How many of the VAs on the boards are certified? Just wondering if it is something to look into down the road. I have seen a few programs, but with the move and starting up new, I just can't afford it right now.

Anyone have opinions on these programs? Maybe someone can tell me about their experiences or what programs they have found useful?

Thanks in advance for any help!

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Kristina ~Success Office Solutions
Our Solutions Equal Your Success!

Hi Kristina:

The same with me. I am now getting back into the business from working FT, I have done this business only PT. I have also looked into getting certified too but it is expensive. I am curious to know how many others are as well. Good question!

Michelle
Mid-Knight Business Solutions

I have no VA certifications but have a BA in Business Management, 20 yrs real life experience in corporate offices and running a small business!

I have a successful VA practice and have yet to be asked if I have any certifications. I think it is a personal preference as to whether to obtain certifications.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Well, you can never have to much education/certifications and I guess Virtual Assistants are no different from any other field but you're correct, it seems to be really expensive and from reading some of the posts here, quite a few, if not most of the experienced sucessful VAs are not certified. I figured I will let my VA business pay for my VA education, in otherwords when I start making enough money from my business then I will reinvest my money in me.

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Shelsky aka Michelle

Thanks everyone for your replies! I feel the same way that you all do! Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

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Kristina ~Success Office Solutions
Our Solutions Equal Your Success!

I feel that if you have the experience or education you can bypass the certification. But if you lack experience or education this will increase your chances at obtaining business.

Terri

I received the Certified Virtual Seal of Professionalism signature two years ago. It was very reasonable Less then $100 and the best part about it was being hands on experience. It's been close to two years now that I graduated and still working PT to supplement income. My choice is to stay PT for now.

Let me know if you'd like to hear more about my certification experience.

I agree with the other responses. I have 2 BAs and am working on my MBA and I have 11 years administrative experience. So getting certification right now is not in the cards for me due to the expense and time. However, like Michelle, I plan to reinvest in myself when my business is making enough money to pay for the certifications. Good luck choosing your path!

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Rikki Green
www.timeforlifeconcepts.com

I only have one cert - IVAA's Certified Real Estate Support Specialist or CRESS. I decided to get it *after* being hired by a real estate agent. <grin> It was a super easy study guide and a 20 minute test. I can't say that I learned very much, but back in 2002-2003, it did seem to lend a bit more credibility to my services.

I'm always full of healthy skepticism when I see sites that offer certification of any sort. Why are they selling to VAs if they're so successful??? I could make up some "cock-a-may-mee" certification and sell it to VAs, but who am I? Why would my certification hold any water?

Bah - for most VAs who are pulling themselves up by the boot straps, you don't need a certificate. Now, if you buy a web course on something specific like listing coordination, website design, Photoshop - something that will increase your knowledge - then yes, go for it!

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Cheryl Allin - VirtuAllin Administrative Services
Twitter - @VirtuAllin

I believe the experience is the key. I had such a hard time getting a client because I didn't have experience the certification program worked best for me.

As Cheryl so wonderfully stated ...I too believe that investing the money in courses that will increase expertise in a particular software or skill is much more incredible than socking funds into a blanket certification.

The problem is, as I see it, none of the places that offer these certifications are accredited themselves by a particular organization that specializes and/or overseas this particular field.

For example, there are network certifications by companies such as Microsoft and Oracle that give their stamp of approval and have had their hand in the creation of the coursework, which makes their certs more credible and thus valuable.

Any 'tom-dick-and-henrietta' can put out a course they have written but who is to say they are the experts themselves?

Jan

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New VAs: I personally recommend Become A Virtual Assistant to Get Started!

On my way to becoming a VA - have the CFP's Registered Paraplanner designation and am going to start with the QuickBooks Proadvisor program soon.