Top 10 Administrative Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an administrative specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and competency that employers look for when hiring. They can also be used to demonstrate a commitment to professional development and lifelong learning, which is often valued by employers. Certifications provide evidence that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required for the position, as well as provide assurance that the person is up-to-date with current trends in the industry. Additionally, certifications can give an administrative specialist an advantage over other candidates applying for similar positions since they can prove their expertise in a certain area.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Administrative Specialists and explain how they can help to advance an administrative specialist's career.

What are Administrative Specialist Certifications?

Administrative specialist certification is a professional certification program designed to provide administrative professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their field. This certification program is offered by many different organizations, including the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) and the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

The goal of this certification program is to ensure that administrative professionals have the necessary technical and interpersonal skills needed to successfully manage and coordinate office activities. Those who complete the requirements for this certification can demonstrate their expertise in areas such as communication, customer service, project management, accounting, budgeting, organizational development, personnel management, and other related topics.

Having an administrative specialist certification can help individuals gain recognition from employers and peers as a knowledgeable professional who has met the standards set by a recognized organization. It also helps professionals stand out among their peers by providing them with a credential that demonstrates their commitment to excellence in their field. Additionally, having this certification can open up new opportunities for career advancement as it shows employers that individuals have taken the initiative to increase their knowledge base and are dedicated to staying up-to-date on industry trends.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a professional certification in administrative specialist work. Doing so can help to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field, as well as help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can give you access to professional development opportunities and networking events that can help advance your career.

Related: What does an Administrative Specialist do?

Top 10 Administrative Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CAP designation is the highest level of professional recognition for administrative professionals and is recognized worldwide.

The CAP program consists of three levels: Core Competencies, Advanced Skills, and Specialty Credentials. Each level requires passing an exam and completing a series of courses. It takes approximately two years to complete all three levels, although some individuals may be able to complete them in less time.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Administrative Professional, you must first register with IAAP and pay an application fee. After registration, you will need to purchase study materials for each level and take the exams associated with each level. You will also need to complete the required courses for each level before taking the exams.

The cost of becoming a Certified Administrative Professional varies depending on which materials you choose to purchase and whether or not you decide to take any additional courses or workshops. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on your individual needs.

2. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to become proficient in using Microsoft Office applications. The MOS certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and OneNote.

The MOS certification typically takes between one and three months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and the number of exams taken. To obtain the MOS certification, individuals must pass one or more of the available exams. Each exam covers a different set of topics related to Microsoft Office applications.

The cost of obtaining the MOS certification varies depending on which exams are taken and how many are taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $100-$150 USD. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking the exams such as registration fees or travel expenses if taking an exam at a physical testing center.

3. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional designation given by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is the highest level of certification available to administrative professionals. The CPS designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field and demonstrates that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform their job effectively.

The process for becoming a Certified Professional Secretary typically takes about six months. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as office management, communication skills, human resources management, and financial management. Applicants must also complete at least two years of professional experience in an administrative role or have completed a degree program in business administration or related field.

In order to sit for the exam, applicants must submit an application to IAAP along with payment of the applicable fees. The fee for taking the exam is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. Once the application has been approved, applicants will be able to register for and take the exam at one of IAAP's authorized testing centers.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CPS certificate from IAAP. This certificate serves as proof that they have achieved this prestigious certification and are now qualified to work as a Certified Professional Secretary in any organization across the globe.

4. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is an advanced professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA program is designed to advance the practice of management accounting and financial management. It provides a comprehensive body of knowledge and skills that are essential for success in today's dynamic business environment.

The CMA program consists of two parts: Part 1, Financial Planning, Performance and Control; and Part 2, Strategic Financial Management. Each part has its own exam which must be passed in order to receive the CMA designation.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the CMA program, depending on how much time a person can dedicate to studying for the exams. To get started, you must first become a member of IMA and then register for the CMA program. After registering, you will need to purchase study materials from IMA or another vendor in order to prepare for the exams.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on your membership status with IMA and other factors such as whether you choose to purchase additional study materials or take review courses. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 USD to become a Certified Management Accountant.

5. Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional designation for human resources professionals. It is the highest level of certification available to HR professionals and demonstrates that they have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field. The CPHR requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as strategic HR management, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and organizational development.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the CPHR. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as employment law, organizational behavior, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits administration, labor relations, and more.

The cost of obtaining the CPHR varies depending on where you live. In Canada it costs $1125 CAD for members of HRPA or $1525 CAD for non-members. In the United States it costs $475 USD for members or $575 USD for non-members.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification in project management offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most highly sought-after certifications for project managers and demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and skills in leading and directing projects.

To become a PMP, an individual must have at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. Additionally, they must have 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

To get the PMP certification, individuals must first apply to take the exam through PMI. After passing the exam, they will need to submit an application that includes their work experience and educational background to be reviewed by PMI. Once approved, they will receive their certification.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members it can range from $405 - $555 USD while members pay between $275 - $375 USD.

7. Certified Public Manager (CPM)

Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program that recognizes and promotes excellence in public management. CPM is offered by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium, which is a partnership of universities and government agencies dedicated to advancing the practice of public management.

