Top 10 Management Assistant Certifications

Certifications can be very important in the job market for a management assistant. They provide proof of competence, demonstrate knowledge and expertise, and are often required by employers. Certifications show that the management assistant has completed specific training and has passed an exam to prove they have mastered the skills needed to perform their job effectively. This can give employers confidence that the individual is qualified for the position. Additionally, certifications may give a management assistant an advantage over other applicants who do not have them when competing for jobs. They also may qualify an individual for higher pay or better job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Management Assistants and explains how they can help to boost a management assistant's career.

What are Management Assistant Certifications?

Management assistant certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing administrative support to management. This certification is typically offered by professional organizations and can be obtained through a combination of education, experience, and examination.

Having a management assistant certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and demonstrate their commitment to the profession. It can also provide them with recognition for their expertise, as well as access to career opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Additionally, having this type of certification can provide individuals with greater job security, since they are more likely to be hired or promoted due to their credentials.

Certified management assistants also benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals who have similar qualifications. This can help them stay up to date on industry trends and learn about new job openings before anyone else does. Additionally, having a management assistant certification may give individuals access to exclusive conferences or seminars where they can gain valuable insight into the profession. Finally, obtaining this type of credential may open up doors for further coursework or advanced certifications that could lead to even more career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of management assistant certification that are available and determine which one best fits your career goals. Consider the requirements for each certification, such as educational background, experience, and any additional training or exams that may be required. Also, consider the cost associated with obtaining a certification as well as how it will benefit you in the long run.

Related: What does a Management Assistant do?

Top 10 Management Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Management Assistants today.

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. It demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of competency in the administrative field.

In order to obtain the CAP certification, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least two years of experience in an administrative role or completing a minimum number of college credits in business-related courses. Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for the exam which consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as office management, communication, customer service, technology, and more.

The cost for taking the CAP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to register for the exam and around $150 for each retake if necessary. The entire process from start to finish typically takes about 6 months to complete, with most people taking between 4-6 weeks to study for the exam itself.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the administrative field and can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

2. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of office management and administrative support. The CPS credential is awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), an organization that sets standards for professional secretaries and administrative assistants.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in an administrative role, or one year of experience combined with postsecondary education. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business communication, office technology, customer service, and project management.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete. It costs $225 for IAAP members and $275 for nonmembers to take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPS credential within six weeks.

The credential is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending IAAP conferences.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. It is designed to prove proficiency in the use of these programs and to give employers assurance that their employees are capable of using them effectively.

The MOS certification process typically takes between one and three months to complete. Depending on the individual's level of experience and familiarity with the software, it may take longer. The process involves studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and then taking the actual exam.

To get MOS certified, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft or its authorized resellers. Exam vouchers cost approximately $150 USD each for most exams. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for an exam date at a local testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Certiport. You will then need to study for the exam using official Microsoft training materials or other resources such as textbooks and online tutorials.

Once you feel prepared for the exam, you can schedule it at a local testing center or take it online through Pearson VUE or Certiport. After completing the exam, your score will be reported within two weeks and if you pass with a score of 700 or higher on each section of the test, you will receive your MOS certification.

4. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize professional managers who demonstrate a high level of expertise and skill in the field. It is awarded by the International Association of Professional Managers (IAPM). The CPM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of management experience, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

The CPM certification process involves completing an online application, taking an online assessment, attending a two-day seminar, and passing a final exam. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge and skills related to management principles, practices, and techniques. The seminar provides additional training on topics such as leadership, communication, problem solving, decision making, and team building.

The cost for the CPM certification varies depending on the country you are applying from. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD for the entire process including the application fee, seminar fee and exam fee.

In terms of timeline for obtaining the CPM certification, it typically takes about three months from start to finish if all requirements are met. However this timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances such as availability of courses or seminars in your area or how quickly you can complete the required assessments or exams.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge, experience, and competency in leading and directing projects. It is the most widely recognized project management credential in the world.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience, 35 hours of formal project management education, or a combination of both. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of project management principles.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. To get started, you should review the PMP Handbook and become familiar with the exam content outline and eligibility requirements. You should also consider taking a formal training course or self-study materials such as books or online courses.

The cost of obtaining your PMP certification varies depending on your chosen method of study. A formal training course can range from $2,000-$4,000 while self-study materials may cost around $200-$400. Additionally, there is an application fee for taking the exam which ranges from $405-$555 depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not.

6. Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP)

A Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) is a professional who has been certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA). The CLA/CP designation is an important credential for paralegals and legal assistants that demonstrates their commitment to excellence in the field.

