Top 11 Business Office Assistant Certifications

Certifications for a business office assistant are important for several reasons. First, they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties effectively. This can be especially beneficial for those who lack formal education or experience in the field. Second, certifications provide a way for employers to quickly and easily verify an applicant’s qualifications. Finally, certifications can give applicants an edge over other candidates when applying for positions since they demonstrate that the individual has taken the initiative to expand their knowledge and gain additional training in their chosen field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Business Office Assistants and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Business Office Assistant Certifications?

Business Office Assistant Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful office assistants. This certification is typically earned through an accredited college or university and requires students to complete coursework in topics such as customer service, administrative support, computer applications, accounting, business communications and office management. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in these areas and can confidently apply for positions within the administrative field.

Having Business Office Assistant Certification can give an individual an edge when applying for jobs as employers will know that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the position. It also helps build credentials for individuals who are looking to advance their career within the administrative field. Having this certification provides evidence of dedication to professional development and a commitment to excellence which can be attractive qualities for future employers. Additionally, having certification may open up more job opportunities as employers may be more likely to hire someone with this type of credential than someone without it.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a business office assistant certification to demonstrate your qualifications and knowledge of the field. Certification can be a great way to stand out in the job market and give you an edge against other applicants.

Related: What does a Business Office Assistant do?

Top 11 Business Office Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Business Office Assistants today.

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills in Microsoft Office applications. The MOS certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook.

The MOS certification exam typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the various features and functions available within the Microsoft Office applications.

To become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, you must first register for the exam with Certiport, which is the official testing provider for MOS certifications. After registering for the exam, you will need to purchase a voucher from Certiport in order to take the exam. The cost of a voucher varies depending on your location and can range from $50 - $150 USD.

Once you have purchased your voucher and scheduled your exam date, you will be able to take the MOS certification exam at any authorized testing center worldwide. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive an official MOS certificate from Certiport that verifies your proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

2. 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 designed to recognize and reward administrative professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. It is the highest level of certification available for administrative professionals.

The CAP program consists of four parts: an online self-assessment, a comprehensive exam, an application process, and a professional development plan. The self-assessment helps applicants determine if they are ready to pursue the CAP designation. The comprehensive exam covers topics such as office management, communication skills, technology, customer service, and project management. The application process involves submitting official transcripts and references from employers or supervisors. Finally, applicants must create a professional development plan that outlines their goals for continuing to develop their skills as an administrative professional.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all four parts of the CAP program.

The cost of the CAP program varies depending on which IAAP membership level you choose. There are three levels: Basic ($125), Plus ($250), and Premium ($500). Each level includes different benefits such as access to exclusive resources, discounts on IAAP events and products, and mentoring opportunities with experienced administrative professionals.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the administrative profession. It demonstrates commitment to personal growth and sets you apart from other job candidates when applying for positions in your field.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, as well as basic networking.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the necessary training and study for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. The exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams must be passed in order to obtain the certification.

To get started on your CompTIA A+ certification journey, you will need to purchase a voucher for each exam from CompTIA’s website. The cost for each exam voucher is $219 USD. After purchasing the vouchers, you can register for the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center.

Once you have successfully passed both exams, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification credentials within four weeks.

4. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a professional certification program designed to help QuickBooks users learn how to use the software effectively and efficiently. It is offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as setting up a company file, creating invoices, tracking expenses, managing payroll, and more. The final exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the online course and pass the final exam. You can take the course at your own pace and work through it as quickly or slowly as you need.

To get certified, you must first register for an account on Intuit's website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course and begin studying for the exam. After completing the course, you can take the final exam which will test your knowledge of QuickBooks ProAdvisor concepts.

The cost of getting certified depends on which version of QuickBooks ProAdvisor you are using; however, most certifications cost between $99-$199 USD depending on which version you purchase.

5. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. The CPS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise in a variety of areas including office management, communication, technology, customer service, project management, and human resources.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CPS certification process. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as office procedures and practices, communication skills, customer service principles, technology proficiency, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their professional experience in the field of administrative support. Once all requirements have been met and reviewed by IAAP’s Certification Board of Governors, applicants will receive their CPS certification.

The cost for the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) certification varies depending on whether you are already an IAAP member or not. For non-members it costs $395 USD while members pay $295 USD. This fee includes access to study materials for the online exam as well as the application fee for submitting your portfolio.

6. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced managers. The CPM designation is awarded by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), which is an affiliate of James Madison University.

The CPM program consists of three components: a comprehensive online course, a written examination, and a professional portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as management principles, decision making, problem solving, communication, and organizational behavior. The written examination tests the candidate’s understanding of the material presented in the online course. The portfolio review assesses the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in practice.

The entire process typically takes between six and nine months to complete. Candidates must first register for the program with ICPM and pay an application fee. Once accepted into the program, candidates can begin taking the online course at their own pace. After completing all sections of the course, they must take and pass a written exam before submitting their portfolio for review.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of ICPM. For non-members, it costs $1,495 to register for the program and take both parts of the exam; members pay only $995 for this package. Additional fees may be required for retaking exams or submitting portfolios for review more than once.

7. Certified Records Manager (CRM)

Certified Records Manager (CRM) is an internationally recognized certification program that verifies a professional's knowledge and experience in records management. The CRM credential is awarded by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of records management. The CRM credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated competence in all aspects of records management, from planning and implementation to maintenance and disposal.

