifier or verification body organization by the Reserve, up to and including revocation of an individual’s or organization’s accreditation under our program. Any evidence of fraudulent activity will be reported to the relevant accreditation body.
- The training is not in my first language. Can I request additional time to take the exam?
Yes, non-native speakers per applicable training may request an additional 30 minutes to take their exam. Requests for accommodations must be made prior to beginning the exam and no later than one week prior to the exam submission deadline.
If the training is being held in a language that is not your primary language, you must be proficient enough in the language to conduct verification services in the language. Training participants are not permitted to depend on a translation service (such as Google Translate or webinar translation) for participating in the training or for the required homework and exam (“coursework”). The Reserve will not provide translated material, or answer questions about translations.
- Do I need to take the exam right after the training?
No, you will be provided a two-week window after the training to take the exam. Your trainers will provide a specific deadline after the specific training.
- What happens if I fail the exam?
If you fail the exam, you can elect to re-take the exam for an administrative fee. The re-take must be completed within 12 months of the training, or you will be required to re-take and pay for the entire training
- How do I request a re-take?
Email [email protected] with your name, organization, and retake type and preferred payment method. Allow us up to 10 working days to provide you with an invoice and exam links.
- What happens if I fail the re-take exam?
If you fail your re-take exam, you will be required to re-take and pay for another scheduled training. A second re-take is not permitted without a new training.