Top 3 Online Courses That Actually Teach You Real VA Skills

The world of virtual assistance has evolved fast. It’s no longer just about being someone’s remote secretary. Today, Virtual Assistants (VAs) are hired to handle full-scale operations, managing social media, running client communication, editing spreadsheets, organizing digital files, and even launching email campaigns. And while the internet is full of VA courses, very few actually walk you through the skills you’ll really need to work with paying clients.

This article breaks down three online courses that are not just fluff; they actually prepare you for real VA work. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to sharpen your skills, these courses are practical, easy to follow, and focused on the type of work clients need help with right now.

1. Fully Booked VA by Gina Horkey

Why this course stands out:

Gina Horkey’s course isn’t just about learning tasks, it’s about building a career. Instead of throwing random lessons at you, it gives you a roadmap: here’s what to do first, how to build momentum, how to attract clients, and how to actually get hired.

Here’s what you learn:

Basics of virtual assistance: email management, scheduling, document creation
How to pick a niche (e.g., real estate, content marketing, bloggers)
Systems for onboarding clients professionally
Rate-setting tips, pricing strategies, and how to invoice
How to pitch services with confidence (email scripts and templates included)

Best for: Beginners who want to build a full-time VA business. It’s also great for freelancers who are tired of job-hopping and want something long-term.

Extra perk: You get access to a private support group, which includes job leads, peer feedback, and client advice. That community is a big deal when you’re just starting out and need direction.

2. Skillshare, Virtual Assistant Masterclass by Reagan T.

Why this course is worth it:

If you’re still testing the waters or don’t want to invest in a premium course yet, this masterclass is a great start. It’s short, straight to the point, and helps you quickly understand what it takes to be a successful VA.

Inside the course:

What services can you realistically offer as a beginner
How to decide your pricing and package your services
Creating a professional online presence (your gig, profile, or portfolio)
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer: what works, what doesn’t
Time management, boundaries, and building trust with long-term clients

Best for: Total beginners who need direction and want to learn fast without getting overwhelmed. If you’re switching from a corporate admin job to online work, this course helps you translate those skills.

Pro tip: Skillshare also gives you access to other useful mini-courses. For example, you can learn Canva for design tasks, Trello or Notion for organization, and Google Sheets for data entry, all essential for a modern VA.

3. Udemy, Become a Virtual Assistant by Tina Marie Hilton

Why it works:

This course is one of the most practical ones on Udemy. It doesn’t just throw theory at you, it shows you exactly how to do the work VAs are hired for today. It covers tools, tasks, and even mindset shifts.

You’ll learn:

Real-world client tasks: scheduling, handling emails, managing files, organizing calendars
Tools walkthrough: Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Trello, Canva, and more
Professionalism: email etiquette, client communication, time zone management
Finding and keeping clients: where to look, how to apply, and how to stand out

Best for: Anyone who wants practical skill training that doesn’t feel like a lecture. If you’re someone who learns by doing, this one is for you.

Good to know: It’s regularly updated. So if new tools or platforms become popular, the course usually gets refreshed to stay relevant.

Bonus Mention: The Virtual Savvy – SavvySystem

If you’re aiming for a premium-level course that turns you into a VA business owner, this one deserves a shout. It’s pricey, but very comprehensive.

What it covers:

Complete service training (from admin to tech)
Branding, legal setup, onboarding systems
Monthly Q&A calls and a huge job board

Best for: Serious learners who are ready to invest in building a 6-figure VA business long term.

Final Thoughts

Let’s break it down: if you want to get hired as a VA, you need more than just basic admin skills. You need to know what clients are struggling with and how you can make their life easier, whether that’s scheduling their week, fixing a messy inbox, or building their brand’s presence online.

These courses actually teach you how to do the work. Not just theory, not just marketing fluff. Pick one, commit to it, and start practicing. Because at the end of the day, the best way to become a high-earning VA… is to actually start working like one.