Top 11 Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a clerk in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant to the job. They provide employers with evidence that the candidate is capable of performing the duties of the position, as well as having a strong commitment to excellence. Certification also demonstrates that the individual has taken initiative in their own professional development and is dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry standards and practices. Employers are more likely to hire someone with certifications, as it shows they have invested time and money into their own growth and development. Additionally, certifications can help clerks stand out from other applicants during interviews or when submitting resumes.

This article reviews the top certifications for Clerks and explains how they can increase job opportunities and career advancement in the field.

What are Clerk Certifications?

Clerk certification is a professional development program for clerks. It is designed to help clerks become more knowledgeable and effective in their roles, as well as to provide them with the skills and training necessary for advancement within their organizations. The certification program covers various topics such as records management, customer service, office procedures, communication techniques, budgeting, and problem-solving. It also includes specific instruction in the use of technology used by clerks on a daily basis.

Clerk certification can help increase job performance and productivity while reducing errors and stress levels. The knowledge gained from certification can also be used to improve customer service skills, allowing clerks to better serve the public. Additionally, it can provide career advancement opportunities since employers often view clerk certification as evidence of advanced skills and competencies. Obtaining clerk certification can also make an individual more marketable when seeking employment or promotions within the clerical field.

Pro Tip: When considering clerk certification, be sure to research the requirements and qualifications in your area. Different states and jurisdictions may have different regulations, so it is important to understand what is required before beginning the process.

Related: What does a Clerk do?

Top 11 Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Clerk (CPC)

Certified Professional Clerk (CPC) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Certified Professional Clerks (NACPC). The certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of clerical work. The CPC certification provides employers with an assurance that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their job duties.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the CPC program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and completing the required courses. To become certified, you must first pass a written exam that covers topics such as office management, filing systems, customer service, and other related topics. You must also demonstrate proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Pro. After passing the written exam, you must complete at least two years of on-the-job experience in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you take the courses and exams; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking continuing education classes or attending seminars related to your profession.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for certification and passed the required exams, you will receive your official CPC certificate from NACPC. This certificate will serve as proof that you have met all of the requirements for becoming a Certified Professional Clerk and will allow you to use this designation when applying for jobs or promotions within your current organization.

2. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). This certification program is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to excel in administrative roles. The CAP certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in administrative management.

The CAP certification process includes a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as office administration, communication, technology, customer service, business writing, problem solving and project management. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CAP certification program, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or equivalent education/training. Applicants must also submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation from current or former employers verifying their work experience.

The cost of the CAP certification program varies depending on your IAAP membership status. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD plus applicable taxes; for members, it is $295 USD plus applicable taxes.

3. Certified Records Manager (CRM)

Certified Records Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in records management. The CRM credential is recognized as an industry standard for records management professionals across the globe.

The CRM program requires applicants to meet certain educational, professional experience, and examination requirements before they can be certified. To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time records management experience or its equivalent in part-time experience; complete at least 45 hours of approved continuing education credits; and pass a comprehensive written examination.

It typically takes about four to six months to complete the application process for the CRM certification. The cost for the program varies based on the type of application submitted, but generally ranges between $200-$400 USD.

4. Certified Office Manager (COM)

Certified Office Manager (COM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of office management. The COM certification is a mark of excellence, demonstrating that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competence in the field.

The COM certification requires applicants to pass an exam which tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as office systems, communication, customer service, organizational development, financial management and technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of experience working as an office manager or related role. They must also submit a completed application form along with payment for the exam fee which is currently $195 USD. Once approved, applicants can take the online exam at any time from any location with internet access.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their Certified Office Manager certificate within four weeks. This certificate serves as proof that they have achieved this prestigious credential and can be used to demonstrate their expertise to employers or clients.

5. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a professional certification program that was developed by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of information technology. CITP certification is available to professionals with at least five years of experience in IT or related fields, such as management consulting or software engineering.

It typically takes between two and three years to complete the CITP program. During this time, applicants must complete a series of courses and examinations that cover topics such as project management, system design, network security, and more. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through practical experience in the form of case studies or projects.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the CITP program and pay an application fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to take several exams over a period of time. After passing all exams, applicants will receive their CITP certification from ICMA.

The cost for obtaining CITP certification varies depending on the applicant’s location and other factors. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to become certified.

6. Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) is a professional qualification in accounting that provides a route to becoming an accountant. It is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The CAT qualification consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional and Advanced.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the CAT qualification, depending on prior qualifications and experience. To get the CAT qualification, you must first register with ACCA as a student or affiliate member. You will then need to complete the relevant exams for each level of the qualification.

The cost of studying for the CAT qualification varies depending on your membership status and which exams you take. The fees for each exam range from £80 - £110 per paper, with discounts available if you book multiple papers at once.

7. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the administrative profession. The CPS certification is an internationally recognized credential, and it demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary for success in today’s competitive workplace.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CPS certification process. To become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as office management, technology, communication, customer service, and more. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in an administrative role or demonstrate equivalent competency through education or other certifications.

The cost of obtaining the CPS certification varies depending on which IAAP membership option you choose. The most basic membership option costs $99 per year and includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as discounts on exam fees. Exam fees range from $125-$200 depending on your geographical location.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) certification can be a great way to advance your career in the administrative field. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and shows employers that you are knowledgeable about current trends in office management and technology.

