Virtual Assistant Diploma
NCFE CQ 12092
If you are looking to work from home or remotely and have your own Virtual Assistant business, then see our comprehensive online Virtual Assistant Diploma Level 3, accredited by NCFE, one of the leading vocational awarding bodies in the UK.
Designed to give you a wide range of PA skills, as well as develop your confidence and business know-how in running your own VA business, enabling you to provide a quality service for your business clients.
Flexible online study to fit in around work, holidays and family commitments with continuous specialised tutor support throughout the course.
See below summary of course content, course fees and payment options.
Course Content
This section of the course covers a diverse range of roles and responsibilities a VA carries out on a daily basis.
- Diary and calendar management
- Organising business meetings
- Organising business trips – UK and international
- Organising business events
- Analysing and composing professional business documents
These units focus on developing your skills to produce a range of advanced and complex business documents with accuracy and confidence including:
- Complex business letters
- Complex tables including design techniques
- Mail Merge for marketing and mail shots
- Audio Transcription – digital program
- Keyboard and speed development – interactive program
This section of the course covers Microsoft Office for either Windows or Mac users enabling you to complete both routine and complex responsibilities in your VA role.
Programs covered:
- Word – word processing
- Outlook – email, calendar, tasks etc
- Excel – spreadsheets, charts and graphs
- PowerPoint – electronic presentations
- Artificial Intelligence for VAs
- Internet and web research skills
The units in this section of the course focus on developing your Executive Virtual Assistant overarching skills to help with decision making, organising and prioritising as well as professional behaviour.
- Confidence and Self Esteem
- Having more positivity
- Confidence, self-belief and goal setting
- Overview of your professional role
- Organisational Skills and Stress Management
- Prioritising skills
- Organisational skills
- Stress management
- Ergonomics
- Professional Communication
- Body language
- Questioning and listening skills
- Telephone techniques
- Relationships and People Management
- How to manage relationships
- People skills
- Different types of bosses
- Social Media and Networking – personal and business
You will have a text book to accompany this section of the course – The Definitive Personal Assistant & Secretarial Handbook – which is included in the course.
Learn how to set up and grow your own VA business, from choosing a name and registering legally to finding clients, setting up a website, and building long-term success.
The role of a Virtual Assistant
- What is a Virtual Assistant
- The role and importance of VAs in modern business
- Benefits of being a Virtual Assistant
Essential Virtual Assistant Skills
- Search engine optimisation (SEO) for your website
- Content creation
- Unique selling points (USP)
Equipment and software for home-based VAs
- Physical office setup for Virtual Assistants
- Essential technology and equipment
- Must have software for Virtual Assistants
- Maximising your workspace
- How AI tools can enhance the VA role
Services and pricing models
- Expanding your VA services
- Presenting your VA services to potential clients
- What VA services to offer
- Understanding market rates and pricing for VAs
Marketing your VA business
- Developing a marketing strategy
- Utilising social medial and professional networks
- Building a professional online presence and personal brand
Finding and managing clients
- Techniques for client acquisition and retention
- Networking and leveraging VA communities
- Customer service skills for maintaining client relationships
- Accessing clients’ systems – software and tools
- GDPR and Data Protection for VAs in the UK
- Essential legal documents for Virtual Assistants
Setting up a Virtual Assistant Business
- Business foundations and financial basics
- Managing financial transactions and business records
- Financial planning and reserves
- Understanding and calculating profit
- Financial analysis for business growth
- Creating a business plan for your VA business
- Best platforms for UK based Virtual Assistants
Teeline shorthand is a quick and easy system to learn and is designed to enable you to take down the spoken word at a verbatim level – useful for business meetings, instructions and telephone messages.
Having this skill on top of all the other skills and knowledge you will gain on this course will give you the edge in the business world when working as a Virtual Assistant.
You will cover the following topics:
- Teeline alphabet
- Special outlines and how to phrase
- Blending outlines for a smooth join
- Common word beginnings and endings
- Doubling for letter R
- Penmanship skills
- Transcription skills
- Speed dictation to 80 wpm
- Correspondence dictation
- Minutes of business meetings
There is an additional cost for this option – £225 (reduced from £350) when you add Teeline to the main course on enrolment.
