Technical certification with The Intelligent Community requires that the candidate have certain hardware, certain software, and certain technical abilities. To make this determination, an ICI representative will establish a remote access session with all candidates. Requirements for certification include processor speed, amount of RAM installed, monitor resolution, etc..

Having the requisite technical ability is one thing, but being dependable is quite another. Not everyone attends meetings when they are supposed to, not everyone is available to have a conversation on Googletalk when they are supposed to, not everyone turns in assignments when they’re supposed to, not everyone returns e-mail as quickly as they are supposed to (and some don’t return any at all), and not everyone keeps every promise they make. It’s a sad reality, but a hard fact that the anonymity of the “virtual world” can often lead to a different standard of behavior normally found in the “real” world. Businesses which hire telecommuting workers must be absolutely sure that the people they are working with remotely are just as professional and reliable as those they work with in person, and being certified at this level will communicate the reliability of the teleworker to a future employer in a way no resume can. Intelligent Communities, Inc. will determine this level of certification by assigning the telecommuter various tasks to perform, making sure that they turn them in on time with reference to the requested specification, making sure that they attend all necessary meetings in a timely manner, and that they are always available for conversations at designated times, after which the Dependability certification will be granted.

Having the necessary technology and being dependable are necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for being hired. For example, an employer hiring a graphic designer needs to know not only that he or she has a computer with Photoshop and is dependable, but also can do quality work. Intelligent Communities, Inc. will assign the candidate tasks to be performed on a pro bono basis for community businesses, charities, and other initiatives to determine this proficiency, and if the tasks are performed with reference to the specified quality, the Proficiency certification will be granted.

Level 1: Technical Capacity

5 hours

Level 2: Dependability

10 hours

Level 3: Proficiency

15 hours

• Free to prospective Contributing Members (details around this are outlined in our Certification Process FAQ, which we will make available to you upon request);
• Gives you more credibility as a telecommuting professional;
• Provides access to positions requiring this certification at VirtualAssistants.com, oDesk.com, and Telecommuting Jobs;
• Increases your experience level;
• Free training for additional certifications;
• Opportunity to utilize your skills in a professional network;
• Access to numerous ICI benefits for members, including free tech support.

• Contact The Intelligent Community using the information at the bottom of the page.
• The Intelligent Community team will then contact you to initiate the certification process.

• Your name will be listed in the link below that specifies you are certified at a particular level through The Intelligent Community.

A list of people who are currently certified. There are many more in the process . . .