Top 10 Branch Office Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for a branch office administrator in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to prospective employers. They can be used to prove that an individual has acquired the necessary qualifications to successfully perform their duties as a branch office administrator. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that the applicant is knowledgeable in their field and is highly competent in their job responsibilities. Additionally, certifications can give applicants a competitive edge when applying for positions because they show potential employers that the individual has taken initiative to further develop their skillset and become more qualified for the position.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Branch Office Administrators and explain how they can help to enhance a branch office administrator's career.

What are Branch Office Administrator Certifications?

Branch office administrator certification is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a branch office. This certification requires individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in areas such as customer service, financial management, operations management, communications and marketing. The certification helps ensure that branch office administrators working in a variety of industries have the experience and expertise needed to successfully run a branch office.

Having this certification can help branch office administrators stand out from other applicants when seeking employment opportunities. It also provides employers with an assurance that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job. Additionally, it can provide organizations with a way to recognize employees for their hard work and dedication within the organization by awarding them this certification. Finally, having this certification may also lead to increased career opportunities for those who possess it since many employers prefer to hire certified professionals over those without any certifications or qualifications.

Pro Tip: To become a certified branch office administrator, it is important to take courses related to the particular field that you are interested in. This could include courses on customer service, finance, and IT support. Additionally, gaining experience in the field through internships or volunteer work can be beneficial when applying for certification.

Related: What does a Branch Office Administrator do?

Top 10 Branch Office Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Branch Office Administrators today.

1. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Microsoft Windows-based systems. It is one of the most popular certifications for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their skills in managing Windows-based systems.

It typically takes around six months to complete the MCSA certification process. To become certified, individuals must first pass two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016 and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. After passing these two exams, individuals must then take a third exam focused on either cloud computing or desktop infrastructure.

The cost of the MCSA certification varies depending on the provider you choose to use. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$400 per exam plus any additional fees associated with the provider you choose to use.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s skills in computer hardware and software. It is designed to provide the foundation of knowledge required for a successful IT career. To obtain CompTIA A+ certification, individuals must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002).

The exam covers topics such as installing and configuring operating systems, mobile device hardware and software, security, networking, troubleshooting, customer service, and operational procedures. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers around the world.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams depending on experience level and study habits. Individuals should have at least 9-12 months of hands-on experience working with computers before attempting the exams.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, individuals must first purchase the exam voucher from CompTIA or an authorized reseller. The cost of the voucher varies depending on location but generally ranges from $219-$319 USD per exam. After purchasing the voucher, individuals can then register for their desired exam date at Pearson VUE's website.

Once both exams are successfully completed, individuals will be awarded with their CompTIA A+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of passing both tests.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a person's skills in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. It is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for the Microsoft Office Suite.

The MOS certification program consists of three levels: Core, Expert and Master. The Core level covers basic knowledge of the applications and is suitable for anyone who uses them regularly. The Expert level covers advanced features and techniques, while the Master level requires mastery of all aspects of each application.

It typically takes about 6 to 12 months to get MOS certified depending on the individual’s experience with the applications. To get certified, individuals must pass one or more exams that demonstrate their proficiency in each application they are seeking certification for. Exams are offered at authorized testing centers around the world and can be taken online or in person.

The cost of MOS certification varies depending on which exam(s) you take and how many you take. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $80-$150 USD per attempt.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems that focuses on the skills required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA Routing and Switching certification is designed for network engineers with at least one year of networking experience who are ready to advance their skills and work independently on complex network solutions.

The CCNA Routing and Switching certification requires passing two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2). The exam topics include routing protocols, switching technologies, IP addressing, WAN technologies, security fundamentals, network fundamentals, and more.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CCNA Routing and Switching certification. To get started on your journey to becoming CCNA certified you should familiarize yourself with the exam topics by reading books or taking online courses. You should also practice your skills in a lab environment using either physical equipment or virtual machines. Once you feel confident enough in your knowledge you can register for the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the two exams varies depending on where you take them but it usually costs around $300-$400 USD total for both exams.

5. Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA)

Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) is a certification program offered by Citrix, an IT company that specializes in virtualization, networking, and cloud computing solutions. The CCA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the installation, configuration, and management of Citrix products.

The CCA certification consists of two exams: the 1Y0-203 exam and the 1Y0-240 exam. The 1Y0-203 exam focuses on the installation and configuration of Citrix products while the 1Y0-240 exam focuses on managing and troubleshooting those products. Both exams must be passed in order to earn the CCA certification.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for both exams depending on your experience with Citrix products. To get started, you should first review the official course materials provided by Citrix or take an online training course to become familiar with their product offerings. Once you have a good understanding of the material covered in these courses, you can then begin studying for both exams using practice tests and other study materials available online.

The cost of obtaining your CCA certification will vary depending on where you choose to take your exams. Generally speaking, it will cost around $300-$400 for both exams combined.

6. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's technical skills and expertise in VMware products and solutions. It is the most popular and widely recognized certification for virtualization professionals.

To become a VCP, an individual must pass one of the two available exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) or the VMware Certified Professional 7 - Cloud Management and Automation (VCP7-CMA). Both exams consist of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as installation, configuration, deployment, management, operations, troubleshooting and security.

The amount of time it takes to get a VCP certification depends on an individual’s background knowledge and experience with VMware products. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 1-3 months to complete all of the requirements for a VCP certification.

