Top 10 Data Entry Clerk Certifications

Certifications for data entry clerks are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers can rely on. Data entry clerks must be extremely accurate and efficient with their work, as even small errors can have major consequences. Certifications help to show potential employers that a data entry clerk has been trained and tested to meet certain standards of excellence, giving them assurance that the clerk is capable of performing their duties with accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, certifications can give data entry clerks an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs.

The article reviews and explains the benefits of some of the top certifications for Data Entry Clerks, providing insight into how they can contribute to a successful career in data entry.

What are Data Entry Clerk Certifications?

Data entry clerk certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates a person's ability to accurately and quickly enter data into a computer system. It is designed to assess and validate the competency of data entry clerks, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job effectively.

The certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as keyboarding speed and accuracy, data-entry techniques, human-computer interaction (HCI), software applications, database systems, office equipment operation, business procedures, customer service skills, and file management. Upon passing the exam, individuals can be awarded with a certificate or badge that verifies their proficiency in data entry tasks.

Having a data entry clerk certification can help professionals stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the field. The credential can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to learning and advancing their career in this area. Additionally, employers may recognize certified professionals as having higher levels of expertise than those without it – potentially leading to better job opportunities and increased earnings potential.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the different data entry clerk certifications available. It is important to know what type of certification you need for the job you are applying for and which certifications are accepted by employers. Additionally, look into any continuing education requirements associated with each certification so that you can stay up-to-date with industry standards.

Related: What does a Data Entry Clerk do?

Top 10 Data Entry Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Data Entry Professional (CDEP)

Certified Data Entry Professional (CDEP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in data entry. The program is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and it certifies that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in data entry and related skills.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as data entry fundamentals, keyboarding techniques, software applications, database management, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any IAAP-approved testing center.

The cost of the certification exam is $175 USD for members of IAAP and $225 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CDEP certificate from IAAP. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having two years of experience in data entry or related fields, completing an approved training program or coursework in data entry, or having a degree from an accredited college or university with a major in computer science or information technology.

2. Certified Data Entry Operator (CDEO)

Certified Data Entry Operator (CDEO) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of data entry tools, techniques, and technologies. It is a professional designation awarded by the International Association of Data Entry Professionals (IADEP).

To become certified as a CDEO, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of data entry software and processes. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data entry principles, keyboarding techniques, error checking procedures, and database management.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CDEO exam. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the IADEP's study materials and practice tests before taking the exam. Additionally, they may wish to take a course or attend workshops in order to gain additional knowledge and skills related to data entry.

The cost of becoming certified as a CDEO varies depending on the method chosen for taking the exam. The IADEP offers both online and paper-based exams; the online version costs $150 USD while the paper-based version costs $175 USD.

3. Certified Information Processing Professional (CIPP)

Certified Information Processing Professional (CIPP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Information Technology Professionals (IAITP). It is designed to assess and validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in areas such as information security, data privacy, cloud computing, software development, project management and more.

The CIPP certification requires passing an exam that tests your understanding of IT concepts and processes. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. In order to take the exam, you must first submit an application and pay a fee. The fee for the CIPP exam is $450 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CIPP certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status, you must renew it every three years by taking additional exams or completing continuing education courses.

Overall, obtaining a CIPP certification can be a great way for IT professionals to demonstrate their expertise in various areas related to information technology.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s skills in one or more of the Microsoft Office applications. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency and expertise in using Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.

It typically takes around 10-20 hours of study and practice to prepare for the MOS exams. The length of time may vary depending on your experience level with the particular application you are testing for. You can find free practice tests online to help you prepare for the exam.

To get certified, you must pass one or more MOS exams. Each exam costs $150 USD and is available through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Once you have passed an exam, you will receive a digital certificate from Microsoft that can be used to showcase your skills on resumes and job applications.

The cost of becoming MOS certified varies depending on how many exams you take and how much preparation you need to do beforehand. Generally speaking, it will cost between $150-$450 USD to become certified in one or more of the Microsoft Office applications.

5. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is an entry-level certification that covers the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in troubleshooting hardware and software issues, as well as providing technical support for users.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams must be passed in order to achieve the certification. Each exam has a duration of 90 minutes and contains 90 questions. The Core 1 exam covers topics such as mobile devices, networking technologies, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. The Core 2 exam focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures, and other technical areas.

In order to get the CompTIA A+ certification you must first pass both exams with a minimum score of 675 out of 900 points. After passing both exams you will receive your certificate from CompTIA.

The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $200 to $300 per exam. Additionally there are study materials available online or in book form which can help prepare for the exams at a cost ranging from $50 to $100.