There is a text book – Teeline Fast – which covers the Teeline theory and is included in this course.
We have had over 40 years of success – our students success – in developing their career and enabling them to have a more rewarding job.
Part of this success is through our unique job and career support we provide which is included in this course. You will find this section of the course useful if you are looking to register with VA agencies or apply directly to organisations to work remotely for them.
You will have:
- Personalised CV design
- Advice, guidance and support as you apply for jobs and agencies
- Interview techniques
- Support both during your course and for up to 2 years after completion
Many of our students secure a new job part way through their course as the value of this course on your CV is well recognised.
Course Fees and Payment Options
TASTER COURSE
Our Taster Course let’s you see what it is like studying with us.
Request a free Taster Course and see how it suits you.
Course Fees - £1,346.25
Save over £448.00 – Was £1,795
25% Early Booking Discount for Autumn start dates!
Pay in full by Credit/Debit Card
, please spend more than £50Course Open for 18 months
Study from as little as 2-3 hours most weeks as a guide, with breaks for holidays and other commitments
If you have prior experience you may find you can complete some units more quickly
You can study as many hours as you wish each week to suit completing the course in a shorter time – all very flexible
Certificates issued by NCFE upon successful completion of the course and posted directly to you.
Why Employers Value a Recognised Qualification
Virtual Assistant roles, particularly remote and self-employed positions, are increasingly competitive. Clients look for reliable professionals who can manage tasks independently, communicate clearly, and deliver consistent results.
A recognised diploma demonstrates organisation, digital skills, and the ability to work autonomously. This helps you attract clients, build trust quickly, and succeed when working remotely or running your own VA business.
Student Reviews
"An excellent course with flexible online learning and great tutor support. The content was relevant, engaging, and helped me strengthen the skills needed to support senior leaders effectively. I gained valuable knowledge and confidence that I can apply directly in my role. Highly recommended for anyone looking to progress their career as an Executive PA - Kay Robinson - Bournemouth University Aug26
I studied the Medical Secretary Diploma with Lewis College and had a really positive experience. The tutors were friendly, very supportive and always quick to respond to any questions. The course was itself was detailed, easy to follow and flexible enough to fit around other commitments. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to start a career in medical administration.
I recently completed a Certificate III in Personal Assistance and it was a great experience! I was looking to up-skill while I was working full time and came across Lewis College in a Google search.
The tutors are incredibly helpful and responsive and really care about your development during and even after you've completed the qualification with the offer of Career advice/counselling if desired. There are payment options too which makes the course fees a lot more manageable, and you're able to complete the units and assessments at your own pace, which is great for anyone who works full-time.
Highly recommend! 🙂
The tutors are incredibly helpful and responsive and really care about your development during and even after you've completed the qualification with the offer of Career advice/counselling if desired. There are payment options too which makes the course fees a lot more manageable, and you're able to complete the units and assessments at your own pace, which is great for anyone who works full-time.
Highly recommend! 🙂
I’m very grateful for my experience with Lewis College. The staff were always kind, supportive and professional, and they guided me through every step of my course. I felt encouraged from start to finish. Thank you for helping me achieve this milestone. Highly recommended!
Taking my course in Advanced Administration gave me a more specific understanding of how to support managers with a high quality service. The support provided since the beginning was outstanding and made my experience better. The entire team is made of excellent professionals that provide amazing tips throughout the entire processe, enabling to learn and acquire knowledge in a very smooth way. I would definitely recommend people to have a look into the big variety of courses available and invest in themselves.
I recently completed Advanced IT Diploma course with Lewis College. The course was well structured and easy to follow. The Tutors were excellent, patient and supportive they helped me to grow in both, skills and confidence. Thank you to everyone at Lewis College for helping me complete my qualification. I highly recommend Lewis College to anyone looking to further their education in IT.
I have had a wonderful experience studying with Lewis College. I completed the Medical Secretary Diploma, and the course content was planned and delivered exceptionally well. Everything was easy to follow, and the resources provided were extremely useful.
