If you’re considering a career as a virtual assistant (VA), the good news is: you don’t need a degree or years of formal training to get started. What you do need, however, are practical skills, business knowledge, and confidence — all of which can be developed through the right online courses.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top-rated online courses and platforms that help aspiring virtual assistants build real-world skills, launch their businesses, and attract clients.
Why Take a Course to Become a VA?
While it’s entirely possible to learn on the job, taking a structured course can:
- Save you months of trial and error
- Help you build a portfolio and create service packages
- Teach you essential tools like Trello, Canva, Google Workspace, and CRM systems
- Boost your credibility when pitching clients
- Keep you motivated with step-by-step guidance
Many VA courses are affordable, self-paced, and include access to helpful communities.
What to Look For in a Good VA Course
Before signing up, make sure the course offers:
- Practical, hands-on training
- Access to templates, contracts, and client scripts
- A module on pricing your services
- Training in client communication and project management tools
- Updated lessons reflecting the latest trends (AI, automation, etc.)
- Community support or mentorship opportunities
1. The Virtual Savvy – Become a Virtual Assistant
Platform: The Virtual Savvy
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This is one of the most popular VA programs available, teaching both hard and soft skills. You’ll learn how to create packages, market yourself, onboard clients, and scale your business. Students get access to templates, a Facebook group, and bonus trainings.
Best for: Aspiring VAs who want a complete business-building roadmap.
2. Fully Booked VA by Gina Horkey
Platform: Horkey Handbook
Skill Level: Beginner
This course is perfect for those starting from scratch. It teaches not just how to become a VA, but how to land your first paying client. It includes resume and pitching help, plus tutorials on common tools.
Best for: Those who want to earn income quickly with clear action steps.
3. VA Foundations by 90 Day VA
Platform: 90 Day VA
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This course is content-heavy and ideal for learners who want more than just surface-level skills. It includes training on transcription, email management, social media, and client acquisition strategies. You also get access to a job board and alumni network.
Best for: Anyone seeking a well-rounded VA education and ongoing job opportunities.
4. Udemy – Virtual Assistant Courses
Platform: Udemy
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Udemy offers several VA-related courses from different instructors. You can learn about general VA work or dive into specialized niches like real estate VA, podcast VA, or Pinterest management.
Best for: Budget-conscious learners looking to start small and explore various topics.
5. Skillshare – Freelancing & Virtual Assistant Skills
Platform: Skillshare
Skill Level: All Levels
If you’re a creative learner, Skillshare’s video-based lessons are a great fit. While they don’t offer a full VA program, there are hundreds of short classes on email management, social media, admin tasks, and freelancing techniques.
Best for: Self-starters who want to build custom learning paths.
6. Coursera – Business & Communication Courses
Platform: Coursera
Skill Level: Intermediate
Coursera isn’t VA-specific, but it’s great for building soft skills — such as communication, organization, project management, and Google Workspace. You can even earn professional certificates.
Best for: People who want academic-level courses to complement their VA training.
7. HubSpot Academy – CRM & Marketing Tools
Platform: HubSpot Academy
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Clients love VAs who understand customer service, sales funnels, and automation. HubSpot Academy offers free training on email marketing, CRMs, and customer support tools — perfect for upskilling.
Best for: Tech-savvy VAs who want to increase their value.
8. LinkedIn Learning – Business & Admin Skills
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Skill Level: All Levels
With professional courses on time management, communication, productivity, and Microsoft Office, LinkedIn Learning is a strong complement to VA-specific training.
Best for: Aspiring VAs who want professional credentials and skills to impress clients.
9. Google Digital Garage – Free Digital Skills Courses
Platform: Google Digital Garage
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Free and created by Google, these courses teach digital marketing, productivity tools, and remote working strategies — all crucial for virtual assistants.
Best for: VAs on a budget who still want quality education.
10. Trello & Asana Official Training
Platform: Trello, Asana, or YouTube
Skill Level: Beginner
Mastering project management tools is essential for any VA. Their official websites and YouTube channels offer free tutorials to get you up and running in hours.
Best for: New VAs who want to learn essential tools fast.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Course That Matches Your Goals
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, there’s a course to match every budget and learning style. The key is to invest in knowledge that gives you confidence, clarity, and results.
If you’re overwhelmed by choices, start small. Pick one course that resonates with you and commit to finishing it. Learning step by step is better than never starting at all.
Your dream VA career is waiting — and the right course can help you build it faster.