I joined IVAA last year and it has been THE best investment I've made in my VA business. The email group is especially fantastic, and I've picked up a few jobs as a result. The forums here are great, but I've noticed mnay are newer and less experienced VAs. Not that that's bad at all.... VAF is one of the top resources out there.... but I've noticed the IVAA is where a lot of the veterans and really well-established VAs tend to be at much of the time.

I just passed the CVA exam and am way excited about it.

It's important to know that IVAA's exams (especially the CVA) require that you already have training and knowledge... they do not actually supply the training. The CVA exams are not a cakewalk, either. You need to know what you're doing or you will fail. For example, if you choose Word 2007 as part of your battery of tests, you better know Word 2007 and many of its' advanced uses such as page formats, mail merges and the like. And I'm not just talking about a general overview of the features, either. You will be asked to perform a specific task or tasks, often right in the middle of a process... so if you haven't performed that process multiple times, you run the risk of getting the questions wrong.

That said, I can tell you that I've been asked several times by potential clients if I have the CVA certification when they hear I'm an IVAA member. That's what convinced me to go for the designation.

I think it's interesting to point out that there are only about 30 current IVAA members that are CVAs... out of what, nearly 1000? Obviously, the reasons for that are varied, but think there are many who attempt the exams and fail. That doesn't mean that they're bad VAs... it just means the tests are hard, and that the CVA designation is special for a reason. $120 for the CVA is pricey, sure, but entirely worth it -- but only if you're ready to take it.

There are some certifications out there that only indicate that you've taken or passed a class... and I'm not too keen on those, personally, because they don't really tell you anything other than that you paid for a class. The reason I like the IVAA exams (and I did my research) is because they independently test true skill level. An IVAA CVA is going to be someone who has really proven that he/she has some skills, not just think they have them. And yes, there is a difference!

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Marian Harmon, Certified Virtual Assistant
www.crossmydesk.com

Marian,

Thanks so much for the heads up. Your post really made me think twice about how knowledgeable I may "not" be on certain skills. I definitely want to take the CVA test, but thanks to your sharing, I may want to make sure I know what I think I know. I'll wait and be sure. What you shared motivates me to hone up on my skills. I don't want to fail, not even the first time.

Thanks so much.

Barbara Cooper
Preferred Virtual Services
www.preferredvas.com

I think you're welcome.

I certainy don't want to scare anyone out of taking the exams. In fact, I really wish more people would take them so there would be more of an industry standard. I wanted to really make sure that people understood that "certification" is a rather subjective term. Some places will certify you for just completing or attending a class...or just paying for it. But, what does that really say about the VA?

The reason I chose the IVAA exams is because they do test existing skill level, and I figured, if I can pass an exam that will put me at the same certification of some of the VAs I highly respect, then that's what I want to strive for.

I passed all of my IVAA tests on the first try...so it it possible! I just wanted to point out that I have noticed that there is a failure rate that seems high to me. BUt, I think that might be good in many ways.

The reason I mention the "think" vs "know" aspect is because I think we all (myself included) like think we know more than we really do. As I was transitioning out of my FT job, I had to try to hire a replacement. As part of the process, I administered a skills test that covered of the the tasks that are involved with the routine job duties. People who claimed to be well versed in Excel couldn't identify the function of a simple formula, or figure out how to put the sum of a group of cells on another worksheet. I know how to do that I do not consider myself an advanced Excel user.

Another who claimed to know Quickbooks didn't know how to edit invoice templates.

And a third person who claim to know how to use Adobe Acrobat had no idea how to actually create a PDF file. Yeah, as it turns out she just knoew how to open a file in Adobe READER.

Others didn't know how to find files in Windows.... and so on. I was really surprised. So much so that we never actually hired anyone, and my employer became my first client. SO now I have kind of a hybrid VA/employee agreement with them. It works really well, and the "boss" is very supportive of my other endeavors.

Anyway, as I said I don't want to scare anyone off. I think that people SHOULD join IVAA, especially the take advantage of Yahoo Email group. The exams aren't' necessary to be a member. But since the exams, especially the CVA, is so expensive... then you should make sure to follow the study guide amd make sure that you can absolutely do all of the things it talks about. But, also know that the testing system itself isn't perfect. I know I got a few questions wrong for which I absolutely knew the answer, but it was expecting me to do a certain way... but "my" way wasn't quite the same. But if you know what you're doing, a few of those is not going to make you fail the exam.

One thing to note, though... a good way to learn this is to take an endorsed course from the manufacturer of the software. For example, if you want to know Word back and forth, try taking a class that will get you a Microsoft designation such as Office Specialist. If you can do that, then the CVA exam will be a cinch.

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Marian Harmon, Certified Virtual Assistant
www.crossmydesk.com

I will have to keep this in mind as the money starts coming in from my business. A membership that truly helps out as much as you all are saying, must be worth the money. The membership fees don't seem to bad. Do you have to pay additional to take the certification tests you are talking about?

Robyn

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Wiemer's Business Services LLC

Thanks for the tips on the IVAA. I think I need to prioritize joining as funds become available.

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Jodith Allen
Administrative Arts

Hi,
I haven't joined IVAA yet but I checked out the website a few days ago. I think it would be worth joining. I think a VA Cerificate would be beneficial to anyone working as a VA. It would emphasize your abilities even more.
VirtualRachel

Thanks so much, Marian, for going into such depth. And you're right. I've always said that I was very proficient at MS Word and Excel but some of your examples had me saying lol

Like you said, it's not that you don't know the software but if there are parts of it you've never had to use (or used very little) you don't "know it all". I used to be much better with Excel than I am now, for instance, because my entire day was spent working with numbers and creating reports. I could create and use pivot tables effortlessly, for example. But now? Forget it! It's been 5 years since I've even had to look at a pivot table. Same thing with Access. I haven't had the need to use it since I've left the corporate world and I've definitely lost it.

