Top 10 General Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a general clerk in the job market because they provide proof of expertise and knowledge in specific areas. They demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant is qualified and knowledgeable in the field and has taken the initiative to further their education. Certifications also provide evidence that the individual has gone through a rigorous process of assessment and review, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Finally, certifications can increase an individual’s earning potential as employers often offer higher salaries for those with certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for General Clerks and explain how they can help advance a general clerk's career.

What are General Clerk Certifications?

General clerk certification is a type of professional certification that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a general clerk in various types of businesses. This certification program typically includes courses on topics such as data entry, filing, customer service, and other office administration tasks. By completing this certification program, individuals can demonstrate their mastery of the general clerical skills required to perform the duties of a general clerk.

Having a general clerk certification can help individuals stand out in the job market by demonstrating their competence and commitment to learning about essential clerical duties. The certification also provides employers with an assurance that potential employees have the necessary training and qualifications for successful performance in the role. In addition, having a general clerk certification can give individuals access to higher-level positions within companies or organizations that require specialized skills and knowledge in order to perform certain tasks. Finally, obtaining this type of certification can provide individuals with greater job stability since they will be more qualified for positions that involve administrative duties in different industries.

Pro Tip: When pursuing general clerk certification, be sure to research and understand the specific requirements for the type of certification you are aiming for. Depending on the type of certification, you may need to complete a certain number of hours in a particular field or pass an exam before you can become certified.

Related: What does a General Clerk do?

Top 10 General Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Clerk (CPC)

Certified Professional Clerk (CPC) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Clerks (ICPC). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of clerical work. The CPC certification is an important credential for those seeking to advance their careers in the administrative support field.

The CPC certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires the completion of a specific number of course hours and passing a comprehensive exam. To become certified at each level, applicants must have at least one year of relevant work experience in addition to completing the required courses and passing the exam.

The time it takes to complete all three levels depends on how quickly you can complete your coursework and pass your exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years or more to complete all three levels depending on your schedule and dedication.

To get started with the CPC certification process, you will need to register with ICPC and pay for any applicable fees associated with taking courses or exams. The cost of registration varies depending on which level you are pursuing; however, it typically ranges from $50-$500 USD per level.

Once registered, you will be able to access online course materials and take exams as needed. Upon successful completion of all three levels, you will receive your official CPC certificate from ICPC.

2. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the administrative profession. The CAP credential is recognized worldwide as an indication of expertise, experience, and commitment to the field.

It typically takes about 6-9 months to complete all of the requirements for certification. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role, or completing a minimum number of college credits in related courses. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as office management, communication, customer service, technology, and project management.

The cost to become certified varies depending on IAAP membership status and other factors. The total cost typically ranges between $400-$600 USD. This includes the application fee ($125 USD), exam fee ($225 USD), and membership dues ($150-$450 USD).

3. Certified Office Manager (COM)

Certified Office Manager (COM) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced office professionals.

The COM certification process includes passing an online exam that covers topics such as office management, communication, customer service, technology, and project management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a COM, you must have at least five years of experience in an administrative role or two years of experience plus a college degree. You must also submit proof of your work experience and pay the application fee.

The cost for the COM certification is $245 for IAAP members and $295 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials, practice tests, and the official exam.

4. Certified Records Management Specialist (CRMS)

Certified Records Management Specialist (CRMS) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of records management. This certification is offered by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM).

The CRMS certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive examination and meet certain educational, professional experience, and ethical requirements. The exam covers topics such as records management principles, regulations and standards, policies and procedures, technology, and legal issues. Applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in records management or related fields to qualify for the exam.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CRMS exam. During this time, applicants should review ICRM's study materials and take practice exams to ensure they are ready to take the actual exam. Additionally, some companies may offer training courses or other resources that can help prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CRMS exam varies depending on where you are taking it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam. There may be additional fees associated with taking the test at certain locations or if you need special accommodations during testing.

Overall, obtaining a CRMS certification can be an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in records management. It can also help open up career opportunities in this field as employers increasingly seek out certified professionals with specialized skillsets.

5. Certified Information Systems Professional (CISP)

Certified Information Systems Professional (CISP) is a certification offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of information security principles, practices, and technologies. The CISP certification is intended for professionals working in the field of information security and assurance.

The CISP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

To get certified as a CISP, applicants must first pass the exam. They can register for the exam online through ISC2's website or through an approved testing center. After passing the exam, they will receive their official certificate from ISC2.

The cost to take the CISP exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost can range from $699 to $999 USD.

6. Certified Document Imaging Architect (CDIA+)

Certified Document Imaging Architect (CDIA+) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of imaging professionals. The certification is offered by the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM). It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of document imaging, including capture, storage, retrieval, management and delivery.

