10 Virtual Assistant Training Programs for 2026

Virtual assistant (VA) training is a great way to build the technical skills required for online administrative support, freelance technical support, and other functions. Most medium-to-large-sized businesses have a high demand for individuals with this skill set. We'll introduce you to several ways to train for these roles through 100% online coursework.

Why Consider Virtual Assistant Training?

The job market for over-the-phone or online virtual assistance continues to grow in several business industries, government agencies, and other sectors. This is your chance to earn a solid living while offering technical or troubleshooting support to business customers and organizations. Virtual assistants even fulfill important roles such as social media management, employee scheduling, email management, bookkeeping, and other clerical work, all of which you can do remotely.

Key Skills Taught in Virtual Assistant Training Programs

The virtual assistant's role involves an array of essential skills. The following sections will show you which ones you should prioritize if you wish to enter a VA position.

Administrative and Organizational Skills

VAs must have strong administrative and organizational skills. This includes time management, email management, and travel coordination. If, for example, you accept a job as an administrative secretary for a large company, then you may have to set up meetings and work as a travel agent for that organization's employees.

Technical and Software Skills

You cannot be successful as a virtual assistant without mastering virtual equipment. This includes everything from spreadsheets and Google Docs to social media platforms and Software as a Service (SAAS) tools. You can even pursue digital certifications in some software tools to show your proficiency on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Client Communication and Management

Communication is the backbone of strong VA support. It's usually not enough to troubleshoot problems if you must interface with customers and clients. The more you can coach people through difficulties, the more value you contribute as a multi-talented VA.

Business Setup and Freelancing Skills

If you want to set up a business, it helps to know how to do your own ''in-house'' VA work, rather than pay to outsource it to someone else. This also applies as a freelancer, where you can work as a VA contractor by providing information technology (IT) support and other services for several clients.

10 Best Virtual Assistant Training Programs Online

Check this list of popular VA training programs online. This includes a brief course description, typical costs (if any), and program duration.

1. CCI Training Center

CCI Training Center offers a brief 48-hour course for prospective VAs with no prior experience. It uses a flexible online learning format complete with all the software tools necessary for this position (Google Workspace, Zoom, Trello, etc.). The program aims to make students job-ready for careers in e-commerce, real estate, marketing, social media, and healthcare administration.

• Program cost: Free course
• Program length: About 48 hours

2. Udemy

Udemy offers a virtual assistant training course for less than $30, which includes two course modules for e-commerce virtual assistants and building e-commerce stores. This online training promises guidance and coaching from real-world instructors. You can also purchase several related courses for just $13.99.

• Program cost: $27.98
• Program length: Students can complete the course materials within about 11 hours.

3. Penn Foster

Penn Foster's online virtual assistant training course takes about five months to complete. It includes a career diploma after finishing its contents at your own pace.

The curriculum consists of six courses, 26 exams, and three projects. You can also earn 37 continuing education credits by finishing this VA program.

• Program cost: $749
• Program length: Between five to 10 months

4. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Tech's online VA program costs more than some of the shorter courses, but it involves nine months of thorough training, which you can complete at your own pace. The program focuses on training independent freelancers who wish to transition away from traditional full-time jobs.

The course syllabus includes VA topics, such as how to charge for services, project management, and setting up your business.

• Program cost: $3,045.00
• Program length: About nine months

5. Alison

Alison's quick VA training modules only take about one to three hours to complete. This includes three sections:

• Virtual Assistant Fundamentals
• Virtual Assistant Training and Business Setup
• Course Assessment

You could use a course like this to explore VA careers, such as an administrative assistant, credit analyst, or even an information security analyst.

• Program cost: Free course
• Program length: Between one to three hours

6. Virtual Assistants Academy

Virtual Assistants Academy (VAA) offers a free online course for virtual assistants with live webinars taught by industry professionals. It also comes with a certification upon course completion. VAA also offers similar free courses on VA digital tools, branding for VA freelancers, and effective communication.

• Program cost: Free course
• Program length: Flexible; no course length guidelines

7. Transformation Academy

Transformation Academy trains VAs through its online course, which costs less than $50. The course instructor specializes in freelance VA work, especially for stay-at-home parents. These strategies and training methods focus on developing a practical way to gain multiple income sources for young families interested in VA service.

• Program cost: $49.95
• Program length: This program has 17 modules for about four to five hours of content.

8. Belay

Belay offers the Ultimate Virtual Assistant Master Class, featuring over 90 training videos, dozens of actionable ways to apply course lessons, 60 assignments, and the opportunity to master other advanced skills. The program promotes itself as an opportunity to escape traditional employment and enjoy a flexible lifestyle while still earning a living.

• Program cost: $249.99
• Program length: Self-paced; no specific timelines mentioned

9. Prince George's Community College

Prince George's Community College offers an online virtual assistant training course through its business school. Students can attend this succinct but effective course from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. via Canvas and learn all about launching their own VA freelancing business.

You can also access the course material anytime after the live webinar while still enjoying the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other participants.

• Program cost: $95
• Program length: Three hours

10. 90 Day VA

90 Day VA has several training components combined into a single master program for prospective VAs. Along with online course materials, this program includes one-on-one mentorship, a VA networking community, and group coaching opportunities. This course shows freelance VAs how to build a small volume of high-paying clients who need clerical support.

• Program cost: $697
• Program length:_ About 90 days

How We Rank Programs

This is how we selected the programs above. The primary selection criteria include program costs, program value, and online learning options.

• Program cost: This article focuses more on free and affordable VA training courses.
• Program value and skills: These programs have a good reputation for building legitimate administrative skills and helping you obtain entry-level employment as a VA.
• Flexibility and online format: You can complete each program through remote learning.

FAQs About Virtual Assistant Training Programs

These are four of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding VA training programs. This covers issues like program duration, certification opportunities, and program costs.

Do I Need Certification to Become a Virtual Assistant?

No, you do not need a certification to become a virtual assistant, but it certainly helps. Some of the best training courses offer digital certifications, which you can insert into your resume or LinkedIn profile to help your job search.

How Long Do Training Programs Usually Take?

This depends on which program you select and how many courses you complete. Some courses may take only a couple of hours, whereas other premium training courses could cost a few thousand dollars.

Are Virtual Assistant Programs Worth the Cost?

Yes, these programs are worth the cost because many VAs have taken them to boost their chances of finding a job or getting a higher-paid position. Even entrepreneurs take online VA classes because they help them perform administrative tasks better for their businesses.

Can I Start Working While Still in Training?

This is not as common, but some VAs enroll in these training courses after starting their jobs. You can, however, maintain your current position while enrolled in a beginner class, since many VA training courses involve part-time or self-paced enrollment. They also do not take that long to complete.

Discover Online Programs

We invite you to explore many other online training programs for fields like virtual assistance, paralegal training, and computer programming. There are several fields that offer certifications for very low costs with convenient distance-learning formats.