Certification Connection

Contributed by Bobbi Dust, Virtual Business Concepts

I’ve been asked this question many times over the past two years and the answer is no. If you’re starting out in the VA industry, certification is not required but is recommended.

Becoming certified can get expensive. Many of the VA organizations that offer certification also require members to pay monthly or annual dues in addition to paying for the certification. Just because you’re a paying member of these organizations doesn’t mean you get the certification for free. You do, however, receive a discounted fee for each certification.

As a certified virtual assistant, you are privy to additional benefits. For example, some professionals will only accept proposals, or bids, from certified VAs. This means that you will be able to edge out your competition simply because you’re certified. In addition, many professionals also utilize the various professional VA organizations to submit requests for proposals (RFPs), such as IVAA and IAVOA.

Before shelling out the money to become certified, there are a few things you should remember. For example, there are certain prerequisites that you need to meet before you’re able to be certified.

Prerequisites

Industry experience
Active industry participation
Education
Skills
Training

If you don’t meet these prerequisites at this time, consider taking some VA classes to become better education in the industry. You don’t want to spend the money on certifications if you don’t have the knowledge to obtain them.

There are a few different types of certifications that you can obtain. The different types are listed below.

Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA)
Professional Virtual Assistant (PVA)
Accredited Secretaries Online (ASO)
Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS)
Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA)
Master Virtual Assistant (MVA)

There are also quite a few professional organizations that offer virtual assistant certifications. These organizations allow you to become a member, qualify for the certification of your choice (that the organization offers), and complete the certification process. Once you’ve become certified, these organizations may list you as a featured member for earning your certification. Research the following organizations to see if they offer the certifications you desire and, of course, the fees associated with becoming a member and becoming certified.

Virtual Assistance U
VACertification.com
Alliance for Virtual Businesses
International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA)
Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce
REVA Network
Virtual Assistant Certification
International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (IAVOA)
Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection

Now that you know certification isn’t required but recommended, get out there and start working virtually. Feel free to contact me with additional questions or comments.