The CRM certification process consists of two parts: an examination and a work experience requirement. To become certified, applicants must first pass the ICRM Examination, which covers topics such as legal requirements, information technology, records management principles, and best practices. Applicants must then demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in records management or related fields.

The ICRM Examination can be taken online or in person at approved test centers around the world. It typically takes between four to six months to complete the entire certification process.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the country where you take the exam and your membership status with ICRM. In general, it costs between $300-$500 USD for international candidates to take the exam and become certified as a CRM.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage projects effectively. PMP-certified professionals are highly sought after in the project management industry and command higher salaries than their non-certified peers.

In order to become PMP-certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the PMP exam. The eligibility requirements include having either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience and 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. It takes four hours to complete the exam. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For members, it costs $405 for the first attempt; for non-members it costs $555 for the first attempt. Retakes cost $275 for members and $375 for non-members.

Overall, obtaining your PMP certification can take anywhere from two months to six months depending on how quickly you can prepare for the exam.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing technology solutions based on Microsoft products and services. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their ability to provide effective solutions for businesses.

In order to obtain the MCSE certification, individuals must first pass a series of exams related to Microsoft technologies such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, System Center, and other related technologies. After passing the required exams, individuals can then apply for the MCSE certification.

The amount of time it takes to get the MCSE certification varies depending on an individual’s experience level and how much time they dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete all of the necessary exams.

To get started with obtaining your MCSE certification, you will need to register for a Microsoft account and purchase access to the exam preparation materials from Microsoft’s website. The cost of these materials varies depending on which exams you are taking but typically range from $100-$400 per exam. Once you have purchased your preparation materials, you can begin studying and preparing for your exams.

Once you have passed all of the necessary exams for your desired certification track (e.g., Windows Server or Exchange Server), you will then be able to submit an application for the MCSE certification through Microsoft’s website. The cost of submitting an application is usually around $100-$200 depending on which track you are applying for. After submitting your application, it typically takes 1-2 weeks before your results are available online.

10. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in the legal field. It is administered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). The certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to perform legal secretarial duties.

The CLS exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical skills assessment. The written test covers topics such as legal terminology, procedures, and court systems. The practical skills assessment evaluates the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge in a simulated law office environment.

To obtain the CLS certification, candidates must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Candidates must also meet certain educational requirements, such as having completed at least one year of college-level courses in business or legal studies.

The cost for taking the CLS exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online exams typically cost around $75, while in-person exams can range from $125 to $200. Additionally, NALS offers study materials and practice tests which may incur additional fees.

Overall, obtaining your Certified Legal Secretary certification can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on how quickly you can prepare for and pass both parts of the exam.

11. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful Lean Six Sigma projects. It is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles, but need additional training to become certified.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the provider and the individual’s availability. During this time, participants will learn about the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process and how to apply it in their own organizations. They will also learn about project planning and management techniques, as well as data analysis tools such as SPC (Statistical Process Control).

In order to receive Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by a certified provider. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to topics covered during training. After passing the exam, participants will receive their official certification from the provider.

The cost of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider; however, most programs range from $1,500-$3,000 USD. This cost typically includes all materials necessary for completion of the program as well as access to an online portal where participants can review course materials and take practice tests prior to taking the final exam.

Do You Really Need a Business Office Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. First, what type of business are you running? If it is a small business with only a few employees, then it may not be necessary to have a certificate in order to hire an office assistant. However, if you are running a larger business and need someone with more specialized skills and knowledge, then having a certificate may be beneficial.

Additionally, the type of work that your office assistant will be responsible for should also be taken into consideration when determining whether or not they should have a certificate. For example, if your office assistant will mainly be responsible for administrative tasks such as filing paperwork and answering phones, then having a certificate may not be necessary. On the other hand, if they will be handling more complex tasks such as payroll or bookkeeping, then having a certificate can give them the extra qualifications needed to perform these duties correctly and efficiently.

Finally, depending on where you live or where your business is located, certain states may require certain certifications in order to legally hire an office assistant. It is important to research this before making any decisions about hiring someone without proper certification.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an office assistant certificate depends on many factors such as the size of your business and the type of work that needs to be done by the assistant. It is important to research local regulations as well as think about what kind of tasks your office assistant will need to perform in order to make sure that you make the best decision for your company.

Related: Business Office Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Office Assistant Certifications

Q1: What is a Business Office Assistant Certification?

A1: A Business Office Assistant Certification is a certification that demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills in office management, customer service, filing and records management, accounting, and other business office related tasks.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Business Office Assistant?

A2: To become certified as a Business Office Assistant, you must complete an approved program of study and pass the corresponding certification exam. Many colleges and universities offer these types of programs.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a certified Business Office Assistant?

A3: Becoming certified as a Business Office Assistant provides you with professional recognition for your knowledge and skills in the workplace. It can also lead to career advancement opportunities such as higher pay or promotion to more senior roles.

Q4: What topics are covered on the certification exam?

A4: The topics covered on the certification exam may vary depending on the particular certifying organization but typically include office management, customer service, filing and records management, accounting, and other business office related tasks.

Q5: How long is my certification valid for?

A5: Most certifications are valid for two years before they must be renewed. Renewal typically involves completing additional training or passing an updated version of the certification exam.