Online certification for a
virtual assistant
There are various avenues to pursue for online certification for a virtual assistant.
Is it necessary to have virtual assistant certification?
Although getting your virtual assistant certification is not mandatory to becoming a virtual assistant or to gaining clients, it is however seen to be good to have.
You know what it's like, even applying for a job, having a degree makes you look better than the person without the degree and the employer will most likely choose the person with the degree.
So in your clients' eyes they see you in a different light, they know that you know what you are doing, it shows that you are committed to your business and are a serious work from home professional. They know that you have excelled in your work and taken the time, money and effort to achieve virtual assistant certification.
It's also good for your own self esteem and achievements and to develop yourself further. Each certification offered is different, so the one best for you would depend on where your current skills and experience lies.
Online certification for a virtual assistant is not expensive and below I have listed where to obtain certification and different prerequisites.
I do not endorse any or recommend any one specifically; I am merely providing the information for you.
Virtual assistant online certification
A Clayton's Secretary
Accredited Secretaries Online (ASO) Accreditation Program
Going for accreditation is available to financial members of A Clayton's Secretary only.
Approved Accreditation is dependent upon Recognised Prior Learning, continued professional development, experience in the industry and active participation within the industry. This means it is not based on an exam of what you've learnt out of a text book. ASO accreditation is based on real and active experience.
Cost:
There is a non-refundable application fee of $AUD75.00 charged to cover administration and processing expenses.
VA Certification
Professional Virtual Assistant and Master Virtual Assistant Certification
Professional Virtual Assistant (PVA) - A point system is used to evaluate both the VA's experience and education. You must earn 300 points to be awarded the PVA designation. Up to 200 of those points may come from your education and training. A minimum of 100 points must come from your actual experience as both an employee and as a VA.
Master Virtual Assistant (MVA) - If your experience and education level bring you above 400 points, you qualify for the Master Virtual Assistant (MVA) designation.
Cost:
An application fee of US$75 is required for each designation.
International Virtual Assistants Association
Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA) and/or Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS) and/or Ethics Check
Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA) - accreditation is available to members only. There are five exams (two core exams and three electives). The core exams are the EthicsCheck and the Digital Literacy. Electives are: Word Processing, Data Management, Bookkeeping/Accounting, Web Design and/or Graphic Design, and Writing and Editing.
Cost: US$150 or if you have your Ethics Check certification, then amount is US$120.
Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS) - the IVAA Real Estate Support Specialist™ Examination for Virtual Assistants assesses the Virtual Assistant's competencies in areas that are key when supporting real estate professionals, including: Legally Permissible Activities by Unlicensed Assistants
Cost: Member of IVAA US$45, Non Member US$70
Ethics Check - is an examination for Virtual Assistants which assesses the Virtual Assistant's business ethics competencies in key areas.
Cost: Member of IVAA US$45, Non Member US$70
AssistU
CPVA and CMVA certifications
Graduates of AssistU virtual assistant training are eligible for the above professional certification that are the highest in the industry. The CPVA (Certified Professional Virtual Assistant) and CMVA (Certified Master Virtual Assistant).
Cost: $250 to sit for each exam
Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection
Certified Canadian Virtual Assistant
For Canadian VAs only. You must answer virtual assistant industry and small business related questions to ascertain your knowledge of the industry and the procedures needed to run a virtual small business. Provide background information regarding your education and business experience. Write a short essay relating why you started this business and what your aspirations are for the future.
Cost: Full Members C$40+gst Partial Members C$60+gst
* Prices quoted on virtual-assistant-advice for online certification for a virtual assistant are as of first half 2007. Online certification for a virtual assistant is not mandatory.
Go to virtual assistant networks
for information on the benefits of joining a virtual assistant network.
Go to virtual assistant education
for all information on further education and training for new and existing virtual assistants.
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