There are a lot of VAs on this forum who are certified in software like Quickbooks and Microsoft. From experience do you think when a contractor is looking for help are they looking for that certiication or are they willing to teach as you go?

Lets turn it around, if you're really good at technical things could you consult another VA? If so, in what ways? Is this something high in demand? If you're just a VA please feel free to jump in and give your opinion about consulting IT services.

I believe a lot of us learn and have learned most of our IT services from our previous jobs. I am not sure about the need to be certified. I don't look for certifications I look for examples of their work. I guess some may want a certification but I don't feel it is necessary.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

I agree with Andrea. Employers don't necessarily pay an employee based on their education either.

I get the certifications for me, not for clients. I list them because I have earned them but I really don't think the clients give a 'durn' about the certifications; they just want to know that I am qualified for the services I offer to them.

I have lots of 'hands-on' experience with IT but don't offer it as a service. I will, however, jump in and assist when someone has an IT question that I can answer or figure out. I also have a tech guy that is my equivalent (an 'office god' ) when it comes to computer issues whom I consult on a regular basis.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"