Top 10 Front Office Clerk Certifications

Certifications for a front office clerk are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has a specific set of skills and knowledge. A certification can provide an employer with assurance that the candidate is qualified to perform their duties and responsibilities. Having certifications also shows prospective employers that the individual has taken initiative to further their education and increase their value as an employee. Furthermore, certifications can help a front office clerk stand out from other applicants and make them more competitive in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Front Office Clerks and explains how they can contribute to a front office clerk's career, helping them gain the necessary skills and knowledge to advance in their chosen field.

What are Front Office Clerk Certifications?

Front office clerk certification is a professional credential that shows employers and customers that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work in a front office environment. This certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking a job in the hospitality industry. It also demonstrates to employers that the individual has obtained a level of competency in customer service, communication, problem-solving, and computer software related to working in a front office. By obtaining this certification, individuals will have access to more job opportunities and may even be eligible for higher pay due to their specialized skillset. Additionally, having this certification may help with career advancement within the hospitality industry as it proves the individual is knowledgeable about their field.

Pro Tip: When seeking a front office clerk certification, be sure to research the requirements and qualifications necessary for the specific program you are applying for. Many certifications require that you have prior experience in customer service or hospitality, so make sure you have the necessary experience before applying. Additionally, some certifications may require additional tests or exams to be taken and passed in order to receive your certification.

Related: What does a Front Office Clerk do?

Top 10 Front Office Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of administrative professionals. CAPs are recognized as having achieved a high level of competency in the areas of office management, project management, technology, customer service, communication, and leadership.

The CAP program consists of three parts: an online assessment, an online examination, and a face-to-face interview. The online assessment tests your knowledge of office administration topics such as office systems and procedures, customer service principles and practices, business writing skills, technology usage in the workplace, and more. The online examination tests your ability to apply those concepts to real-world scenarios. Finally, the face-to-face interview evaluates your interpersonal skills.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete all three parts of the CAP program. To get started on the path towards becoming a Certified Administrative Professional you must first join IAAP as a member. Once you have joined IAAP you can register for the CAP program which includes access to study materials and practice exams.

The cost for IAAP membership is $99 per year plus additional fees for registration into the CAP Program ($195) and exam fees ($125).

2. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals in the workplace. It is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in office management and administrative support.

To obtain the CPS credential, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as office technology, business communication, human resources management, financial and legal principles, customer service, and organizational skills. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your IAAP membership status. For non-members, the fee is $225 USD; for members it is $175 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for rescheduling or retaking the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your Certified Professional Secretary certificate from IAAP. You will also receive a digital badge that can be used to showcase your credentials on social media sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

3. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of medical office managers. It is a voluntary certification that indicates a mastery of skills related to the management of medical office operations.

The CMOM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as medical office management, patient care, billing, coding, and more. The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge in these areas.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CMOM program. To get started, applicants must first register for the online course. Once registered, they will receive access to the course materials and be able to begin studying for the exam. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam administered by a third-party testing company in order to become certified.

The cost of the CMOM program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes registration fees for both the online course and exam as well as any additional materials needed for study or practice tests.

4. Certified Front Office Coordinator (CFOC)

A Certified Front Office Coordinator (CFOC) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize the specialized skills and knowledge required to successfully manage the front office operations of a business. The CFOC credential requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as customer service, telephone etiquette, scheduling, receptionist duties, and office technology.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost for the exam is $150 USD. To become certified, applicants must have three years of full-time work experience in a front office position or have completed an accredited program in administrative office management. Once certified, individuals must renew their credentials every three years by completing 30 hours of continuing education credits in areas related to front office operations.

5. Certified Receptionist (CR)

Certified Receptionist (CR) is a certification program designed to help receptionists become more knowledgeable and competent in their field. The program provides training and assessment in the areas of customer service, telephone etiquette, scheduling, filing, and other office duties. It also covers topics such as communication skills, problem solving, and time management.

The CR certification program can be completed in about six months and requires passing an online exam. To get certified, you must first complete the required coursework which consists of 10 modules covering various aspects of receptionist work. After completing the coursework, you will need to take the online exam which includes both multiple-choice questions and essay questions.

The cost of getting certified as a Certified Receptionist varies depending on the provider but is usually between $300-$500 USD. You will also need to pay for any additional materials or supplies needed for your studies such as textbooks or study guides. Additionally, some providers may require an additional fee for taking the exam or providing extra support during your studies.

6. Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR)

A Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR) is a professional who has completed a certification program and passed an exam to demonstrate their knowledge of medical office procedures. The CMR certification is designed to provide medical receptionists with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their job duties in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

The certification program typically takes around six months to complete. It includes courses on topics such as medical terminology, billing and coding, customer service, scheduling, insurance processing, and more. The courses are offered both online and in-person at various locations throughout the country.

