Piston to Valve Clearance

For VVT etc do you have to set the cam to its furthest advance position to check clearances?

With a VVT intake cam yes, you'd want to set the cam position to maximum advance. If you also have VVT on the exhaust cam then you'd want to put this cam in maximum retard while checking clearance.

Thanks Andre, is that the only position required to measure or does it also need done in its base position?

How do you do this? Usually the VVT gears have a stiff spring in it.

I just jump the timing belt or chain the number of teeth that correspond to the max advance position.