So I, for one, am definitely glad that you threw those examples out to really express how hard the CVA exam is. I'll definitely be looking into honing up on my MS Office skills (I've always wanted to work towards the MS Office certifications but my job wouldn't pay for the exams and it was just way too expensive. I think it's something like $7,000 to go through the whole program isn't it? I forget.)

Also, one reason why I originally decided against joining the IVAA is because, like a lot of people, I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on certifications or courses that I can honestly do without. I really like the idea that the IVAA expects you to find the learning elsewhere and the certification is just a very high assessment of what skills you already possess so that it actually feels like a true accomplishment to achieve that certification. Not to mention the confidence it must give both you and your clients (assuming, of course, that the clients are aware of what the certification entails). So, I will definitely rethink my decision and will be able to take advantage of all an IVAA membership has to offer (as well as give something back) once I'm more able.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

I've researched several professional organizations and decided on IVAA. Like others I will join when I have more funds coming in. All of these fees certainly add up but if it will benefit my business then it will be well worth it.

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Tamera Nelson

I totally recommend saving your pennies to join IVAA. I've said before, but I mean it. It's a great organization... and obviously you get out of it what you put in. But once you do, for SURE join the email list. It's not an automatic subscription when you join.

The certifications are extra $$$. The CVA exam is $120, and you have to have passed the Ethics Check first, which is $45, I think. Definitely not cheap.... but I can tell you that for me... it has already paid for itself. I've gained two new contracts as a result in a month! And, I'm getting a lot more calls from people who ask about services because many of them will look at the CVA designees first. And since there are only 23 of them right now, it's easy to see why we get more "attention" as it were.

But even if you don't even try for the certifications, membership itself is worth it. If you can't afford the membership yet, I suggest some of their free events:

If you're interested, IVAA hosts free presentations called "Why Join IVAA" held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.

There's one going on right now, actually, though it's almost over.

http://ivaanvassoc.weblinkconnect.co...px?EventID=153

The next one will be on September 9th:

http://ivaanvassoc.weblinkconnect.co...px?EventID=148


Another free IVAA resource are the Coffee Chats every Monday afternoon:

http://ivaanvassoc.weblinkconnect.co...px?EventID=179


Finally, I REALLY suggest that you consider attending the Online Summit in November hosted by IVAA. This one isn't free (not even for members), but it will be worth it to help you build your business:

http://online.vasummit.org/


Non-IVAA members have to pay $95 for that.

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Marian Harmon, Certified Virtual Assistant
www.crossmydesk.com

I'm an IVAA member and have been for several years. I love the discussion group as I learn a lot about a variety of topics. For instance, I'm not a bookkeeper. However, when I have a bookkeeping question, I post on IVAA and the VAs who are bookkeepers are quick to answer. IVAA is a great resource!

In addition, I have networked at the Summit with other VAs. I have hired some of my subcontractors from VAs that I met at the Summit. I've also sent business referrals to VAs that I met at the Summit.

Like many organizations, you will get out of it what you put into it.

Just my 2 cents, but I would recommend IVAA as a good investment in your business.

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Cathryn Jones
Assistants For Agents, LLC

Thanks Cathryn and Marian for confirming my decision to join IVAA and for shedding more light on what the association has to offer. I will be sure to mark the upcoming dates on my calendar for the free presentations and coffee chats.

The more advice, recommendations, and knowledge I gain the more confident I feel.

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Tamera Nelson

It's always important for VAs not to join any VA organisation purely just to get clients. While there will be those opportunities for the organisations that provide them, too often I find VAs leaving memberships because that was their only expectation. As business owners it is our role to be marketing our own businesses and seeking out clients. Registering with groups that help give us client contact and client exposure is definitely beneficial and the costs are tax deductible but the VAs also need to look at what other membership benefits they get and utilise them.

I am a member of IVAA and have been for sometime. I do regularly see RFPs being promoted and occasionally I might go for a job that's listed. But it's all the other things I get from the membership that makes it truly worthwhile to me.

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Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

I'm a member of IVAA and have obtained the EthicsCheck Certification, which is a pre-requisite to the CVA.

I have chosen not to pursue the CVA. I am a proponent of industry standards (and have yet to feel like we have achieved that) - but I don't feel my clients have a clue (or care for that matter) what the CVA means. I am pursuing education on a continual basis - some of which has a certification component, but I am choosing the programs for the content, not the title.

IVAA is a resource that I use daily in conjunction with VA Forums. The list serve is very active - multiple messages and topics every day. As a VA in my first year of business - I have learned tremendously just from reading.

The level of expertise seems to be top. And actually, it is a bit intimidating; not that the group is not friendly at all! I don't know why, but I don't feel the comfort level that I do here at VA Forums.

I would definitely recommend the membership to any VA.

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Crystal Coleman, The Northern Edge

I just joined IVAA and so far I feel very comfortable with my decision. I'm still in the process of looking over the many benefits that this membership will provide and will sort out what is right for me. I think when a person joins any organization, they will get something of value but how much value and whether or not a person uses that benefit is up to the individual....does that make sense?

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Jenny McKinney
http://www.offsiteofficepro.com

Thanks to all for your input! I myself have been a member of IVAA since July 2009 - it was the first professional expenditure that I made when I decided to fully incorporate my business. I also fully intend on taking all the certifications that are available for my business - professionals have their Bachelor Degrees, I will have my IVAA credentials!

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Farah Belliard, Virtual Mavrix, LLC
(347) 692-0144, CALL NOW OR EMAIL ME AT farah at virtualmavrix dot com!