To become a CLA/CP, an individual must have completed either a two-year associate’s degree program in paralegal studies or a four-year bachelor’s degree program in any field from an accredited college or university, and must have worked at least three years as a paralegal or legal assistant.

The certification process requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as legal research and writing, civil litigation, contracts and business organizations, real estate law, family law, bankruptcy law, wills and estates law, criminal law, ethics and professionalism.

It typically takes six months to one year to prepare for the exam. Applicants are encouraged to take NALA's online courses and use study materials provided by NALA to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you choose to take NALA's online courses or use other study materials. The cost of the exam itself is $225 for members of NALA and $325 for non-members.

7. Certified Executive Assistant (CEA)

Certified Executive Assistant (CEA) is a professional certification for executive assistants and administrative professionals. It is designed to recognize the highest level of professional achievement in the field.

The CEA certification program is administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as office management, communication, technology, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the CEA exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in an executive assistant or administrative role. They must also have completed a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education related to their profession within the past three years.

The cost of taking the CEA exam varies depending on where you live and whether you are a member of IAAP or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD for non-members and $200 USD for members.

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification for medical administrative assistants. It is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CMAA certification validates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to perform administrative duties in a healthcare setting.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical terminology, coding and billing, insurance processing, patient scheduling, and other administrative tasks. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least one year of experience in a healthcare setting or completing an approved training program.

The cost to take the exam is $179 for NHA members and $199 for non-members. The fee includes the cost of the study guide and practice exams. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual fee of $99 to maintain your certification status.

9. Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) is a professional organization that provides certification programs for human resources professionals. The HRCI offers two main certifications: the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Both of these certifications are designed to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful human resources management.

To earn either certification, applicants must have several years of relevant work experience, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge and understanding of human resources management topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, employee relations, and organizational development.

The PHR exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The SPHR exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Both exams are offered in English only at testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost to take the PHR or SPHR exam varies depending on which version you choose: computer-based testing or paper-and-pencil testing. Computer-based testing costs $395 for PHR candidates and $495 for SPHR candidates; paper-and-pencil testing costs $425 for PHR candidates and $525 for SPHR candidates.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your HRCI certification within six weeks after taking the test. You will also be required to pay an annual recertification fee in order to maintain your certification status.

10. International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a professional organization that provides education, certification, and networking opportunities for administrative professionals. IAAP was founded in 1942 and has since grown to become the world’s largest association of administrative professionals with over 20,000 members in more than 50 countries.

IAAP offers a variety of certifications for administrative professionals including Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), and Master Administrative Professional (MAP). Each certification requires successful completion of an examination that covers topics such as office technology, business writing, customer service, communication skills, time management, and more. The examinations are offered through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for each certification. This includes studying for the exam, completing any required coursework or training programs, and registering for the exam.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on which certification you are pursuing. The CPS exam costs $175 USD while the CAP and MAP exams cost $225 USD each. There may also be additional costs associated with any required coursework or training programs.

In addition to offering certifications, IAAP also provides educational resources such as webinars and online courses as well as networking opportunities through its chapters around the world.

Do You Really Need a Management Assistant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a management assistant certificate to become a successful manager. However, depending on the type of management position you are interested in, having such a certificate could be beneficial.

For example, if you are looking to become an executive assistant, then a management assistant certificate might give you an edge over other applicants who don't have one. A management assistant certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the duties associated with this role. It can also show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further develop your skills and knowledge in this area.

In addition to providing evidence of your qualifications, having a management assistant certificate can also increase your chances of securing promotions or higher-level positions within the organization. Employers often look for individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to professional development by acquiring additional certifications and qualifications.

Finally, having a management assistant certificate can be helpful in developing relationships with clients and customers. Having such a certification demonstrates that you possess the necessary skills and expertise needed to manage customer accounts effectively and efficiently. This is especially important for those in customer service roles where strong communication skills are essential for success.

In conclusion, although it is not always necessary to obtain a management assistant certificate in order to become a successful manager, having such certification may provide numerous benefits that could be advantageous in both securing employment and advancing professionally within an organization.

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FAQs About Management Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Management Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Management Assistant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder's mastery of skills and knowledge related to providing administrative support to management personnel in an organization.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Management Assistant Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Management Assistant Certification include increased job opportunities, recognition by employers, improved earning potential, and personal growth and development.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Management Assistant Certification?

Answer: Requirements for obtaining a Management Assistant Certification vary from program to program but typically include passing an examination, completing coursework or attending seminars, and demonstrating experience in the field.

4. How long does it take to complete a Management Assistant Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to complete a Management Assistant Certification depends on the program but can range from several months to more than two years.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Management Assistant Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Management Assistant Certification can vary depending on the program chosen but typically ranges from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.