8. Certified Public Administrator (CPA)

Certified Public Administrator (CPA) is a professional designation awarded by the National Association of Certified Public Administrators (NACPA). The CPA designation is an important part of the public administration profession, and it signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in their field.

To become a Certified Public Administrator, you must complete a rigorous education program and pass the NACPA's certification exam. The program typically takes two to three years to complete, depending on your educational background and experience. During this time, you will learn about public administration theory, practice, and research as well as develop skills in policy analysis and management. You will also need to complete at least 300 hours of supervised work experience in public administration or related fields.

Once you have completed the program and passed the certification exam, you are eligible to receive your CPA designation. To maintain your certification status, you must participate in continuing education activities every two years.

The cost of becoming a Certified Public Administrator varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $5,000-$10,000 for the entire program. Additional fees may apply for taking the certification exam or participating in continuing education activities.

9. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a person’s proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. It is designed for individuals who use Microsoft Office applications in their daily work activities and want to demonstrate their skills.

The certification process typically takes between one and three months to complete. To get certified, you must take the corresponding exam for each application you wish to be certified in. The exams are available through Prometric or Certiport testing centers, which you can find online or at your local community college. Each exam costs around $75 USD and covers topics such as creating documents, formatting text, using formulas and functions, working with graphics and more.

Once you have passed all required exams, you will receive your official Microsoft Office Specialist Certification certificate from Microsoft. This certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking the most up-to-date version of the exam.

10. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals. It is designed to validate the skills of entry-level computer technicians and covers topics such as hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting. The certification is vendor-neutral and is accepted by many employers in the IT field.

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two parts: 220-901 and 220-902. To become certified, you must pass both exams. Each exam takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple choice questions.

To get the CompTIA A+ certification, you must first register for the exam at the CompTIA website. You will then need to purchase a voucher from CompTIA or an authorized partner in order to take the exam. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

Once you have purchased your voucher, you can schedule your exam with a Pearson VUE testing center near you. You will need to bring two forms of identification (one with a photo) when taking the exam. After passing both exams, you will receive your official CompTIA A+ certification within 7-10 business days via email or mail.

Overall, it typically takes about 2 weeks to get your CompTIA A+ certification if all goes smoothly during registration and scheduling process.

11. National Association of Legal Professionals Paralegal Certificate

The National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP) Paralegal Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of legal professionals. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a paralegal’s commitment to excellence in their profession.

The NALP Paralegal Certificate is obtained by completing a comprehensive online course which consists of nine modules covering topics such as legal research, writing, ethics, litigation support and more. The course takes approximately 15 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their NALP Paralegal Certificate.

To get the NALP Paralegal Certificate, one must first register for the online course through the NALP website. The cost for this program is $295 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, participants can access the course materials and begin working towards earning their certificate. Upon successful completion of all nine modules within the allotted time frame, participants will receive their NALP Paralegal Certificate via email.

The NALP Paralegal Certificate provides legal professionals with an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates their commitment to excellence in their profession. This certification can help open doors to new job opportunities or provide current employers with assurance that they are working with a highly qualified professional who has met rigorous standards set by an industry leader in legal education and training.

Do You Really Need a Clerk Certificate?

Yes, a clerk certificate is a valuable asset in the job market. It can be used to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and expertise to handle important administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, managing financial records, and communicating with clients. A clerk certificate can also make it easier for employers to verify an individual's credentials and qualifications when considering them for a position.

In addition to being beneficial for potential employers, obtaining a clerk certificate can also be beneficial for employees themselves. By having this certification, employees are more likely to have access to higher salaries, better benefits packages, and other opportunities that may not be available to those without the necessary qualifications. The certificate also indicates that an individual has taken the time to learn about the specific details of their profession and is committed to improving their skills over time.

Finally, having a clerk certificate can also open up new career opportunities or lead to promotions within an existing job. Employees with these credentials may be considered first when positions become available due to their demonstrated expertise in administrative tasks and processes.

In conclusion, having a clerk certificate is extremely valuable in today’s job market due to its ability to help individuals stand out from the competition while providing employers with confirmation of an employee’s qualifications. It is therefore important for individuals looking for jobs or advancements in their current positions to consider obtaining one if they have not done so already.

Related: Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Clerk Certifications

Q1. What is a Clerk Certification?

A1. A Clerk Certification is an official qualification that demonstrates a person’s ability to accurately and efficiently handle clerical duties such as filing, data entry, customer service, and other office-related tasks. It is typically obtained through formal education or on-the-job training.

Q2. How do I become certified?

A2. To become certified, you must complete a program of study in business administration or office management and pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in the area of clerical work. Many employers also require applicants for clerk positions to have completed some type of certification program before they can be considered for hire.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A3. Becoming certified can help you stand out among other job candidates when applying for clerk positions, as employers often prefer to hire individuals with formal qualifications in the field. Additionally, having a certification may allow you to earn higher pay than those without one since it shows that you have taken the time to develop your skillset and knowledge of the industry.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

A4. Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites for taking the certification exam; however, some programs may require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in an office environment or a related field before they are eligible to take the test. It is important to check with your chosen program before enrolling to make sure you meet all eligibility requirements first.

Q5 How long does it take to get certified?

A5 The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on which program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate towards studying for the exam each week/month; however, most programs can be completed within 3 months if studied consistently and attentively over this period of time