The CPM program is designed to provide managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead public organizations. It consists of two components: a comprehensive training program and an assessment process. The training program focuses on topics such as leadership, organizational development, ethics, budgeting, personnel management, communication, and policy implementation. Upon completion of the training program, candidates must pass an assessment process that includes both written and oral examinations.

The length of time it takes to complete the CPM program varies depending on the individual's prior experience and education level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements for certification.

To become certified as a CPM, individuals must first meet certain eligibility criteria established by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. These criteria include having at least three years of full-time managerial experience in a public organization; holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; completing at least 40 hours of approved continuing education; passing both written and oral examinations; and submitting letters of recommendation from three current or former supervisors or colleagues who can attest to your qualifications as a manager.

The cost for obtaining CPM certification varies depending on the individual's state or region but typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,500 USD. This cost covers tuition fees for the training program as well as fees associated with taking the required examinations.

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead Lean Six Sigma projects. The program focuses on the DMAIC methodology, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. This methodology is used to improve processes within an organization by identifying areas of waste and inefficiency.

It typically takes about two months to complete the LSSGB program. During this time, participants will learn how to lead teams through the DMAIC process and use tools such as Value Stream Mapping and Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA). They will also learn how to analyze data using statistical methods such as SPC charts and Pareto diagrams.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must complete a training course from an accredited provider. There are many providers offering online courses that can be taken at your own pace. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. After completing the coursework, you must pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

Once certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you will be able to apply your knowledge in real-world situations and help organizations improve their processes and operations.

9. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The certification is designed to recognize legal secretaries who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the legal field.

The CLS program consists of two parts: an online course and an examination. The online course covers topics such as legal terminology, court systems, legal documents, research techniques, and ethics. The exam tests knowledge of these topics as well as an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of a legal secretary.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLS program. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework and study for the exam.

To get certified, you must first register with IAAP and pay the registration fee. You will then be given access to the online course materials and will have six months to complete them. After completing the coursework, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost for registering for the CLS program varies based on your IAAP membership status. For non-members, it costs $249 USD; for members it costs $199 USD; and for student members it costs $99 USD.

10. Certified Business Management Analyst (CBMA)

Certified Business Management Analyst (CBMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Business Management Analysts (ICBMA). The CBMA certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in business management analysis, which includes the ability to analyze data, identify trends and develop solutions for businesses.

The CBMA certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the CBMA Exam and the ICBMA Certification Exam. The CBMA Exam covers topics such as financial analysis, operations management, project management, customer service, and more. The ICBMA Certification Exam focuses on understanding how to apply these concepts in real-world situations.

The CBMA certification process typically takes around 6-12 months to complete depending on the applicant’s experience level and availability for study time. In order to get started with the certification process, applicants must first register with ICBMA and pay a registration fee of $250 USD. After registering, applicants can access study materials online or purchase them from ICBMA directly.

Once applicants have completed their studies and passed both exams, they will receive their official CBMA certificate from ICBMA. This certificate is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal fees are $100 USD per year or $200 USD every three years.

Do You Really Need a Administrative Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking for a job that requires more specialized knowledge and skills than what a typical administrative assistant offers, then an Administrative Specialist Certificate may be beneficial to you. It can provide the additional training necessary to become a higher-level professional in the field of administration.

For instance, if you are interested in becoming an executive assistant, having an Administrative Specialist Certificate can open many doors for you. This certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications to handle more advanced tasks such as managing projects, preparing reports, and coordinating meetings. Additionally, it can demonstrate that you have a greater understanding of the latest technology used in administrative duties and how to use it effectively.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to work as an entry-level administrative assistant or secretary, then having an Administrative Specialist Certificate may not be as important. You will likely still need some basic office skills, but these can generally be acquired through on-the-job experience or through short courses at a local college or university.

Ultimately, whether or not an Administrative Specialist Certificate is right for you depends on what sort of job you are looking for and how much additional training and education you want to acquire.

Related: Administrative Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Administrative Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is an Administrative Specialist Certification?

A1. An Administrative Specialist Certification is a type of certification that recognizes an individual's ability to perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, record keeping, data entry and office management.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Administrative Specialist?

A2. To become certified as an Administrative Specialist, you must complete a minimum of 30 hours of related coursework and pass a written exam. You may also need to have prior work experience in the field or pass additional tests depending on the certifying organization.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming an Administrative Specialist?

A3. Becoming certified as an Administrative Specialist can help you stand out from other job applicants and improve your career prospects. It can also give you access to higher salaries and more job opportunities in the field. Additionally, it can provide more credibility when dealing with customers or clients in your current position.

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

A4. The amount of time it takes to obtain an Administrative Specialist Certification varies depending on the certifying organization, but typically it takes several months or even up to a year to complete all requirements for certification.

Q5 What type of jobs require administrative specialist certification?

A5 Many different types of jobs require administrative specialist certification including office manager, executive assistant, project coordinator, receptionist and customer service representative positions among others.