International Virtual Assistants Organisation

The International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the professional education and development of members of the Virtual Assistance profession, and to educating the public on the role and function of the Virtual Assistant. While certification is by no means requisite for IVAA members, IVAA holds the distinction of being the only organisation offering the comprehensive IVAA Certified Virtual Assistant (CVA) exam, recognised internationally as the standard that Virtual Assistants strive to attain. Information is provided to the public so that a qualified virtual assistant can be found for your project.

www.ivaa.org

The National Virtual Associates Society

The National Virtual Associates Society (NVAS) is a professional organisation committed to the growth & success of others that work in a virtual environment; home-based office or outside of the traditional office setting. The goal of the NVA is achieved through members, providing directory listings, networking, workshops, tips & tricks, an E-Newsletter, resources, & advertising options. The organisation is open to anyone who works in a virtual environment & is interested in networking, receiving support in the growth & success of their business, & supporting others in the growth & success of their businesses.

www.nvas.org

Australian Institute of Office Professionals

The Australian Institute of Office Professionals is the only national professional body for office professionals in Australia. The Institute was established in 1963 to "encourage the attainment of a professional qualification and promote and develop the private secretarial profession at all levels". The Institute is still primarily involved with improving the profile of Office Professionals in the business community and increasing their educational levels.

www.aiop.com.au

European Management Assistants

European Management Assistants (EUMA) is an international, quality network of management support professionals who focus on their personal development and on the future of their profession. The encouragement of members' individual development and the continued evolution of the management support profession are a few of the Association's aims.

www.euma.org

IQPS

This year IQPS celebrates its 50th anniversary; initially called the Private Secretaries Association, then in 1966 changing its title to the Institute of Qualified Private Secretaries Limited (IQPS). Until 1974 the only criteria for joining was to have passed the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry Private Secretary's Certificate or Diploma. In 1974 IQPS integrated with the National Association of Personal Secretaries (NAPS), when the criteria widened to other relevant listed examinations. In 2004 the 'P' in IQPS was changed to mean 'Professional' rather than 'Private' to reflect the changing world of the office professional.

www.iqps.org

AMSPAR The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists

AMSPAR is The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists. It was established in 1964 with the aim of creating and promoting appropriate qualifications, initially for those working as medical secretaries and subsequently for medical receptionists, administrators and practise managers.

www.amspar.co.uk

The International Association of Administrative Professionals

Founded in 1942 as the National Secretaries Association (NSA) to provide a professional network and educational resources for secretarial staff. The association's name was changed in 1998 to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) to encompass the large number of varied administrative job titles and recognise the advancing role of administrative support staff in business and government.

http://www.iaap-hq.org/

Japanese Secretaries Association

The Japan Secretaries Association (JSA) was established in 1968 as the only legal organisation for secretaries approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. JSA has been very active over the years in achieving its objectives to increase public awareness of the vital role played by secretaries, to improve secretarial qualifications and to promote mutual understanding and networking among secretaries.

www.hishokyokai.or.jp

The Association of Administrative Professionals, New Zealand

The Association of Administrative Professionals New Zealand Inc is a voluntary national association administered by its members, for its members. Many people are making a career in administrative roles and the breadth of demands and skills required of these people is increasingly acknowledged by the public and employers.

With our rapidly changing office environment, it is even more important these days to upskill and stay in touch with your profession through its professional organisation.

Whether in corporates, small or medium size businesses or in the home based office, many office professionals these days feel more isolated from others in similar roles.

http://www.aapnz.org.nz/

Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

With over 100 years' experience, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) is the recognised global voice on governance and regulatory issues in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Working with governmental and other statutory bodies, ICSA promotes best practice and provides guidance on good governance. As the qualifying body for company secretaries and senior administrators, ICSA offers a professional qualification covering business, company law, corporate governance, management, finance/accounting, administration and company secretarial practice. No other professional body in the business area offers the breadth of knowledge which the ICSA Qualifying Scheme provides.

http://www.icsa.org.uk/

American Society of Administrative Professionals

Everything about ASAP grew out of ideas and suggestions by and for administrative professionals. That’s what makes ASAP uniquely suited to help you thrive in today’s fast-changing business environment.

www.asaporg.com

National Association of Executives Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

NAESAA has helped thousands of administrative and secretarial professionals grow in their chosen careers, and supported their efforts at becoming the best that they can be. The organisation prides itself in the success it has achieved by delivering individual attention to all members whenever there is a call for assistance. Further, NAESAA strives to provide its members with a pathway for setting and achieving accomplishments of all types and at all levels.

www.naesaa.com/

The National Association of Legal Assistants

The National Association of Legal Assistants is the leading professional association for legal assistants and paralegals, providing continuing education and professional development programmes. Incorporated in 1975, NALA is an integral part of the legal community, working to improve the quality and effectiveness of the delivery of legal services. The National Association of Legal Assistants is composed of over 18,000 paralegals, through individual members and through its 90 state and local affiliated associations.

www.nala.org

National Association of Educational Office Professionals

Superintendents of 157 cities during 1934 were asked to recommend secretaries to represent their school systems for a proposed organisational meeting. Ninety-six secretaries responded. This effort was sparked by Louise Henderson Nelson who was active in the Philadelphia Clerical Assistants organisation. Since that exciting day in the spring of 1934, the National Association of School Secretaries - later changed to National Association of Educational Secretaries, now the National Association of Educational Office Professionals - has developed outstanding programmes for educational office personnel.

www.naeop.org/

American Business Support Services Information

For owners or those who have considered starting a virtual-assistant or business-support service, American Business Support Services Information can of assistance to success with its web-based industry portal. ABSSI.ORG offers access to free industry history and trends, demographics, tips, articles, suggested code of ethics, and details about using industry production standards to keep money from falling between the cracks. In addition, you can shop online for industry publications, other success tools, and personalised consultation.

http://abssi.org

The International Association of Virtual Assistants

The IAVA has been founded by three Virtual Assistants. It was borne of the idea that a VA works in a 'goldfish bowl' environment and might, on occasion, be grateful forworking colleagues - even Virtual Ones! There is a need for practical advice about setting up in business, advertising, current computer software and communication problems - as well as someone else to 'cover' in the event of holidays, unexpected illness - or even equipment failure!The IAVA™ wishes to ensure that all the Virtual Assistants in the UK are brought to the attention of the media and businesses alike. There are wide-spread advertising campaigns planned, including regular interviews in national newspapers and more specialised magazines.

www.iava.org.uk