# Understanding CRVS

### 1. Introduction

Before designing or implementing a CRVS system with OpenCRVS, implementers, Business Analysts, and Systems Integrators must develop a solid understanding of the **civil registration and vital statistics domain**. This includes understanding legal frameworks, administrative workflows, stakeholder responsibilities, data quality principles, and international standards.

A strong domain foundation ensures that system requirements align with country-specific policies, international best practices, and the operational realities of registration offices, health facilities, and statistical offices.

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**For implementers:** The resources below provide essential context for translating policy and legal requirements into functional specifications, user journeys, and system behaviours that can be reliably implemented and maintained.
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### 2. Recommended learning resources

#### World Bank Group / Global CRVS Group – Self-Paced Online Course

A foundational course covering the principles, benefits, and design of CRVS systems. Free and available online.

**Best for:** New team members, Business Analysts, and project managers who need a comprehensive introduction to CRVS principles.

👉 [Take the course on the World Bank Open Learning Campus](https://www.worldbank.org/en/olc/course/34651)

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#### UN Handbook on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems

An exhaustive reference covering administrative arrangements, operational functions, quality assurance, interoperability, and digitisation of CRVS systems.

**Best for:** Deep dives into operational processes, data quality standards, and system management. Essential for Business Analysts writing functional specifications.

👉 [Download from the UN Stats website](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic-social/Standards-and-Methods/files/Handbooks/crvs/crvs-mgt-E.pdf)

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#### Regional CRVS strengthening initiatives

**APAI-CRVS: Africa Programme on Accelerated Improvement of CRVS**

The regional initiative guiding CRVS strengthening across Africa, with country assessments, frameworks, and advocacy materials.

👉 [Visit the APAI-CRVS website](https://apai-crvs.uneca.org/)

**Get Every One in the Picture – Asia–Pacific CRVS Platform**

A regional CRVS strengthening platform offering frameworks, assessments, advocacy materials, and eLearning resources tailored to the Asia–Pacific context.

👉 [Visit the Get in the Picture website](https://www.getinthepicture.org/)

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#### CRVS Digitisation Guidebook

An online resource providing step-by-step guidance for countries to plan, analyse, design, and implement digitised systems and automated processes for CRVS.

**Best for:** Understanding digitisation strategies, technology assessments, and change management approaches.

👉 [Visit the CRVS Digitisation Guidebook](http://www.crvs-dgb.org/en/)

***

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**Next steps:** After reviewing these resources, proceed to the functional specification sections of this documentation to understand how OpenCRVS implements CRVS workflows, forms, certificates, and system integrations.
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