So, you want to become a certified virtual assistant in Nigeria? That’s like saying you want to join the remote work revolution, without dealing with traffic, Lagos heat, or that one colleague who eats jollof noisily in the office. You’re in for a journey that could open doors to working with clients worldwide from the comfort of your living room (or a cozy café, if you prefer). Becoming a certified virtual assistant is a career move that opens up a world of opportunities, flexibility, and let’s be honest, a much better work-life balance than the typical 9-to-5 grind. 

But how exactly do you go from “interested” to “certified”? Let me take you through a simple step-by-step process that doesn’t involve selling your kidney to pay for a degree or moving abroad to earn in dollars. You ready? Grab a cup of coffee (or zobo) and let’s get started.

Step 1: Understand What a Virtual Assistant Actually Does

Before jumping into certifications and training, let’s get one thing straight: being a virtual assistant (VA) isn’t just about typing fast or knowing how to use a computer. Think of yourself as the behind-the-scenes superstar who makes businesses run smoothly. From handling emails to managing social media, scheduling meetings, or even coordinating projects—VAs are the organizational ninjas that CEOs, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can’t do without.

In Nigeria, the demand for VAs has surged because guess what? People are finally realizing they don’t have to keep an office space in Lekki just to get administrative work done. So, your job will be essential, trust me. And it pays to be certified.

Step 2: Find the Right Training Program (No, You Don’t Need to Fly to Canada)

Okay, so you’ve decided to become a VA. But where do you get the skills? Here’s the beauty of the 21st century—you don’t need to get on a plane or sell family land to acquire these skills. The right training program, especially one that offers certification, will prepare you to handle tasks like:

• Email management (we’re talking inbox-zero levels of mastery)
• Calendar scheduling
• Social media management
• Data entry and research
• Customer service support
• Basic bookkeeping (yes, some clients will want that too)

Programs like the Certified Virtual Assistant Course by London Executive Education are specifically designed for Nigerians, and they come with certification at the end. That paper (or PDF) will make you legit in the eyes of potential employers—especially those abroad. Plus, who doesn’t want to tell their parents that they’re “certified” in something without them assuming you spent 4 years studying it?

Step 3: Get Your Hands Dirty (No, Not Literally)

After your training, it’s time to dive into the practicals. No, I’m not saying go clean out a warehouse. I mean, get to work. Start practicing what you’ve learned.

Here’s where you can get creative: help out a small business owner you know (maybe that cousin of yours who runs a hair salon), or offer free services for a few weeks just to build your portfolio. In the VA world, experience speaks louder than words. And the more experience you can show, the more attractive you’ll look to paying clients.

Also, don’t be shy about showcasing your work. Create a LinkedIn profile (yes, you need one), share testimonials from clients, and let people know you’re a certified virtual assistant. You’ve earned the right to brag.

Step 4: Build a Killer Portfolio and Online Presence

You’re not the only person in Nigeria with virtual assistant skills, so how do you stand out? Your portfolio is your secret weapon. It should be simple, but effective. Highlight the services you offer, the tools you use (think: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Slack, Trello, and whatever new tech tools are hot in the VA world), and most importantly, showcase the results you’ve achieved for previous clients.

Make sure your online presence is solid. This is where the magic happens. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour are your best friends for finding clients. But don’t forget to set up your personal website or a LinkedIn profile that screams professionalism.

Step 5: Ace the Virtual Assistant Certification Exam (You Got This!)

Okay, maybe you saw the word “exam” and panicked a little. But relax! Getting certified as a virtual assistant is not like writing WAEC or JAMB. It’s more practical and focused on making sure you can actually do the work, not just memorize definitions. The certification exam is usually based on the training you’ve completed, so if you’ve paid attention, you’ll ace it.

And here’s the cool part: with programs like London Executive Education’s Certified Virtual Assistant Course, once you pass, you get a globally recognized certification. You can then confidently say, “I’m a certified VA”—and in today’s world, that carries serious weight.

Step 6: Find Clients and Start Earning (Bye-Bye, 9-to-5 Life!)

This is where things get real. You’ve got the certification, the skills, and the drive. Now it’s time to find clients who’ll actually pay you for your expertise.

The world is your oyster here. You can find clients locally or globally. Remember those freelance platforms I mentioned earlier? Get on them, apply for gigs, and always ask for referrals from satisfied clients. The beauty of being a virtual assistant is that you don’t have to limit yourself to clients in Nigeria—you can work with businesses in the US, UK, Canada, or even Dubai, all from the comfort of your home.

Step 7: Keep Learning and Stay Updated (The Virtual World Never Stands Still)

Finally, remember that the virtual assistant field, like many digital careers, is always evolving. What’s hot today may be outdated tomorrow, so always keep learning. Whether it’s mastering new tools, expanding into more specialized services like digital marketing, or leveling up with more certifications, continuous improvement is key.

And hey, who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be hiring other virtual assistants to work for you.