Overall it can take anywhere from several weeks up to several months to complete the CompTIA A+ certification depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exams.

6. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that tests and validates a person’s digital literacy skills. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their ability to use technology in the workplace, as well as in everyday life.

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification consists of three exams: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online. Each exam covers a range of topics related to basic computer usage, such as operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsers. The exams are designed to assess the user’s knowledge of the fundamentals of computing and their ability to apply that knowledge in practical situations.

It typically takes around six hours to complete all three exams. However, it can take longer depending on the individual’s level of experience with technology.

To get IC3 Digital Literacy Certification, you must first register for an account at Certiport’s website (www.certiport.com). Once registered, you will be able to purchase the exam vouchers for each exam and schedule your exams at a local Certiport testing center.

The cost of the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and which version of the exam you choose (standard or accelerated). Generally speaking, it costs around $100-$150 per exam or $300-$450 for all three exams combined.

7. National Association for Information Professionals (NAIP) Certification

The National Association for Information Professionals (NAIP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of information professionals. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of information management, including data governance, security, analytics, and other related topics.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the NAIP Certification program. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam tests your knowledge of information management topics such as data governance, security, analytics, and more. The online course provides additional instruction on these topics.

To get certified, you must first pass the written exam with a score of at least 70%. Once you have passed the exam, you can then register for the online course. After completing the course successfully, you will receive your NAIP Certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which type of certification you are pursuing (e.g., Certified Data Professional or Certified Analytics Professional). Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 to get certified by NAIP.

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who provide administrative support in healthcare settings. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CMAA certification. To obtain the certification, applicants must have at least one year of full-time employment in a medical administrative role, or equivalent experience. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by NHA.

The cost to take the CMAA exam varies depending on whether you are an NHA member or not. For non-members, it costs $195; for members, it costs $155. In addition to this fee, there may be other associated fees such as registration and study materials.

9. Certified Professional Data Manager (CPDM)

Certified Professional Data Manager (CPDM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing data and information systems. It is offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).

The CPDM certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as database design, data analysis, data security, and data governance. The practical assessment involves completing a series of tasks related to data management.

It typically takes around six months to complete the entire certification process. To get started, you must first register for the CPDM program and pay the registration fee. Once registered, you will receive access to the online exam and be given instructions on how to complete it. After passing the online exam, you will then need to complete the practical assessment within six months in order to receive your CPDM certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPDM certification varies depending on where you live and what type of payment plan you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 - $1,000 USD for both parts of the certification process.

10. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential is a nationally recognized certification for health information technicians who work in medical coding. The CCA credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in understanding and applying the correct coding principles and conventions when assigning codes to patient records. This certification is designed to help ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality in healthcare data reporting.

It typically takes around six months of study and preparation to become certified as a CCA. To get certified, individuals must pass the AHIMA CCA exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, HCPCS Level II coding, reimbursement methodologies, and more.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $300-$400 USD. Additionally, there are several online study materials available that can help prepare for the exam including practice exams, textbooks, webinars, videos and more.

Do You Really Need a Data Entry Clerk Certificate?

Data entry is an important skill for many businesses, but the need for a data entry clerk certificate depends on the specific job requirements. In some cases, having a data entry clerk certificate may be required in order to apply for a job or advance within an organization. A certificate may be beneficial in demonstrating that an applicant has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job correctly and efficiently.

In other cases, having a data entry clerk certificate may not be necessary. Many employers are more interested in applicants who can demonstrate their ability to complete tasks quickly and accurately than those who have a certificate. Employers will often look for applicants with experience working with databases or software related to data entry and those who have taken classes or seminars related to the field.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a data entry clerk certificate will depend on your specific situation and goal. If you do decide that obtaining one would be beneficial, make sure you research different programs available so that you can find one that best suits your needs and goals.

Related: Data Entry Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Data Entry Clerk Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Data Entry Clerk?

Answer: Generally, you need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and basic computer skills. Some employers may require additional certifications or specialized training.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Data Entry Clerk?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain certification depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and the requirements for that particular program. Generally, it can take anywhere from one month to several months depending on the program.

3. What is the cost of getting certified as a Data Entry Clerk?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the program and provider, but typically ranges from $100-$500 USD.

4. What types of Data Entry Clerk certifications are available?

Answer: There are various certifications available related to data entry including Certified Data Entry Specialist (CDE), Certified Professional Data Analyst (CPDA), Certified Database Administrator (CDA) and more.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming certified as a Data Entry Clerk?

Answer: Yes, many providers offer online courses for becoming certified as a data entry clerk such as Coursera, edX and Udemy among others.