Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Marty · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010

Hi everyone. Yep, it's me again

I'm considering certification to hopefully jump-start my intro into the virtual world.

One certification being considered is NAR's REPA certification. I know NAR is a big name in the real estate field so thought this cert might actually have some weight to it.

I'm also thinking about author's assistant certification but don't know if this carries the same level of recognition. The one that caught my eye is Professional Virtual Author's Assistant Training, but not sure if the price ($597) is worth it.

Has anyone taken the PVAA course?

Also, I don't know if this matters but I have no real estate experience at this time. I do have a book review blog that has put me in touch with some authors and publishers. I just don't have the nuts-and-bolt knowledge as to how exactly an assistant could provide marketable services.

Just in case this is an Oops! I posted a similar thread elsewhere in the forum before I realized there was a 'Training and Certification' category. sorry about that.

Top KoalaT · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

I'd love to know the answer to this as well. I'm a CPS/CAP (Certified Professional Secretary/Certified Administrative Professional) though IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals), but currently don't have any VA certification.

katekindred · #3 (**permalink**) 08-12-2010

I guess whether or not a cert has value is depends on how the people you will be working with perceive it. Do they know what these initials stand for? There are lots of recent web sites offering "certification", but what does it really mean? In some cases it appears to me that someone has merely created a web site and test and labeled it a "certification". Unless a particular certifying organization is well regarded in your field, I question the value of it.

reneeshupe · #4 (**permalink**) 08-12-2010

I have to agree. Certifications only carry weight if the clients find it important. I have yet to have any of my clients ask the question as to whether or not I'm certified. I have debated about getting the Ethics certification provided by IVAA, but haven't yet gone that way.

When when I worked in the corporate world I had thought about getting the CAP certification from IAAP but decided against because at least in Canada such certification doesn't hold much weight at this point.

So I think one way to look at the certification is to decide if the training provided is valuable to you or could you gain the same information elsewhere for the same price....

dawnjlane · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

The only one I have bothered with is the VAcertified award.

It is a global award which is run by Tawyna Sutherland and has a panel of 13 people from 4 different countries who have set a benchmark of standards for VAs. It is now into its 2nd year.

May be worth while looking at that one.

Dawn

Be Virtual Assistant Wise · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010

Marty, I am also new and the answers of the others make a lot of sense especially if you take into consideration that the VA industry is an unregulated industry. Will certification 'really' make a difference? Do you want to do the REPA certification because you have no experience in real estate?
Just wondering.
Marietjie

Marty · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010

Hi Marietjie,

You hit the nail right on the head - considering REPA certification because I don't have experience in real estate...and there are a ton of real estate agents in this area, which really surprises me because it's a really rural area.

Be Virtual Assistant Wise · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010

Hi Marty

Real Estate is indeed a very interesting field (been in real estate for more than 15 years) and if you're on top of their "terminology" this might be a good niche.
Wishing you all the best.

Marietjie

lsmapp · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010

I could definitely see needing certification if you want to go into Real Estate assistance. I have only an Ethics Check certification (and my non-virtual paralegal diploma!), because I've never had a client ask about certifications and lawyers mostly like to see real experience in law, which I have, so anything else might not be worth it for me. And the more established I am the more I get clients through referrals, and those referrals are usually comfortable based on the word of mouth, with no need for certifications they don't even know anything about.

Teressa · #10 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010

I think that while the actual "label" of certification may not carry as much weight, I do believe that when a prospective client sees your certifications they will get the feeling that you are staying on-top of your field. I am always continuously increasing my knowledge of the industry---for myself.

For those that do like to take the certification lessons on the web....you should know that you can also find equivalent classes at your local community college that can be completed in a few months--and probably available online. Only difference is you will be getting educated by an accredited school.