I learnt a lot of new things throughout the course, and the medical terminology section was broken down in such a clear and structured way that it was easy to follow and keep up with.
The tutors have been amazing — always approachable, supportive, and patient. Not once was I made to feel like I was asking a silly question, which made such a difference to my confidence.
Completing this course has not only given me the confidence to start applying for jobs, but it has also helped me refresh my existing skills and develop them to a much more advanced level. I genuinely feel prepared for the next step in my career.
I highly recommend Lewis College to anyone considering a career in medical administration.
I learnt a lot of new things throughout the course, and the medical terminology section was broken down in such a clear and structured way that it was easy to follow and keep up with.
The tutors have been amazing — always approachable, supportive, and patient. Not once was I made to feel like I was asking a silly question, which made such a difference to my confidence.
Completing this course has not only given me the confidence to start applying for jobs, but it has also helped me refresh my existing skills and develop them to a much more advanced level. I genuinely feel prepared for the next step in my career.
I highly recommend Lewis College to anyone considering a career in medical administration.
I would highly recommend Lewis College to anyone looking to enhance their skills through further study. The tutors are incredibly supportive, always providing helpful guidance and readily answering any questions. Their encouragement really helps to build your confidence and belief in your abilities.
I had a positive experience at this college. The tutors are helpful and knowledgeable and the content was clear, engaging and well organised.
I have completed the Level 3 Medical Secretary Course with Lewis College. I have really enjoyed the course and it's content. Some of the content I already had experience with but there was lots I had not done before and I am glad to be able to refresh and add to my knowledge, and also be able to prove to future employers that I am able to do these things - a big tick for my CV! I started this course when working in a call centre which I did not enjoy and wanted a change. I have since changed to a band 3 medical secretary role in the NHS with no previous experience in healthcare whilst I was in the middle of this course and I definitely think mentioning it my interview gave me a big leg up. The tutors are all very friendly and encouraging. I would be happy to complete another course with Lewis College.
More information
No formal qualifications are needed to enrol — just a good level of English and a drive to succeed. This makes the Virtual Assistant Diploma accessible to anyone ready to take the next step in their career, whether you’re starting fresh or looking to advance.
The diploma is delivered 100% online, giving you the freedom to study anytime, anywhere. You can work at your own pace and fit your learning around your lifestyle, while still benefiting from expert tutor guidance..
All assessments are completed online, making them simple and convenient. Each assignment is carefully reviewed by your tutor, who provides personalised feedback to help you progress with confidence. On completion, you’ll achieve an NCFE CQ-certified qualification.
You’ll have access to expert tutors who provide one-to-one feedback, guidance, and support via email and video calls throughout your studies. They’ll be there to answer your questions, keep you on track, and ensure you feel confident as you progress.
You can start at any time — there are no fixed enrolment dates. The diploma is designed to be flexible, with a completion time of up to 18 months at a pace that suits you.
Yes. On completion of the Customised Qualification, learners will receive a certificate of achievement. The certificate is evidence of the knowledge and skills gained by completing the qualification. This qualification has been accredited by NCFE under the Customised Qualification and the certificate of achievement will be issued directly by NCFE.
Graduates of the VA Diploma often move into roles such as Virtual Assistant, Freelance Administrator, Remote Business Support Specialist, or Online PA. With your qualification, you’ll also be well-placed to build your own VA business, attract high-value clients, and grow a flexible career that can expand into specialist support or consultancy.
We offer flexible monthly instalments to help spread the cost, plus big savings when you choose to pay in full. You can also pay securely using Klarna, PayPal, major credit or debit cards, or bank transfer.
Virtual Assistants in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on experience, client base, and whether they work freelance or run their own business. Many VAs charge hourly rates ranging from £20 to £35, with senior or specialist VAs often commanding higher fees. The flexibility of the role means earnings can grow significantly as you attract more clients and build long-term contracts.
Yes, many of our students are funded by their employers as part of their professional development. We can provide invoices, receipts, and any required documentation to make the process simple for your company. If you’d like to explore this option, just let us know when enquiring.
Would you like to know more about our Virtual Assistant diploma?
Please fill in the form and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.