The CDIA+ certification requires passing a two-hour exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as scanning equipment, document indexing, image compression techniques, system integration, workflow automation and records management. To prepare for the exam, AIIM offers a variety of resources such as study guides and practice exams.

To be eligible for the CDIA+ certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in document imaging or related technologies. They must also complete an application form and pay an application fee. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam online or through their local AIIM chapter.

The cost of taking the CDIA+ exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $250 to $350 USD.

7. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills in Microsoft Office applications. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in specific Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. The MOS certification is offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE company.

To get the MOS certification, you must pass one or more exams that measure your knowledge of the relevant Office application(s). Each exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 50-60 questions. To prepare for the exam, you can take an instructor-led course or self-study using online resources such as tutorials and practice tests.

The cost of taking a MOS exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of the Microsoft Office application you are testing for. Generally speaking, exams range from $59-$129 USD. You can also purchase practice tests for $19-$29 USD each.

Once you have passed the required exam(s), you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your digital certificate and badge from Certiport’s website. Your certificate will be valid for two years after which time you will need to retake the exam(s) if you wish to maintain your certification status.

8. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification, meaning it covers multiple vendors and technologies. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their technical expertise in computer hardware, operating systems, networking, security, troubleshooting, and customer service.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long and cover topics such as hardware components, networking technologies, mobile devices, operating systems, software troubleshooting, customer service, security fundamentals, virtualization technologies, cloud computing concepts and operational procedures.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams. The best way to prepare is to take an online or in-person training course from a certified provider. This will give you access to study materials and practice tests that can help you get ready for the exam. Additionally, there are many online resources available that can help you prepare for the exam on your own.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $220 USD for both exams combined. However, some providers may offer discounts or promotions that can reduce the cost of taking the exam.

9. International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certifications

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a professional organization that provides certifications for administrative professionals. The IAAP offers two types of certifications: the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP).

The CPS certification is designed for individuals who are beginning their careers in administrative roles, while the CAP certification is intended for those who have a minimum of five years of experience and have achieved a high level of competency in their field. Both certifications require applicants to pass an exam, which covers topics such as office management, communication, technology, project management, and customer service.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the exams. Applicants must complete an application form and submit it to IAAP with proof of education or relevant work experience. They must also pay an application fee before they can take the exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in-person. For online exams, it costs $200 USD for members and $250 USD for non-members. For in-person exams, it costs $225 USD for members and $275 USD for non-members.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from IAAP within four to six weeks. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits or re-taking the exam every three years.

10. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field and have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and proficiency in the areas of office management, administrative support, and related technology.

To become certified as a CPS, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business communication, office systems and procedures, human resources management, financial management and accounting principles. The exam consists of both multiple-choice questions and essay questions. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, applicants should review IAAP's study materials which include textbooks, online courses, webinars and practice tests.

The cost to take the CPS exam varies depending on your IAAP membership status. For non-members it costs $225 USD; for members it costs $175 USD; for student members it costs $100 USD; for retired members it costs $50 USD; and for international members it costs $200 USD plus shipping fees.

Once you have passed the CPS exam you will receive an official certificate from IAAP that shows you are now a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS).

Do You Really Need a General Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a general clerk certificate may be necessary in order to gain entry-level employment in certain administrative or clerical positions. For others, a general clerk certificate may provide an edge over the competition when applying for jobs that require basic office skills such as data entry or filing.

In addition to providing potential employers with evidence of your knowledge and abilities, a general clerk certificate can also be beneficial in terms of increasing your salary potential. Many employers prefer to hire individuals with a degree or certification in a particular field as it demonstrates an employee’s commitment to their profession and indicates that they have taken the initiative to obtain additional training and qualifications. A general clerk certificate can also help you stand out from other job applicants who lack formal education or experience in the field.

Finally, it is important to consider whether or not obtaining a general clerk certificate is worth the time, effort and financial investment required. If you are confident that your existing skills and experience will be enough for you to secure employment without additional qualifications, then pursuing a general clerk certificate may not be necessary. However, if you feel that having a certificate would give you an advantage over other applicants then it may be worth considering.

Related: General Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About General Clerk Certifications

Q1: What is a General Clerk Certification?

A1: A General Clerk Certification is a certificate that demonstrates competency in the basic clerical skills and knowledge necessary to perform general office duties efficiently. It typically includes topics such as filing, data entry, customer service, and other administrative tasks.

Q2: How long does it take to complete a General Clerk Certification?

A2: The time it takes to complete the certification varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, most programs can be completed in 1-3 months.

Q3: What type of job opportunities are available with a General Clerk Certification?

A3: With a General Clerk Certificate, you can pursue careers in office administration, customer service, data entry, and other administrative positions.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a General Clerk Certification?

A4: Yes, generally applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to have some prior related experience or education.

Q5: How much does it cost to obtain a General Clerk Certification?

A5: The cost of obtaining your certification depends on the program you choose and can range from free to hundreds of dollars.