Top 11 Front Office Receptionist Certifications

Certifications can be an important indicator of a front office receptionist's competence and qualifications. In today’s competitive job market, having a certification can help a receptionist stand out and prove to employers that they have the skills necessary to do the job. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to learning, which is highly valued by employers. They show that the receptionist has taken the time to acquire additional knowledge in their chosen field and is willing to invest in their professional development. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements, ensuring that the receptionist stays up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. This can help them stay ahead of the competition while giving them an edge in their current role.

The purpose of the article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Front Office Receptionists and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Front Office Receptionist Certifications?

Front office receptionist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the duties and responsibilities of a receptionist. This certification can help employers identify qualified candidates for receptionist positions, as well as aid current receptionists in demonstrating their level of expertise to employers. By becoming certified, individuals can demonstrate that they have the necessary skillset to perform all aspects of front office operations, including customer service, telephone etiquette, filing and data entry, appointment scheduling, and administrative tasks.

The certification process typically involves taking a comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of front office duties. Upon successful completion of the exam, the individual receives a certificate or diploma attesting to their qualifications. This certification can also provide career advancement opportunities by giving individuals a competitive edge when applying for higher-level positions within the company or when pursuing job opportunities at other organizations. Furthermore, it can help employers ensure that their staff is up-to-date on best practices and standards for customer service and professionalism in the workplace.

Pro Tip: When considering a front office receptionist certification, make sure to research and understand the qualifications required for the particular program you are interested in. Look into the curriculum, prerequisites, and cost of certifications to ensure that you select one that best meets your needs.

Related: What does a Front Office Receptionist do?

Top 11 Front Office Receptionist Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Receptionist (CPR)

Certified Professional Receptionist (CPR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced receptionists. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of front-desk operations, customer service, and office management. It also provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

The CPR certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as telephone etiquette, customer service, office administration, and communication skills. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the course and it costs $295 USD.

The in-person exam is administered by a certified examiner at a designated testing center and consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the applicant’s knowledge of the material covered in the online course. The exam fee is $100 USD and it takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

Successful completion of both parts of the CPR certification program will result in the award of the Certified Professional Receptionist credential from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

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 the administrative profession. The CAP credential demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their career, professionalism, and dedication to their organization.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the program and earn the CAP credential. The program consists of four components: Core Knowledge Exam, Electronic Office Procedures Exam, Business Writing & Communication Exam, and a Professional Development Program (PDP). Each component must be completed within a three-year period.

To get started with the CAP program, you must first become a member of IAAP. You can then register for the exams online or by mail. You will need to pay an exam fee for each exam you take as well as any applicable membership dues. Once you have passed all four exams, you will receive your official CAP certificate from IAAP.

The total cost of the program varies depending on which exams you choose to take and how many times you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for all four exams plus any applicable membership fees.

3. 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 office professionals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in their field. The COM designation is an important credential for administrative professionals and demonstrates commitment to the profession, as well as mastery of essential office management skills.

To become a Certified Office Manager, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements, pass an exam, and pay a fee. Applicants must have at least three years of full-time office experience or five years of part-time office experience within the past seven years. They must also possess a minimum of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

The COM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as business communication, customer service, human resources management, financial management, technology applications, and project management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person at one of IAAP’s testing centers across the United States.

The cost for taking the COM exam is $395 for IAAP members and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants receive their Certified Office Manager certificate and can use the COM designation after their name on business cards and resumes.

4. Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR)

A Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR) is a professional who has been trained and certified to work in a medical office setting. They are responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, filing paperwork, collecting payments and other administrative tasks.

To become a CMR, you must complete an accredited program that includes courses in medical terminology, billing and coding, customer service and communication. Most programs take between 6-12 months to complete depending on the institution offering the program.

The cost of becoming a CMR varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,000 for tuition and fees.

Once you have completed your training and certification requirements, you will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Medical Receptionist exam. This exam is designed to test your knowledge of healthcare administration principles and practices as well as your ability to perform administrative tasks in a medical office setting. Passing this exam is necessary for obtaining your CMR designation.

5. Certified Executive Assistant (CEA)

Certified Executive Assistant (CEA) is a professional designation for administrative professionals who demonstrate mastery of the executive assistant role. It is awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a professional organization dedicated to advancing the careers of administrative and office professionals.

The CEA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as leadership, communication, problem solving, project management, and technology. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To prepare for the exam, IAAP offers study materials such as practice tests and webinars. Additionally, IAAP provides an online course that covers all aspects of the CEA certification exam. This course costs $199 USD and can be completed in four weeks or less.

The cost of taking the CEA certification exam is $225 USD for IAAP members and $300 USD for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CEA certificate from IAAP.

6. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). This certification is designed to recognize administrative professionals who have achieved a high level of excellence in their field. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of the skills and knowledge required for successful administrative support.