In order to get a VCP certification, individuals must first register for either the VCP6-DCV or the VCP7-CMA exam through Pearson VUE. After registering for an exam, individuals must then attend an authorized training course offered by VMware or its partners. After completing the training course, individuals must then pass their respective exam in order to receive their VCP certification.

The cost of getting a VCP certification varies depending on which exam you are taking and whether you are attending a classroom or online training course. The cost of taking either the VCP6-DCV or the VCP7-CMA exam is $250 USD per attempt. Additionally, attending an authorized training course can range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD depending on which type of course you choose to attend.

7. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills required to successfully install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. This certification is designed for IT professionals who have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CompTIA Network+ Certification exam preparation process. During this time, you should be studying for the exam and taking practice tests to ensure that you are ready for the real exam.

To get your CompTIA Network+ Certification, you must first register for the exam with CompTIA. You can do this online or by phone. Once registered, you will need to schedule an appointment with a testing center near you and pay the exam fee of $329 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CompTIA Network+ Certification certificate in the mail.

The cost of getting your CompTIA Network+ Certification varies depending on whether or not you choose to purchase study materials or take any training courses prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD for everything related to getting your certification, including registration fees and any additional study materials or courses that may be needed.

8. Oracle Database Administration 11g/12c Certification

Oracle Database Administration 11g/12c Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to validate the skills of database administrators who work with Oracle databases. The certification is designed to prove that the individual has a thorough understanding of the concepts and practices associated with Oracle Database Administration.

The certification exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as installation, configuration, backup and recovery, performance tuning, security, and troubleshooting. It generally takes about 2 hours to complete the exam.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam at Oracle University by providing your contact information and payment details. After registering, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to access your online exam voucher which you can use to schedule your exam appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $195 - $245 USD.

9. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) Level 1 & 2

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is a certification program for Linux system administrators and engineers. It is designed to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to manage, maintain, deploy, and troubleshoot Linux systems. LPIC certifications are divided into two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

LPIC Level 1 certification is the entry-level certification for Linux system administrators. It covers basic topics such as installation and configuration of Linux systems, user management, file permissions, network services, security settings, shell scripting, and more. To obtain LPIC Level 1 certification, candidates must pass two exams: Exam 101 (System Administration I) and Exam 102 (System Administration II). The exams are multiple-choice based on a set of objectives published by the LPI.

LPIC Level 2 certification builds on the skills tested in Level 1 by focusing on more advanced topics such as network client/server administration, web server configuration and management, system security measures, email server setup and maintenance, database administration, software package management, etc. To obtain LPIC Level 2 certification, candidates must pass two exams: Exam 201 (System Administration III) and Exam 202 (System Administration IV). The exams are multiple-choice based on a set of objectives published by the LPI.

It typically takes around six months to one year to complete both levels of LPIC certification depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying each week.

To get started with LPIC certification you will need to register with the Linux Professional Institute website which costs $199 USD for both levels combined or $99 USD for each level separately. You will also need to purchase study materials such as books or online courses from third-party vendors in order to prepare for the exams. Finally you will need to schedule an exam at an authorized testing center near you where you will be required to pay an additional fee per exam that varies depending on location but usually ranges between $100-$200 USD per exam.

10. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This certification validates an individual's ability to:

• Design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault tolerant systems on AWS
• Identify the appropriate use of AWS services for a given scenario
• Estimate costs associated with using AWS services
• Migrate existing applications to the AWS cloud
• Implement security best practices on AWS
• Understand data storage options on AWS

The exam typically takes about 80 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam is $150 USD. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 720 points or higher out of 1000 points. You can prepare for the exam by taking an official training course from Amazon or studying independently using online resources such as whitepapers, FAQs, tutorials, and practice exams.

Do You Really Need a Branch Office Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to become a branch office administrator, then it is likely that you will need a certificate or some type of formal education in order to be considered for the position. In most cases, employers will require applicants to have some kind of certification or degree related to the field in order to be considered for the job.

A branch office administrator certificate can provide you with a formal education in the specific skills and knowledge necessary for the role. It can also give employers an indication that you have taken the time and effort to invest in your own professional development and are serious about advancing your career in this field.

However, there are many other ways to gain experience as a branch office administrator without obtaining a certificate. You may be able to gain entry-level administrative positions at various companies, which can provide you with valuable on-the-job experience. You may also find internships or volunteer positions at organizations related to your desired industry, which can give you an opportunity to learn more about the profession while networking with professionals already working in it.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a branch office administrator certificate will depend on your individual career goals and what type of experience employers are looking for when considering candidates for roles within their organization.

Related: Branch Office Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Branch Office Administrator Certifications

1. What certifications are available for a branch office administrator?

Answer: There are several certifications available for branch office administrators, including Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), and CompTIA A+.

2. How do I become a certified branch office administrator?

Answer: To become certified as a branch office administrator, you must complete the appropriate training and certification program. Depending on the certification, you may need to pass an exam or demonstrate your knowledge of specific software applications.

3. What types of job responsibilities do branch office administrators have?

Answer: Branch office administrators typically handle day-to-day administrative tasks such as managing calendars, filing paperwork, coordinating meetings and events, preparing reports, creating spreadsheets and presentations, answering phones, and handling customer inquiries.

4. How much can I expect to earn as a certified branch office administrator?

Answer: Salaries vary depending on experience level and geographical location; however, salaries for experienced professionals with certifications can range from $35,000 to $55,000 per year.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for certified branch office administrators?

Answer: Yes. Depending on which certification you hold, you may be required to complete continuing education or attend workshops in order to maintain your certification status.