How to Become a Certified Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistance is a rapidly growing field that allows individuals to work from the comfort of their homes. Though it takes a good amount of time for one to establish oneself as a reliable virtual assistant, when this task is accomplished, it can mean a lot of money.

A virtual assistant is someone who provides administrative, technical and creative assistance to a variety of organizations and entrepreneurs without being physically present, primarily over the Internet.

For instance, if a website designer is creating a web page and requires assistance with the graphics, a virtual assistant may be of great help. This virtual assistant may also be able to proofread and edit the content going on the website.

Entrepreneurs who have large presentations to make may simply fax or e-mail necessary material to the virtual assistant who will then compile it into a thorough presentation. As such, a virtual assistant can have an array of responsibilities which may be based on their personal skills and abilities, and the field that one works in (law, real estate, etc.)

Now, there are a lot of individuals out there who may claim to be virtual assistants, and the market is becoming highly competitive. However, how much do these individuals really know, and how can their skills be identified unless they are hired (a big risk because interactions are not face-to-face)? This is where the process of certification comes into the picture.

A certified virtual assistant will be given an edge over someone who does not have certification to provide as proof of authenticity of skill. It is important to know that it is not mandatory to be certified to work as virtual assistant; but as mentioned, it gives you an upper hand and allows potential employers to know that you can be relied upon.

The trust factor almost doubles when you possess certification. So how do you go about the process? Here's a look.

The best way to go about attaining certification as a virtual assistant is through the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA). This is a highly trusted organization that offers training and tests your skills as a virtual assistant.

It is already known that a virtual assistant is required to have a variety of skills along with the knowledge of the field one works in. Depending on personal choice and expertise, these skills are honed and then tested so that you are certified to perform a job in the said areas of virtual assistance.

Upon joining this association, not only do you achieve a certified status, you also find potential jobs in the field. Those who are virtual assistants know that finding potential clients can be a highly challenging task. However, at IVAA, people come looking for these professionals as it is a trusted source of certified virtual assistants.

You may network with other, more experienced virtual assistants, exchange skills, and enhance your abilities. This organization allows you to remain updated in the field and enables you to continue developing your skills for better, more profitable opportunities. As such, it could be one of the best ways to get started as a certified virtual assistant.

In order to become a certified virtual assistant, it is important that you be aware of your interest in the field and your abilities. You could be a virtual assistant in any field, such as a virtual legal assistant or a virtual assistant for a graphic designer.

Because these fields cover a variety of skills, it is your job to mark down what it is that you want to do and the kind of services you wish to offer. This only helps you perform better as a virtual assistant.

You also have to make sure that you do your job well and keep the client happy at all times. Once you display your skill as a virtual assistant, you can be assured that you will get a lot more freelance jobs through referrals from business associates, and carve a solid position for yourself in this field.