The CPS exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application test. The written exam covers topics such as office management, communication, customer service, technology, and problem-solving. The practical application test evaluates the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To become certified as a CPS, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or equivalent education; passing both parts of the CPS exam; and completing IAAP's ethics course.

The cost to take the CPS exam varies depending on your location and membership status with IAAP. Generally, it costs between $200 and $400 USD to take the exam. It typically takes around six months from start to finish to complete all requirements for certification.

7. Certified Front Desk Associate (CFDA)

Certified Front Desk Associate (CFDA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to provide excellent customer service in the hospitality industry. The certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

To become a Certified Front Desk Associate, you must complete an online course and pass an exam. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as customer service, communication, problem solving, and technology. After completing the course, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CFDA program varies depending on whether you are already an AHLEI member or not. For non-members, the cost is $199 for both the course and exam. For members, it is $169 for both.

Once you have completed all requirements and passed the exam, you will be awarded your CFDA certificate which is valid for three years. You can then use this certification to demonstrate your commitment to providing quality customer service in the hospitality industry.

8. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a person’s proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. It is designed to validate the skills of individuals who use Microsoft Office applications to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations for business purposes.

The MOS certification program consists of four exams: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Each exam covers a specific set of tasks related to the application being tested. To become certified, you must pass all four exams. The exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers or online through Microsoft's website.

It typically takes around two months to complete the MOS certification process. This includes studying for the exams and taking them at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Microsoft's website.

The cost of the MOS certification depends on which version of Office you are certifying for (Office 2016 or 2019). Generally speaking, it costs around $150 per exam ($600 total). However, discounts may be available if you purchase multiple exams at once or if you are a student or educator.

9. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s skills in computer hardware and software, networking, troubleshooting and security. It is the foundation of any IT career. The certification covers topics such as installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, as well as basic networking.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. This depends on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam and how familiar you are with the topics covered in the exam. You can take practice tests online or purchase study guides from CompTIA or other vendors to help you prepare for the exam.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). The exams cost $226 USD each and can be taken at Pearson VUE Testing Centers around the world.

In total, it will cost approximately $452 USD to become CompTIA A+ certified.

10. Customer Service Representative Certification

Customer Service Representative Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide excellent customer service. This certification is designed to help customer service representatives (CSRs) increase their job performance and advance their careers.

It typically takes about two months to complete the certification process. The first step is to take an online course or attend a seminar on customer service principles and practices. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of customer service best practices. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining Customer Service Representative Certification varies depending on the provider and may include fees for taking the course or exam, as well as any materials needed for studying or taking the exam.

In order to maintain their certification, CSRs must participate in continuing education activities such as attending seminars or completing online courses every two years.

11. Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize hospitality professionals who have demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and skills in the hospitality industry. The CHS program is administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHS program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as customer service, food safety, housekeeping, and human resources. It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the course. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates are eligible to take the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that test a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of hospitality operations.

To become certified, candidates must pass both the online course and the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for taking the CHS program is $399 USD which includes access to the online course material and one attempt at taking the exam. Additional attempts at taking the exam will incur additional fees.

Do You Really Need a Front Office Receptionist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your particular job requirements. If you are applying for a position that requires a Front Office Receptionist Certificate, then the answer is yes, you do need to have one in order to be considered for the job. However, if you are already employed as a receptionist and do not require certification, then it may not be necessary.

It is important to remember that having a Front Office Receptionist Certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one. It shows potential employers that you have specialized knowledge and skills in customer service, communication and organizational skills which are all essential for working in a front office setting. Additionally, having the certificate may make it easier to obtain promotions or higher-level positions within the company.

On the other hand, if your current job does not require certification and you are content with your current role and responsibilities, then there may be no need for additional certification. Ultimately, it will depend on your individual career goals and objectives as well as what is expected of you from your current employer.

Related: Front Office Receptionist Resume Examples

FAQs About Front Office Receptionist Certifications

1. What are the benefits of Front Office Receptionist Certification?

A: Front Office Receptionist Certifications can provide a competitive edge in the job market, as they demonstrate knowledge and expertise on the subject matter. They also provide valuable networking opportunities and increase your chances of getting hired for higher-paying positions.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Front Office Receptionist?

A: Depending on the certification, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to become certified as a Front Office Receptionist. The length of time depends on the type of program you choose and how quickly you complete the required training and exams.

3. What kind of jobs can I get with a Front Office Receptionist Certification?

A: With a Front Office Receptionist Certification, you can apply for jobs such as receptionists, administrative assistants, customer service representatives, clerks, secretaries, and more.

4. What is the cost of obtaining a Front Office Receptionist Certification?

A: The cost will vary depending on which certification program you choose and what type of materials or study aids you purchase along the way. However, most programs range from $200-$500 USD.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Front Office Receptionist Certification?

A: While there are no official prerequisites for obtaining a Front Office Receptionist Certification, most programs require basic computer skills and knowledge of office procedures such as filing documents and answering phones. Additionally, some certifications may require prior experience working in an office setting or customer service role.