Foundation Foundations

General VA Fundamentals

The entry-level gateway assessment every Linkage VA starts with. Proves you have the core remote-work habits, communication standards, and tooling fluency to be hired with confidence.

  • 3–4 hours
  • 5 modules + final exam
  • 70% passing score
  • NFT certificate

Syllabus & modules

  1. 1
    Remote Work Foundations

    Workspace setup, availability, async communication, and reliability standards.

  2. 2
    Professional Communication

    Writing clear emails, status updates, and handling feedback professionally.

  3. 3
    Core Tools

    Google Workspace, Slack, and project boards at a working level.

  4. 4
    Time & Task Management

    Prioritization, deadlines, and tracking your own workload.

  5. 5
    Data Hygiene & Confidentiality

    Handling client files and credentials responsibly.

  6. Final Exam

    40-question timed exam + 1 practical task

What’s tested

  • Drafting a professional client update from a messy brief
  • Triaging a simulated inbox and calendar for one workday
  • Identifying confidentiality and data-handling mistakes
Remote Work EtiquetteEmail & Calendar BasicsTime ManagementFile OrganizationClient Communication

Format & passing criteria

Assessment format

Timed Quiz, Practical Task. Estimated 3–4 hours of work across 5 modules.

Passing score

You must score at least 70% to pass and trigger certificate issuance.

Retake policy

One free retake after 48 hours; unlimited paid retakes.

Validity & renewal

Valid 2 years · renewal assessment keeps your cert current. Renewal assessments keep your certificate current so employers always see an up-to-date credential.

Score bands

Your certificate records not just a pass, but how well you passed. Higher bands rank you ahead of other certified VAs.

Pass 70–84%

Meets the professional standard for the role.

Merit 85–94%

Strong, consistent performance across all modules.

Distinction 95–100%

Top-tier mastery — surfaced first to employers.