Top 10 Administrative Executive Certifications

Certifications are important for administrative executives in the job market because they demonstrate the executive's knowledge, skills, and abilities in various areas of expertise. In addition to providing evidence of professional development, certifications can also help an executive stand out from other applicants by showing potential employers that they possess relevant qualifications. Certifications can also give an executive leverage when negotiating salary and benefits. Finally, certifications can provide access to exclusive networking opportunities and resources.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Administrative Executives and demonstrate how they can enhance an administrative executive's career.

What are Administrative Executive Certifications?

Administrative executive certification is a professional credential for those who provide administrative services in a wide variety of fields, including government, business, and healthcare. This credential demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage daily operations and ensure the overall success of an organization. It also provides recognition that the individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in the field.

The certification process usually involves taking courses or workshops on topics such as project management, financial management, communication and customer service strategies, as well as other topics related to organizational leadership. The curriculum may also include topics such as personnel management, legal issues, risk management and data security. Upon completion of these courses or workshops, candidates must pass an exam to earn their certification.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out among their peers by demonstrating their understanding of best practices within the field. It can also open up career opportunities with organizations looking for qualified professionals with this type of training and experience. Additionally, having this certification can provide a competitive edge when seeking promotions or higher-level positions within an organization due to its recognition of one’s expertise in administrative tasks.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for administrative executive certification prior to applying. This will help you ensure that all necessary documents are collected, and that your application is complete. Additionally, it’s important to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates in the certification process.

Related: What does an Administrative Executive do?

Top 10 Administrative Executive Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Administrative Executives today.

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. It is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

The CAP program consists of three components: an online assessment, a comprehensive exam, and a portfolio review. The online assessment tests knowledge in areas such as business writing, technology, project management, customer service, and organizational skills. The comprehensive exam covers topics such as office management, communication skills, problem solving, decision-making, time management and more. Finally, the portfolio review assesses an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three components of the CAP program. To get started on the path towards earning your CAP certification you will need to register with IAAP and pay the fee for each component of the program. The cost for the entire program ranges from $400-$600 depending on whether you choose to take all three components at once or spread them out over multiple sessions.

2. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of administrative support.

To become certified as a CPS, individuals must pass an exam administered by the IAAP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as office management, communication, technology, customer service, and business writing. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in an administrative role or have completed an accredited college degree program in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of taking the CPS exam varies depending on where you take it and how many exams you are taking. Generally, it costs $195 for one exam or $395 for all four exams. The cost also includes access to study materials and practice tests.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CPS exam; however, some candidates may need more time depending on their level of experience and familiarity with the material covered on the exam. To help prepare for the CPS exam, IAAP offers several resources including study guides and practice tests available online or through their local chapter offices. Additionally, there are several review courses offered by various organizations that can provide additional guidance and preparation for taking the CPS exam.

3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed to demonstrate expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA designation is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence for those who manage finances and operations.

It typically takes around two years to complete the CMA program. To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and at least two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as financial reporting and analysis, strategic management accounting, budgeting and forecasting, corporate finance, decision analysis, risk management and investment decisions.

To get started on your CMA journey, you will need to register with IMA and pay the associated fees. The registration fee is $250 USD plus applicable taxes. After registering with IMA you will need to purchase study materials from IMA or other vendors that provide CMA prep courses. The cost of these materials can range from $500-$1,000 USD depending on the provider. Finally once you have completed all coursework and passed the exam you will need to pay an additional fee for certification which is currently $415 USD plus applicable taxes.

In total it can cost around $1,200 - $1,500 USD to become certified as a CMA depending on where you purchase your study materials from.

4. Certified Public Manager (CPM)

Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a professional credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in public administration and management. The CPM designation is recognized by public sector employers as an indication of an individual’s commitment to the highest standards of public service.

The CPM program typically takes between one and two years to complete, depending on the individual's level of experience and education. It consists of a series of courses covering topics such as budgeting, personnel management, organizational development, and communication. Upon completion of the coursework, individuals must pass an examination administered by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

To get certified as a CPM, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time professional experience in public service or government; being employed in a managerial position; and having completed at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in college-level courses related to public administration or management.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on your educational institution and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more for tuition alone. Additional fees may apply for books and materials, registration costs, and exam fees.

5. Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional certification for human resources professionals. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of the core principles and practices of HR management.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete the CPHR program, depending on how much prior experience you have in the field. To become certified, you must complete a series of courses and exams covering topics such as labor relations, compensation, benefits, recruitment and selection, and organizational development. You will also need to demonstrate your knowledge through a portfolio or case study project.

To get the CPHR credential, you must first become a member of Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). The cost for membership varies depending on your location but can range from $200-$400 Canadian dollars per year. Once you are a member, you will be able to register for the CPHR program and pay the associated fees which range from $500-$1,000 Canadian dollars depending on which province or territory you live in.

