Originally Posted by bsetc

While they were definitely good to take and I got these great certificates from Microsoft, I wouldn't say that they helped secure any amazing positions (nor did my clients care that I had them!) That's just my two cents.

Yes, I wondered about this. I have gone back and forth wondering if I should take them just to say I had the certifications (I've used all of the programs for years). But, I believe my newbie money could be better spent in marketing...

Joni Hahn

Originally Posted by savvysa

Yes, I wondered about this. I have gone back and forth wondering if I should take them just to say I had the certifications (I've used all of the programs for years). But, I believe my newbie money could be better spent in marketing... Joni Hahn

You are probably better off putting your money into marketing at this point. It's not a matter of if you have the certificates, it's a matter of knowing what you're doing. I am working with a client who had a temp from an agency and while the temp obviously passed all of the agency's tests, when it came to actually getting what they wanted done, she couldn't do it. the client was afraid they wouldn't find anyone who could do what they needed when they called me - create some simple templates in Word Experience and skills are what counts - she was actually in tears (of joy) which I showed her what I did. Credentialitis is a terrible disease these days

That being said, I do want to do the 2007 tests because I think they are one tool of selling my services - but not the only one. But given the choice of marketing or certification tests, I'd put the money into marketing first. I've looked at the various certification courses for VAs and felt the same - way too expensive for the good it does you. Experience counts for as much or more.

Great points Julia I would agree that if you're already up to speed with an applicable skill set and have the talent to get the projects done, then marketing would make the most sense initially.
I'm *still* learning new skills, even after 2.5 years - and always will be If I waited until I tested out of every single possible new exam and certification before moving forward I'd be pretty darn stuck. (And personally, I go for the learning for the sake of itself, not for the certs, but I do understand why some people work toward those - they certainly can't hurt!)

By the way, I especially liked and the phrase: "Credentialitis is a terrible disease these days" Well said

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Originally Posted by Tess

If I waited until I tested out of every single possible new exam and certification before moving forward I'd be pretty darn stuck.

I agree - the only pretests I care about are the Certiport tests. Those are the true barometer of where your skill level is b/c they administer the MOS certifications.

Keep on learning! I intend to.

Originally Posted by JuliaW

It's not a matter of if you have the certificates, it's a matter of knowing what you're doing.

I agree with Julia here. I have created a series of samples to give my potential clients such as letters, newsletters, presentations, Web site designs, etc. so they can actually see what I can do.

Having said that, I also plan to acquire the certifications in the future when I have generated more business and a little profit because as someone else mentioned, they can also be used as marketing tools.

I also wanted to suggest that if you don't want to pay for the pre-tests, you can buy the MOS study guide which incldues pre-tests for each part. You can get it at Amazon pretty cheap
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073...e=UTF8&s=books.
I'm sure Barnes and Noble carries it and you might even find it at your local library.

Best regards,
Jessica Messerschmitt
Keystone Business Support Services

I really appreciate the different comments regarding this topic. I have been so focused on getting certifications, because that what I have mainly seen on most VA websites. I lost focused on the skills that I have attained by taking the latest courses and continue on taking the latest courses. I really liked the idea of presenting work that I have done in the past. I definitely have plenty of that.

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Regeana Canada
Mrs. G's Office-To-Go

I need to add that I don't plan on getting certifications but right now, I want to get what I capable of doing and then the certifications will come. I know that there are certain type of clients that focus on just what type of certs you have. In time will tell what directions I will go in. I do have a Bachelors in Office Administration.

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Regeana Canada
Mrs. G's Office-To-Go

I'm waiting on getting certifications on anything until I have money coming in. I just got my AA in business management in March, and Office was one of the courses I had to take. Now that I think of it, I should probably put that on my business card too shouldn't I? Also, I completed a course through the Mike Ferry organization (24 weeks) on being an assistant. There was no certification with it though. I am contacting my old boss in Florida to see if he will email me the materials from the course and some of the items I put together for their office. I would hate to start all over again, and no way am I paying for that course. He paid, and it costs $1000!

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy