Certifications for Virtual Assistants in Canada
International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) Certification
Sure, anyone can become a Virtual Assistant (VA), but here’s the catch: not everyone will be good at it. Online courses and recognized certifications for virtual assistants can help you stand out in the sea of digital fish. A professional certification course goes into all the aspects of being a VA, so you’re not left scrambling to fill in the gaps on the first day at your new job. We recommend taking a Virtual Assistant certificate if you want to join an executive assistant company in Canada. Ready to level up? Check out our favourite VA certifications to sharpen your skill set and set yourself up for success!
Professional Google Workspace Administrator
Today’s Romeo and Juliet is Google and Microsoft. No matter who wins, your clients are most likely working in either one of these remote workspaces, so why not get certified in both and be ready to work with any client?
The Professional Google Workspace Administrator course proves your ability to use core Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets. With the Google Workspace Certification, You’ll learn how to create and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, collaborate in real-time, manage tasks efficiently, and secure and organize files. These VEA skills will help you manage and optimize workflow in your client’s Google Suite.
Registration Cost: $200
Length: 2 hours + multiple choice exam
Get your Professional Google Workspace Administrator certification here.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
The Microsoft Office Specialist Certification demonstrates you have the highest level of skills to use key Microsoft Office (MO) programs efficiently. This certification is a bit different because it includes an exam in every MO program (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, SharePoint, One Note). You’ll take the exams individually to earn your “full” Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. There is no training or official course related to this certification, so it’s really up to you to take the exams and prove you know your stuff! If that seems daunting, you could take individual Certifications for their most popular programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Registration Cost: $100 per exam
Length: Approximately 50 minutes per exam
Get your Microsoft Office Specialist Certification here.
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
The CAP exam is created from a “blueprint” called the Body of Knowledge that covers six topic areas (Organizational Culture and Leadership; Business Communication and Deliverables; Software, Data, and the Internet; Office and Records Management; Meeting, Event, and Project Management; and Operational Functions). The Body of Knowledge is available to download for free, and then you can purchase an add-on CAP Study Guide and eReader to help you nail the exam.
It’s worth investing in this course because it encompasses everything you need to know as a VA, like many of the Northern Primrose services. The class of Spring 2024 included 286 candidates, and 86% of them received their certification, which just goes to show how this program is really set up to see you succeed. You need to apply to take the exam; the next application deadline is February 26th, 2025.
Registration Cost: $575
Length: 3 hour exam
Get your Certified Administrative Professional Certification here.
QuickBooks Online Certification
This certification is ideal for Virtual Executive Assistants (VEAs) who need to efficiently handle bookkeeping and accounting tasks using QuickBooks Online, a popular choice for small business financial management. By earning this certification, you’ll master the skills to navigate QuickBooks Online confidently. You’ll learn to set up accounts, manage expenses, track income, generate financial reports, and reconcile bank accounts. This certification demonstrates your ability to efficiently manage financial records and support clients in maintaining accurate and organized accounts. You need to watch eight free training videos before taking your QuickBooks Online Certification.
Registration Cost: FREE
Length: 40 minutes + exam
Get your QuickBooks Online certification here.
Receiving your certifications for Virtual Assistants sets you up for success by making sure you have the training and knowledge to meet any client’s needs. It also speaks volumes about your commitment to your role as a VA, indicating that you’ve invested time and resources into honing your craft.
As an executive assistant company in Canada, we’re always looking for new talent to join our team and help us deliver Northern Primrose services to our clients. If that’s you, contact Northern Primrose, and let’s talk about your future with us.
