From information technology to accounting, many industries have a professional certification program. Virtual assistance is no exception.
Virtual assistant certification programs recognize the best and brightest people in the industry. Even more, VA certification lets a potential client know that you perform well, and that an independent third party has verified your credentials.
Virtual assistant certification programs accomplish a few goals. First, they help people maintain their confidence in their field of work as a VA. Without this recognition, the entire industry may stop growing altogether. Conversely, when any industry has high standards for certification and is willing to police its own membership for quality, the industry at large can grow.
In addition to being good for the VA industry, virtual assistant certification is good for VAs. Certification can lead to higher wages. It can also lead to more clients, as some people refuse to do business with a professional that isn’t licensed.
Lastly, certification gives you prestige and a professional advantage over those who aren’t certified.
When looking into a virtual assistant certification programs, it’s important to watch out for VA scams. Many unscrupulous individuals prefer to earn income through misleading and misdirecting an unsuspecting customer.
Don’t be afraid, though. There are many credible programs. Make sure that the VA certification program you explore is recognized among peers in the industry, has a good reputation, and that the organization granting the certification is a respected one.
There are two levels of virtual assistant certification to consider: the PVA and the MVA.
The PVA (or Professional Virtual Assistant) is the first of two levels of certification. When they reach this level, virtual assistants have worked hard to hone skills and become experienced in their craft.
The second and highest level of virtual assistant certification is MVA. MVA (or Master Virtual Assistant) consists of certified VAs who have grown by enrolling in additional courses pertaining to their practice. In addition, MVAs have more depth of experience than PVAs.
While certification doesn’t guarantee that you’ll perform well as a virtual assistant, it can help make the difference in your success with clients and within the industry.