Top 11 Executive Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for an executive administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and competence in certain areas. Employers want to know that their executive administrators have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that the executive administrator is up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. Additionally, certifications can help an executive administrator stand out from other applicants by showcasing specialized knowledge and experience. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement by demonstrating a commitment to professional development.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Executive Administrators and explain how they can help to advance an executive administrator's career.

What are Executive Administrator Certifications?

Executive Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of executive administration. It is designed to provide individuals with the necessary tools to become successful executive administrators. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to effectively manage, plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization or department.

This certification can help individuals gain recognition for their expertise in the field of executive administration and increase their career opportunities. It also serves as a way to validate experience and knowledge and demonstrate competency in the field. With this certification, employers can trust that they are hiring someone who has acquired the necessary skills to be an effective executive administrator. Additionally, those who have earned this certification may find it easier to network with other professionals in their field and gain access to more job opportunities. Finally, having this certification can also open up doors for higher salaries, promotions, and better job security.

Pro tip: Consider obtaining a professional certification in executive administration. This will demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the administrative tasks associated with an executive role, as well as providing evidence of your commitment to continuing professional development.

Related: What does an Executive Administrator do?

Top 11 Executive Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CPS certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. It is one of the most widely recognized credentials in the administrative profession.

To earn the CPS credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as office management, communication, technology, customer service, and business law. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPS certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or equivalent part-time work experience. They must also have completed a minimum of 48 semester hours of college credit or an approved IAAP training program.

The cost to take the CPS exam varies depending on where you are taking it. Generally speaking, it can range from $200 - $400 USD.

2. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in administrative support professionals.

The CAP program consists of two parts: an online exam and a portfolio assessment. The online exam covers topics such as office technology, communication, customer service, project management, and organizational skills. The portfolio assessment requires applicants to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience and knowledge in the field.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CAP program. To get started, applicants must first register with IAAP and pay a registration fee of $250 USD. After registering, applicants must then purchase study materials from IAAP or other approved sources. Finally, applicants must pass both the online exam and the portfolio assessment in order to be awarded the CAP credential.

The total cost for completing the CAP program varies depending on which study materials are purchased and if any additional fees are incurred during the process. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $300-$500 USD to complete the program.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who use Microsoft Office applications. It is the only official Microsoft certification for Office applications and is recognized worldwide.

The MOS program includes exams for all versions of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and OneNote. Each exam tests an individual’s ability to perform tasks within each application. To become certified in any of these applications, you must pass one or more exams.

Each exam typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete. The cost of each exam varies depending on the version of Office being tested; however, most exams cost around $90 USD per exam.

To get certified in any of these applications, you must first register with Certiport—the official provider of MOS certifications—and then schedule your exam at a testing center near you. Once you have passed your exams, you will receive an email notification from Certiport confirming your success. You can then download your certificate from their website or request a hard copy by mail.

4. Certified Executive Assistant (CEA)

Certified Executive Assistant (CEA) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of executive assistants. It is designed to help executive assistants demonstrate their expertise in the field and to enhance their value to employers.

The CEA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of administrative duties, organizational skills, communication techniques, and other topics related to working as an executive assistant. 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 as an executive assistant or similar role. They must also have completed a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in the past five years.

The cost for the CEA certification exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

5. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

To become a CMA, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Pass two parts of the CMA exam administered by IMA.

3. Have two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management within the past five years prior to applying for certification.

4. Agree to abide by IMA's Code of Professional Conduct and complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain certification status.

The entire process of becoming a CMA can take up to 12 months or longer depending on how quickly you can fulfill all the requirements and pass both parts of the exam. The cost for taking the CMA exam is $415 per part plus additional fees for study materials such as textbooks and online courses.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized certification for project management professionals. The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to lead and direct projects.

It takes an average of three to six months to prepare for and pass the PMP exam. To become certified, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, complete 35 hours of formal project management education, and pass the PMP exam.

To get started on your path to becoming PMP certified, you will need to create a profile with PMI. This includes completing a detailed application outlining your educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD to take the exam; for members, it costs $405 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining your certification every three years which range from $60 – $150 USD depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI.

7. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met certain educational, experience, and examination requirements set by their state board of accountancy. CPAs are licensed by the states in which they practice and must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics.

It typically takes four years of college education, including 150 hours of coursework, to become a CPA. After completing the educational requirements, aspiring CPAs must pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation; Business Environment and Concepts; Financial Accounting and Reporting; and Regulation.

To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in accounting-related topics such as auditing, taxation, financial accounting and reporting. They also need one year or more of work experience in public accounting or related fields.

