Just curious if this is something I really need to pursue as I am just starting out in the industry. Any insight would be helpful

I'm in the same boat. Wondering if certification is something I should pursue. And if so, which ones? I'm personally leaning towards yes. Now I'm just trying to research what to take.

I'm looking forward to reading what some of the pros have to say about it.

When I first started I too was very leary of certifications. My mother had always told me "nothing is free in this world." I would have to agree to a point.

One way to look at a certification is it's all in what you put into it, what you'll get out of it. After I completed my certification I took advantage of who I networked with. That was the key, not so much the certification. In the VA world I think it's one of the best ways to get to know people that do have a client base. I always had a shield up that people were trying to sell me something just to get the money. That's where this industry is so different. There are many that truely are trying to make it easer for new people coming in not to make the same mistakes they did.

So in my eyes, yes I think it's important to invest into a certification program. It got me where I am today and I'm very thankful for that.

I am not certified. I have many years experience in the administrative industry and that is what I choose to use. I believe that your skills and experience are what is going to take you where you want to go.

With that said, I will not knock down the VA certification courses that are out there because I have never gone through one myself and I know there are some wonderful programs available. I think it's just a choice you will have to make for yourself.

Never stop on educating yourself, though. If you feel it will be an asset for yourself and business, go-for-it!

I too have quite a significant amount of experience as an admin in the B&M world, but virtually none (pun intended) online as an admin. I guess I'm going to have to weigh up the pros and cons and see what I come up with.

I think that weighing your pros and cons is a great idea. It is a different ball game when you are running your own business vs. working in the corporate industry. I am sure you will make the best decision for yourself.

The reason you can't reliably be certified as a virtual assistant is that there is no standard thing that we all do. VAs each offer unique services. There's no such skill as 'virtual assistance' in itself.

However, certification in various administrative skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, etc.) can be plenty meaningful to potential clients.

In sum, look for continuing education in skill-building, with associated certifications, but don't bother with anything that pretends to teach you virtual assistance, because everyone has their own definition of what a VA is.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I am a firm believer in on-going education. That being said, if you choose to pursue a certification, be sure you are doing it to further your knowledge/skills and not just to have a badge for your website or initials behind your name. I don't believe most clients know or care about certifications but are rather more impressed by your skills and experience.

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Lily E. Chambers, CPS, CQU The Virtual Office Goddess, llc
TVE Magazine - "Do Your Own Bookkeeping" class

I agree with getting certified to further your skills and not for something to put on your website.

Last year as I started putting together my business, I really debated about getting certified initially. I eventually decided to focus on my years of experience and pursue certification down the line. However, I did include individual skills certification (MS Excel, etc) on my development plan for this year.