Understanding CRV Certification Levels
Both CRV Verified and CRV A+ represent valid certification under the CRV framework. The distinction reflects the degree of alignment across the full verification standard — not the absence of legitimacy.
CRV Verified
CRV Verified indicates that a vendor has met the core standards required under the Certified Research Vendor™ framework. Vendors in this category have successfully passed structured evaluation and demonstrate legitimate operational alignment.
CRV A+
CRV A+ represents the highest level of alignment within the CRV framework. This designation is reserved for vendors that demonstrate strong consistency across documentation, fulfillment, compliance, and operational execution.
Important Clarification
CRV Verified vendors remain fully certified within the framework. The distinction between CRV Verified and CRV A+ reflects the degree of alignment, not the validity of certification.
How to Interpret Levels
CRV Verified confirms that a vendor meets core standards. CRV A+ indicates a higher level of consistency across all major evaluation categories within the framework.
One Framework. Different Levels of Alignment.
CRV certification is designed to communicate both verification status and the level of consistency demonstrated across the full operational and documentation standard.