To become certified as a CMR, you must first complete the required courses and pass the final exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The cost of becoming a CMR varies depending on which program you choose to take. Generally speaking, online programs tend to be more affordable than in-person programs. The cost can range anywhere from $300-$800 depending on the program you select.

7. Certified Patient Service Representative (CPSR)

Certified Patient Service Representative (CPSR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize patient service representatives who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide high-quality customer service in a health care setting. The CPSR certification is offered and administered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPSR exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess an individual’s knowledge of patient service principles, communication techniques, customer service strategies, and other related topics. The exam is administered online through NAHQ’s website. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

To become certified as a CPSR, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least one year of experience working in a health care setting or completing an approved training program. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for certification by submitting an application form and fee to NAHQ. The fee for the initial application is $250 USD plus applicable taxes. Additional fees may be required if an individual needs to retake the exam or renew their certification.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their official CPSR certificate from NAHQ and will be listed on the organization’s website as a certified professional. This certification must be renewed every three years by submitting a renewal form and fee to NAHQ.

8. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOSC)

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOSC) is a certification program that validates the skills of individuals using Microsoft Office applications. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. The certification is offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business.

It typically takes around 10-15 hours to complete the certification exam depending on the individual’s level of experience and knowledge. To get certified, individuals must pass one or more exams that cover the specific Microsoft Office application they are seeking certification in. The exams are available online and can be taken at any Certiport testing center worldwide.

The cost for taking the certification exam varies depending on which application you are certifying in and where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $80-$120 per exam.

9. Customer Service Certification (CSC)

Customer Service Certification (CSC) is a certification program designed to help customer service professionals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional customer service. The program is administered by the International Customer Service Association (ICSA).

The CSC program consists of three levels: Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP), Certified Customer Service Manager (CCSM), and Certified Customer Service Executive (CCSE). Each level requires the completion of a series of courses, as well as an assessment exam.

The amount of time it takes to complete the CSC program varies depending on the individual’s prior experience and commitment to completing the courses. Generally speaking, it takes between 3-6 months to complete all three levels.

To get started with the CSC program, individuals must first register for membership with ICSA. After registration, individuals can then purchase course packages that include all required materials for each level. Course packages range in price from $299 - $599 USD depending on the level selected.

Once course materials are purchased, individuals must complete each course before taking their assessment exams for each level. Upon successful completion of all exams at each level, individuals will be awarded their respective certifications and can use them to demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent customer service.

10. American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute's Front Desk Agent Certification (AHLEI-FDA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s (AHLEI) Front Desk Agent Certification (AHLEI-FDA) is a certification program designed to provide front desk agents with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform their duties. The AHLEI-FDA certification program consists of an online course, which takes approximately 10 hours to complete, and an exam. The course covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, hotel operations, and more.

To get the AHLEI-FDA certification, individuals must first complete the online course and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After completing both components successfully, individuals will be awarded the certification.

The cost for the AHLEI-FDA certification program is $199 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the exam.

Do You Really Need a Front Office Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and aspirations. If you are looking for a job as a front office clerk, then having a Front Office Clerk Certificate can be an advantage. A certificate shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job well. It also demonstrates that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and are serious about your career.

Having a Front Office Clerk Certificate can open up opportunities that may not be available without the certificate. Employers may view someone with the certificate as more qualified than someone without it, therefore increasing their chances of getting hired or promoted. The certificate can also provide an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs, as it is evidence of specialized training.

In addition to providing tangible benefits, having a Front Office Clerk Certificate can also give you increased confidence in your abilities and help build self-esteem. Knowing that you have taken steps to acquire additional knowledge and expertise in your field can be empowering and motivating.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Front Office Clerk Certificate will depend on what kind of job you are looking for and what level of success you want to achieve in your career. If obtaining the certificate will give you an edge over other candidates or increase your chances of advancement, then it may be worth considering investing in one.

Related: Front Office Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Front Office Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Front Office Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Front Office Clerk Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in providing exceptional customer service in the front office of a business. The certification covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, computer skills and other areas related to managing the front office of a business.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Front Office Clerk Certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include completion of an approved training program or coursework, passing an exam and having relevant work experience.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Front Office Clerk?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain certification varies depending on the certifying organization, but typically requires between 6-12 months.

4. What types of jobs can I get with a Front Office Clerk Certification?

Answer: With a Front Office Clerk Certification you can pursue positions such as receptionist, administrative assistant or customer service representative at various businesses and organizations.

5. Is there an expiration date for my Front Office Clerk Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date which must be renewed periodically (usually every two years).