The cost of the program includes all course materials and exams required for certification. After successfully completing all requirements for certification, you will receive your official designation as a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is the most widely used certification in the field of project management.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of four years of project management experience and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of formal project management education.

To obtain the PMP certification, you must first fill out an application on the PMI website and pay the application fee, which varies depending on your membership status. Once your application has been approved, you must take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of project management principles and practices. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete all requirements for the PMP certification. The cost for taking the exam ranges from $405-$555 depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. The Six Sigma methodology is a business process improvement system that focuses on reducing waste, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing profitability.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. It involves completing a series of online courses, passing an exam, and completing a project. The project requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to apply the Six Sigma principles and tools to solve a real-world problem.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first find an accredited training provider that offers the course. You can find these providers through online searches or by asking your employer if they offer any type of Six Sigma training. Once you have found an accredited provider, you will need to register for the course and pay any associated fees.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the provider and the length of the course. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for all materials and exams needed for certification.

8. Certified Administrative Services Manager (CASM)

Certified Administrative Services Manager (CASM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of administrative services. The certification is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

To become certified, applicants must meet the following criteria: be an IAAP member in good standing; have at least three years of full-time experience in administrative services; and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as office management, customer service, communications, technology, business operations, and financial management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must complete all necessary coursework and study for the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their CASM certification.

The cost of obtaining a CASM certification varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $1,000 USD for IAAP members and up to $2,000 USD for non-members.

9. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a person’s ability to use Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. MOS certification demonstrates that the holder has the skills necessary to create and manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations and email in a professional environment.

It typically takes around 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the MOS exams. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs between $75-$150 USD per exam.

To get certified, you must pass one or more exams that cover the features and functionality of a particular Microsoft Office product. Each exam consists of multiple choice questions based on real-world scenarios related to using the product in a business environment. You can find out more about each exam by visiting the Microsoft Learning website or contact your local testing center for more information.

Once you have passed all required exams, you will receive your official MOS certificate from Microsoft. This certificate is proof that you have earned your certification and can be used as evidence of your expertise when applying for jobs or promotions.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of process improvement, problem solving, data analysis, and project management.

The certification program typically consists of a two-week classroom training course followed by an online exam. The course covers topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, process mapping, statistical analysis, and team dynamics. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, the individual will receive their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must first complete a two-week classroom training course. This can be done either online or in person depending on availability. After completing the course, individuals must then pass an online exam to demonstrate their knowledge of the material covered during the training.

The cost for obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on where you take your training course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, courses range from $2,000-$4,000 USD with additional costs for books and materials needed for the program.

Do You Really Need a Administrative Executive Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the individual's career goals and educational background. For some people, an administrative executive certificate may be necessary in order to advance their careers or gain access to higher-paying positions. For others, it may not be as important.

If you are looking for a job in the administrative field, then having an administrative executive certificate may help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge over those who do not have one. Additionally, if you are already working in the field and want to move up within your organization or switch to another company, having a certificate can demonstrate that you are capable of taking on more responsibility and managing more complex tasks.

However, if you already have a degree or related experience in the field, then obtaining an administrative executive certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your current role and the organization you work for, having additional credentials may not make much of a difference when it comes to promotions or job opportunities. In this case it would likely be better to focus on developing other skills such as interpersonal communication or problem solving that could make you more attractive to potential employers.

Ultimately, whether or not an administrative executive certificate is right for you will depend on your own individual circumstances and career goals. If obtaining one would give you the qualifications needed for advancement within your current organization or open up new job opportunities then it could be worth pursuing. Otherwise it may be better to focus on other areas of development instead.

Related: Administrative Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Administrative Executive Certifications

Q1. What is an Administrative Executive Certification?

A1. An Administrative Executive Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in administrative executive roles. It involves completing courses and exams to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as human resources, finance, project management, and operations.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Administrative Executive Certification?

A2. Obtaining an Administrative Executive Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field. It can also provide additional career opportunities, such as higher salaries and promotions.

Q3. How do I obtain an Administrative Executive Certification?

A3. To obtain an Administrative Executive Certification, you must complete a series of courses and exams offered by recognized organizations in the field of administrative executive roles. You may also need to meet certain requirements such as a minimum number of hours spent on coursework or a specific grade point average (GPA).

Q4. How long does it take to get an Administrative Executive Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to obtain an Administrative Executive Certification varies depending on the program and individual circumstances; however, most programs can be completed within six months to one year with full-time study.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an Administrative Executive Certification?

A5: Yes, most programs require applicants to have a minimum amount of experience or education in related fields before they can apply for certification; some may also require completion of specific courses prior to admission into the program.