| I've been asked this question many times over | | | | have the knowledge to obtain them. |
| the past two years and the answer is no. If | | | | There are a few different types of certifications |
| you're starting out in the VA industry, certification | | | | that you can obtain. The different types are listed |
| is not required but is recommended. | | | | below. |
| Becoming certified can get expensive. Many of | | | | Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA) |
| the VA organizations that offer certification also | | | | Professional Virtual Assistant (PVA) |
| require members to pay monthly or annual dues | | | | Accredited Secretaries Online (ASO) |
| in addition to paying for the certification. Just | | | | Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS) |
| because you're a paying member of these | | | | Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA) |
| organizations doesn't mean you get the | | | | Master Virtual Assistant (MVA) |
| certification for free. You do, however, receive a | | | | There are also quite a few professional |
| discounted fee for each certification. | | | | organizations that offer virtual assistant |
| As a certified virtual assistant, you are privy to | | | | certifications. These organizations allow you to |
| additional benefits. For example, some | | | | become a member, qualify for the certification of |
| professionals will only accept proposals, or bids, | | | | your choice (that the organization offers), and |
| from certified VAs. This means that you will be | | | | complete the certification process. Once you've |
| able to edge out your competition simply because | | | | become certified, these organizations may list you |
| you're certified. In addition, many professionals | | | | as a featured member for earning your |
| also utilize the various professional VA | | | | certification. Research the following organizations |
| organizations to submit requests for proposals | | | | to see if they offer the certifications you desire |
| (RFPs), such as IVAA and IAVOA. | | | | and, of course, the fees associated with |
| Before shelling out the money to become | | | | becoming a member and becoming certified. |
| certified, there are a few things you should | | | | Virtual Assistance U |
| remember. For example, there are certain | | | | Alliance for Virtual Businesses |
| prerequisites that you need to meet before | | | | International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) |
| you're able to be certified. | | | | Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce |
| Prerequisites | | | | REVA Network |
| Industry experience | | | | Virtual Assistant Certification |
| Active industry participation | | | | International Association of Virtual Office |
| Education | | | | Assistants (IAVOA) |
| Skills | | | | Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection |
| Training | | | | Now that you know certification isn't required but |
| If you don't meet these prerequisites at this time, | | | | recommended, get out there and start working |
| consider taking some VA classes to become | | | | virtually. Feel free to contact me with additional |
| better education in the industry. You don't want | | | | questions or comments. |
| to spend the money on certifications if you don't | | | | |