Top 10 Chief Administrative Officer Certifications

Certifications are important for a Chief Administrative Officer in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively handle the responsibilities of the position. A certification can also be a signal to potential employers that an individual is dedicated to their profession and is committed to their professional development. This can help a Chief Administrative Officer stand out from other candidates and give them an edge when competing for a job. Additionally, certifications can often provide access to exclusive networks, resources, and opportunities that may not be available otherwise, making it even more advantageous for individuals seeking employment in this field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Chief Administrative Officers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Chief Administrative Officer Certifications?

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) certification is a professional designation indicating that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to serve as a high-level administrator in an organization. It is awarded by organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and the American Management Association (AMA).

The certification program consists of several courses covering topics such as organizational behavior, management principles, budgeting and financial management, human resources management, information technology, customer service, and communication. Upon successful completion of these courses and passing the required exams, individuals are granted the CAO certification.

Having a CAO certification can be an invaluable asset for executive administrative professionals who are looking to advance their careers. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and indicates that they have acquired the necessary skills to perform at a higher level. This can open doors for career advancement opportunities within an organization or even lead to better job prospects outside of it. Additionally, having this certification may also help individuals secure higher salaries or other benefits such as bonuses or stock options.

Overall, obtaining a CAO certification provides many potential benefits for those seeking professional growth in administrative roles. It demonstrates mastery of essential skills needed for success in top-level administrative positions and provides recognition from respected organizations in the field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for becoming a certified Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) before starting the certification process. Different certifying organizations may have different requirements, so it is important to be aware of any prerequisites or other qualifications that must be met in order to be eligible for the certification. Additionally, consider taking an online course or attending an in-person training session on CAO-related topics to make sure you are adequately prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Chief Administrative Officer do?

Top 10 Chief Administrative Officer Certifications

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

1. Certified Chief Administrative Officer (CCAO)

A Certified Chief Administrative Officer (CCAO) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of public administration and management. The CCAO credential is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a global organization dedicated to advancing the administrative profession.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience in administrative management or related fields such as human resources, finance, or operations. They must also pass an exam administered by IAAP. The exam covers topics such as organizational behavior, leadership and communication, strategic planning and budgeting, legal and ethical issues, and information technology.

The entire process can take up to six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application for certification which includes documentation of their work experience and education. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fee. After passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their CCAO credential.

The cost for certification varies depending on your membership status with IAAP. Non-members pay $350 for the application fee and $250 for the exam fee; members pay $200 for the application fee and $150 for the exam fee.

2. Certified Professional in Administration Management (CPAM)

Certified Professional in Administration Management (CPAM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of project management, business analysis, and administration.

The CPAM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the following areas: project management, business analysis, process improvement and change management. In order to be eligible for the CPAM certification, applicants must possess at least three years of professional experience in any combination of these disciplines. Additionally, applicants must pass an online assessment that covers topics such as project management principles, business analysis techniques, and change management processes.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CPAM certification. During this time, applicants will need to complete coursework related to their chosen discipline(s), take part in online assessments, and submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and skills.

In order to obtain the CPAM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with all required documentation including proof of completion of coursework or training programs related to their chosen discipline(s). The application fee is $250 USD. Once approved by IIBA, applicants will receive their official CPAM certificate via email.

3. Certified Public Manager (CPM)

Certified Public Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program that provides public sector managers with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their role. It is offered by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium, which consists of universities and colleges across the United States. The CPM program focuses on management principles, best practices, and leadership development.

The CPM program typically takes between 12-18 months to complete. To become certified, an individual must complete a series of core courses and electives that cover topics such as budgeting, personnel management, communication, ethics, organizational behavior, and technology. After completing the required coursework, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam to be awarded the CPM designation.

The cost of obtaining the CPM designation varies depending on which institution offers the program and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, tuition for the program ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD. In addition to tuition costs, students may also need to pay for textbooks or other materials related to their studies.

Overall, becoming a Certified Public Manager can be beneficial for those who wish to advance their careers in public sector management roles. It provides individuals with specialized knowledge and skills that are essential for success in this field.

4. Certified Executive Administrator (CEA)

Certified Executive Administrator (CEA) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the administrative profession. The CEA credential is recognized as an industry standard for those seeking to advance their career in the administrative field.

The CEA program consists of two components: an online assessment and a face-to-face interview. The online assessment covers topics such as leadership, communication, problem solving, customer service, organizational skills, and technology usage. After completing the assessment, applicants must pass an interview with a panel of IAAP-certified professionals.

The CEA program takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must first register for the IAAP's Certified Executive Administrator Program and pay the applicable fees. Once registered, applicants will receive access to study materials and can begin preparing for their online assessment. After passing the assessment, applicants will be contacted by IAAP to schedule their face-to-face interview.

The cost of obtaining a CEA credential varies depending on whether you are an IAAP member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD plus any applicable taxes; for members it costs $295 USD plus any applicable taxes.

5. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in the field of office management. CAP certification is awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and is highly sought after by employers.

It typically takes six to twelve months to complete the requirements for CAP certification. The process involves taking an online assessment, completing a comprehensive coursework program, and passing a final exam. The coursework covers topics such as communication, problem solving, project management, customer service, and technology.

To get certified as a CAP, you must first become a member of IAAP and then submit an application with proof of your education and experience in office management. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to pay an application fee and take the online assessment. After completing the assessment, you will be able to register for the coursework program which consists of four modules: Core Competencies; Business Communication; Project Management; and Technology Applications.

The cost of becoming a CAP varies depending on your membership status with IAAP. For non-members, it costs $399 USD for the application fee plus $1125 USD for each module taken ($4500 USD total). For members, it costs $299 USD for the application fee plus $950 USD for each module taken ($3750 USD total).

6. Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP)

Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of expertise in healthcare administration. The CHAP certification is offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). It is designed to demonstrate mastery of core competencies related to leadership, management, and operations within the healthcare industry.

The CHAP certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application and provide evidence of meeting the eligibility requirements. Once approved, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as healthcare finance, quality improvement, human resources management, and strategic planning. After passing the exam, applicants are awarded their CHAP certification.

The cost for the CHAP certification program varies depending on whether you are an ACHE member or non-member. For ACHE members, the cost is $400; for non-members it is $600. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as study materials and exam registration fees.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most popular and globally recognized project management certification. The PMP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills to successfully manage projects in any industry.

To become certified as a PMP, individuals must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements and pass an exam. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either:

• A four-year degree and at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; or
• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies by region but typically ranges from $405-$555 USD. After passing the exam, individuals must submit an application to PMI for their official certification. This process can take up to six weeks after passing the exam. Once certified, PMPs are required to maintain their credentials through continuing education credits every three years.

8. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become experts in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is one of the highest levels of certification that can be achieved in the field of Lean Six Sigma and is typically held by individuals who have extensive knowledge and experience in this area.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes around four months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior experience with Lean Six Sigma. It involves completing an online course, passing a written exam, and then participating in an intensive two-week training course.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete an online course or attend a classroom-based course. After completing the course, you must take and pass a written exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to attend an intensive two-week training course where you will learn more about the Lean Six Sigma methodology and how to apply it in practice.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on factors such as whether you are taking an online or classroom-based course, and whether or not you need additional materials such as books or software. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 USD for the entire process.

9. Certificate in Nonprofit Management

A Certificate in Nonprofit Management is a credential that provides knowledge and skills to professionals who want to work in the nonprofit sector. It is designed to provide an understanding of the unique challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, as well as the tools needed to manage them effectively. The certificate typically requires completion of a series of courses or seminars related to topics such as fundraising, financial management, marketing, and board governance.

It typically takes one year or less to complete a Certificate in Nonprofit Management program. Most programs are offered online, so students can work at their own pace and schedule. Some programs require students to attend on-campus classes or workshops for certain components.

To get a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, you must first meet the admission requirements of the program you are interested in. This may include having a high school diploma or equivalent, submitting transcripts from previous college coursework (if applicable), and providing letters of recommendation from former employers or professors. After being accepted into the program, you will then need to complete all required courses and seminars with passing grades before receiving your certificate.

The cost of obtaining a Certificate in Nonprofit Management varies depending on the institution offering it and other factors such as whether you are taking classes online or on campus. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $500-$2,000 per semester depending on the number of credits taken and other fees associated with enrollment.

10. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is a globally-recognized credential that validates an individual’s skills in using Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of these programs and is recognized by employers worldwide.

To become certified, you must pass one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office applications. The exams are administered by Certiport, an authorized testing center for MOS certification. The tests are available for each version of Office (2013, 2016, 2019), as well as the 365 subscription service.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on your experience level with the Microsoft Office suite of applications. If you have some familiarity with the programs but need to brush up on certain topics before taking the exam, you may need several weeks or months to prepare. If you are already proficient in using Microsoft Office applications, you can likely complete all necessary steps within a few days.

In order to obtain MOS certification, you must first register for an exam at a Certiport testing center and pay the associated fee. Fees vary depending on which exam(s) you take and whether or not you choose to purchase additional materials such as practice tests or study guides. Generally speaking, however, most exams cost between $100-$150 USD per attempt.

Once registered for an exam, you will be given access to online resources such as practice tests and study guides that will help prepare you for the actual assessment. You can also find additional resources online from third-party websites or books dedicated to helping people pass their MOS certification exams.

When ready to take the actual exam(s), simply visit a Certiport testing center near you and present your registration information along with valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license). After completing the assessment(s), your results will be sent electronically to Microsoft within 24 hours; if successful in passing all required exams, your certification will be issued within two weeks of completion date.

Do You Really Need a Chief Administrative Officer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking to advance your career in the field of administration, then a Chief Administrative Officer Certificate may be beneficial for you. The certificate is designed to give you an edge in the job market, as it provides advanced training in areas such as management and organization. It also shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to be successful in a leadership role.

On the other hand, if you are already working in an administrative role and don’t need any additional training or credentials to advance your career, then a Chief Administrative Officer Certificate may not be necessary. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not this certificate would be beneficial to your specific situation.

Related: Chief Administrative Officer Resume Examples

FAQs About Chief Administrative Officer Certifications

Q1: What is a Chief Administrative Officer Certification?

A1: A Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in the administrative management of organizations, including areas such as finance, operations, human resources, and technology. The CAO certification is designed to help individuals build their professional credentials and advance their careers.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Chief Administrative Officer?

A2: To become certified as a CAO, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the certifying body, which usually includes a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in an administrative management field. You will then need to complete a certification program, which typically consists of coursework and/or an exam.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified as a Chief Administrative Officer?

A3: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of certification program you are enrolled in and how quickly you are able to complete the requirements. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within two years.

Q4: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Chief Administrative Officer?

A4: Becoming certified as a CAO provides many benefits for individuals and organizations alike. For individuals, it can lead to greater job opportunities, higher salaries, and increased credibility in the field. For organizations, having employees with CAO certifications can improve efficiency and help ensure compliance with regulations.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Chief Administrative Officer Certification?

A5: Yes! Most certifying bodies require certified individuals to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain their credentials. The number of credits required varies depending on the organization but generally ranges between 10-20 hours per year.