1. Why a web-based system for the Common CV? Why not simply use Word or form-fillable Adobe Acrobat PDF files?
2. Is the Common CV similar to the CV web forms already in use by some of the funding agencies?
3. Why is the Common CV not 100% common?
4. How does an organization become a member of the Common CV Network so that it may direct its researchers and students to use the Common CV?
5. How do I get more information on the Common CV initiative?

More Frequently Asked Questions

• No requirement for users to purchase any additional software: It was considered critical that users of the Common CV not have to purchase any proprietary software to be able to complete, save and submit the form. The current software packages that allowed for the downloading and reloading of the CV form required the users to purchase and install specific software on their desktop computers. This was not considered acceptable by the participating organizations. We are continuing to monitor the evolution of this technology however for potential use in future development.
• Maximum use of data: Many of the participating organizations either will or plan to transfer the data from the CV into their corporate databases. In order to re-use the data, it must be stored in a structured format in a method that is both transferable and usable by all organizations and in the multiple formats envisioned in future releases of the Common CV.
• Balance requirement for specifiy agency data and flexibility while making it as easy as possible for the user to apply to mulitiple agencies: Using a webbased database allows the users to store their information in a single database and extract it for specific uses based on the parameters established by an organization. The work to tailor the form for a specific use is done for the user. The user's role is to update the database.

A web-based system was chosen because it meets the needs of all participants, researchers, students, funding organizations and universities.

2. Is the Common CV similar to the CV web forms already in use by some of the funding agencies?
Yes. The look and feel of the Common CV system was based on existing web forms at the following agencies: FRSQ, FQRNT, FQRSC, NSERC, SSHRC, CFI, CRC, and NCE.

3. Why is the Common CV not 100% common?
The Common CV database is common so that users will only have to answer a question once, no matter how many organizations ask the same question.

• The bulk of questions are common to all participating organizations. Significant compromise was made to reach consensus. The remaining questions that the agencies require but that are not common to all, have been deemed "agency-specific" in release 1.0 of the Common CV.
• In many organizations, changes to data collected are approved through committee structures and/or internal processes which tend to be cyclical and did not correspond to the Common CV development schedule. In many cases, these organizations continue to seek approval to evolve towards a common solution.
• Some organizations are required to track certain data that no others need. These elements will always be outside of the common elements.
• Consultation will continue, with the goal to reach a completely common form over time.

4. How does an organization become a member of the Common CV Network so that it may direct its researchers and students to use the Common CV?
Organizations that wish to use the Common CV as part of their processes may contact the Project Officer at info@commoncv.net to inquire about becoming a member of the Common CV Network. The members of the Network determine the Common CV features and future development. The Network is a not-for-profit venture that depends on yearly fees from its member organizations to maintain the Common CV.

5. How do I get more information on the Common CV initiative?
Information can be found on the Common CV site at www.commoncv.net or you may contact the Project Officer at info@commoncv.net.