The second most frequent question I get asked by those thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant: Are specific trainings or certifications required to become a VA?  Opinions from VA to VA may differ, but my answer to this is no. Formal training and certifications are not required for one to become a Virtual Assistant, but they do help.

In my own experience, I had no formal training or certifications to become a VA and start my business. I only had my past work experience, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a great mentor in my father who encouraged me to take the plunge. Over the past 3 years of being in business, I have taken a few trainings and certifications along the way to gain education and credibility, but I’ve done a lot of learning as I’ve gone along. The whole reason many current VAs started their business is because many had the drive to do something more and drew upon past jobs work experiences to develop their services, and then reinvent themselves as they gather more education and experience.

Embarking on a new career and starting a new business can be a daunting enough task as it is. Business start up itself is not easy, and you can read all the books & ebooks, take all the seminars & classes in the world and they never totally prepare you for all the situations you may experience along the way. Same goes with Virtual Assistance. Though many of those VA education resources are very helpful, it is hard to gauge until you actually work through it in the real world. 

Receiving training and certifications certainly do not hurt. They not only give you a little extra education and insight on being a VA and learning your craft, but they can give you more credibility to your clients and prospects. Plain and simple, it gives them an indication that you know what you are doing. And when you gain certifications that pertain to their type of business (Real Estate for example), then that only increases your credibility along with additional understanding of their business.

You don’t need to do it all at once. There are some great training programs out there, but many of them can be budget busting to a new VA. It is not necessary to try to take all certifications and trainings at once (unless your budget is limitless) or before you start your VA business. I always advise to do it one step at a time, as your budget allows. Take into account your current skill-set, then prioritize your education needs and decide to take the most important trainings first. As your business builds, increase your trainings, learn a new product and never stop learning.

And above all, do it for the right reasons. Never take a training or certification just to get the little logo, or to say you have it. Take them because the education has real value to you and your clients.

In my opinion, when you start out as a Virtual Assistant the real important things needed are: drive and perseverance, a skill-set that is valuable to SOMEONE out there, an idea of a niche, and a mentor to encourage and help you through. The rest will come later.

Information on VA education and training resources to come. 

All the Best!

Megan Barber
The Virtual Perception &
Barber Virtual Assisting Solutions