The cost for taking the CPA Exam varies from state to state but generally ranges from $100-$200 per section. In addition to this fee, some states may require an application fee or other additional fees.

8. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in information systems auditing, control, and security. It is administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and is one of the most sought-after certifications for IT professionals.

The CISA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours. The exam covers five domains: Auditing Information Systems, Governance and Management of IT, Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation, Protection of Information Assets, and Service Delivery and Support.

To obtain the CISA certification, individuals must have at least 5 years of professional experience in IS audit control or security within the past 10 years. They must also pass the CISA exam with a minimum score of 450 out of 800 points.

The cost for registering for the CISA exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $575 to $725 USD. Additionally, there are a variety of study materials available online that can help you prepare for the exam.

9. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification provides evidence of an individual’s knowledge and ability to apply the principles and tools of Six Sigma within their organization.

The process for becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt typically takes between 4-6 months, depending on the individual’s experience and availability. In order to become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and demonstrate mastery of the Six Sigma methodology through project work.

In order to receive the certification, individuals must first attend a formal training program. These programs are offered by various organizations such as universities, consulting firms or corporations. The length of the program varies but typically lasts between two weeks and four months. During this time, participants will learn about the different aspects of Six Sigma including process improvement techniques, problem solving tools and data analysis methods.

Once the training is complete, individuals must then pass an exam in order to be certified. This exam is administered by one of several organizations that offer Six Sigma certifications such as ASQ or IASSC. After passing the exam, participants must then demonstrate their mastery of the methodology through project work. This usually involves completing a series of projects related to process improvement within their organization or industry.

The cost for becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt can vary significantly depending on which training program you choose and how much experience you have with Six Sigma prior to enrolling in a course. Generally speaking though, most courses range from $2,500 - $10,000 USD depending on duration and content covered in each course.

10. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a set of best practices for IT service management. It provides a framework for organizations to manage their IT services, processes, and operations. It helps organizations to improve their service delivery and customer satisfaction by providing guidance on how to plan, design, deliver, operate, and control IT services.

It takes approximately one year to become an ITIL certified practitioner. To get certified in ITIL you must complete the required training and pass the certification exam. The cost of the training and exam vary depending on the provider but typically range from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

11. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP).

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed for experienced business analysts who have at least 7,500 hours of business analysis work experience and have demonstrated knowledge in the six core knowledge areas of the IIBA’s Business Analysis Body of Knowledge.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge in the six core areas. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. The exam fee is $325 USD for members of IIBA and $450 USD for non-members.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, including having at least seven years of professional business analysis experience and 2,000 hours in four out of the six knowledge areas. They must also complete 21 hours of professional development activities within the three years prior to applying for certification.

Once an applicant has met all requirements, they can apply for the CBAP certification online through IIBA’s website. Once approved, they will receive their official CBAP certificate from IIBA after passing the exam.

Do You Really Need a Executive Administrator Certificate?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Whether or not an individual should pursue an Executive Administrator Certificate depends on their career goals and the requirements of the organizations they are interested in working for.

For those interested in a career in executive administration, a certificate can provide the necessary qualifications and credentials to get hired. It can demonstrate an individual's commitment to understanding the duties and responsibilities associated with this job role. A certificate also shows employers that they have dedicated time and energy to developing additional skills related to executive administration. It may also open up opportunities for higher salaries and more advanced positions within a company.

However, pursuing a certificate is not necessarily required for every executive administrator position. Depending on the organization, other factors such as experience, education, and skills may be more important than having a certificate. Additionally, some jobs may require certification from particular organizations or institutions, which would need to be completed before applying for certain positions.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not an Executive Administrator Certificate is worth pursuing based on their own career goals and the requirements of the organizations they want to work for.

Related: Executive Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Executive Administrator Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become an executive administrator?

Answer: Generally, becoming an executive administrator requires a combination of education and experience in business administration or a related field. It can also involve completing certification programs or other specialized training.

2. What is the difference between an executive administrator and an administrative assistant?

Answer: An executive administrator typically has more responsibility than an administrative assistant, such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, handling complex projects, and providing strategic guidance to management.

3. What types of certifications are available for executive administrators?

Answer: Professional certifications for executive administrators include Certified Executive Administrator (CEA), Certified Professional Manager (CPM), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), and Certified Management Consultant (CMC).

4. How much do executive administrator certifications cost?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the program provider but generally ranges from $500 to $2,000 USD.

5. How long does it take to complete an executive administrator certification program?

Answer: Most certification programs can be completed within three to six months, depending on the course load and availability of materials.