Top 10 Office Administrative Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for office administrative assistants because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skills in their field. They can also provide evidence of competencies and qualifications that are necessary to perform job duties effectively. Certifications can help an administrative assistant stand out from other job applicants and increase their chances of being hired. Furthermore, certifications give employers assurance that the administrative assistant is up-to-date on industry best practices, as well as any changes or new rules related to the job market or their particular field of work.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Office Administrative Assistants and explain how they can contribute to advancing an office administrative assistant's career.

What are Office Administrative Assistant Certifications?

Office administrative assistant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of office administration. This certification is typically offered through educational institutions or organizations that specialize in providing training and certifications for professionals in the office administration field.

Having an office administrative assistant certification can help individuals become more marketable to potential employers, as it shows that they possess the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job duties associated with this role. Additionally, having a certification may help individuals secure higher salaries and promotions within their current positions. The certification also provides individuals with access to exclusive resources, such as industry-specific courses and networking events, which can help them stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends in the field. Furthermore, having a certified office administrative assistant credential may also open up opportunities for advancement into senior roles within their organization.

Pro Tip: When looking for office administrative assistant certification, make sure to research the accreditation of any program you are considering. It is important to ensure that the program you choose is certified by a reputable organization in order to maximize your chances of success.

Related: What does an Office Administrative Assistant do?

Top 10 Office Administrative Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification for administrative professionals, such as executive assistants, administrative coordinators, office managers, and other administrative support staff. The CAP certification is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of administrative professionals.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CAP certification. To get certified, you must first obtain an application from the IAAP website and submit it with your payment. Once approved, you will need to complete a series of courses that cover topics such as business communication, customer service, project management, and technology. After completing these courses you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining the CAP certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $395 USD and includes access to all required courses plus one attempt at the exam. The premium package costs $495 USD and includes access to all required courses plus three attempts at the exam.

Once certified, you can use your CAP designation on resumes and job applications to demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the field of administrative support.

2. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is an official certification program offered by Microsoft that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using Microsoft Office applications. The MOS certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who use Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and OneNote.

The MOS certification process typically takes between two to four weeks to complete depending on the individual's experience with the software. To become certified, applicants must pass one or more exams that test their knowledge and proficiency in a particular Microsoft Office application. Exams can be taken online or at a local testing center.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the number of exams taken and the type of certification sought. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $150 per exam plus any applicable taxes.

Once an individual has passed all required exams and obtained their MOS certification, they will receive a digital badge from Microsoft that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in using Microsoft Office applications.

3. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is an internationally recognized professional certification awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CPS certification demonstrates a mastery of administrative skills and knowledge, and signifies a commitment to professional excellence.

To become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as communication, technology, management, customer service, and office operations. Candidates must also have at least two years of full-time administrative experience or its equivalent in part-time work.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. It is administered at testing centers around the world.

The cost for the CPS certification varies depending on the country in which you take the exam. In the United States, it costs $195 for IAAP members and $295 for nonmembers. Other countries may have different fees associated with taking the exam.

4. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). The CLS certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in legal secretarial skills. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, experience and commitment to excellence in the legal profession.

To become a Certified Legal Secretary, individuals must meet certain criteria and pass an examination. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of verifiable full-time work experience as a legal secretary or equivalent position within the past five years. They must also complete an approved course of study in legal office procedures and technology.

The examination consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and a written performance section. The multiple-choice section tests basic knowledge of legal terminology, court rules, document production, technology and other related topics; the written performance section assesses the applicant's ability to produce documents accurately and efficiently.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NALS. For non-members, it costs $250; for members, it costs $175. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

Once you pass the exam and become certified, there is no annual renewal fee required; however, you must maintain your membership with NALS in order to remain certified.

5. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of managers in all industries. The CPM certification is based on the ICPM's Core Competencies for Professional Managers which include: Planning and Organizing; Leading People; Making Decisions; Problem Solving; Communication; and Technology.

The CPM certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online assessment to determine their eligibility. Once eligible, applicants must then complete a series of courses covering the ICPM's core competencies. After completing the courses, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of the core competencies. Finally, applicants must pass a final exam to earn their CPM certification.

The cost of obtaining a CPM certification varies depending on how many courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$2,000 USD for all required materials and exams.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after certifications for project managers. PMP certification recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your existing knowledge and experience. To get certified, you must have at least three years of project management experience, 4500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education. You must also pass the PMP exam which consists of 200 multiple choice questions.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your country and whether or not you are an existing PMI member. The cost includes the application fee, exam fee, and any other associated costs such as study materials or courses. In general, it can range from $400-$1000 USD.

7. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional who has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to provide administrative support in medical settings. This certification demonstrates that a person has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform administrative tasks in a healthcare setting, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing insurance companies.

To become a CMAA, an individual must first complete an accredited program or course of study in medical administration. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and may take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. After completing the program, individuals must then pass the NHA’s CMAA exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CMAA exam varies depending on where you take it and which testing center you use. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $100-$200 per attempt. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for taking the exam if you are employed by them at the time of testing.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from NHA. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam or completing continuing education courses related to medical administration.

8. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level IT professionals. It is an industry standard for establishing a career in IT, and is recognized by leading technology employers worldwide.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The exams cover topics such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, software troubleshooting, security, and operational procedures.

It typically takes about three to six months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams. This includes studying for the exam topics and taking practice tests to ensure you understand the material.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. You can take these exams at any Pearson VUE or Certiport testing center around the world.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In general, it costs around $200 USD per exam ($400 total).

9. Certified Microsoft Office User Specialist (CMOUS)

Certified Microsoft Office User Specialist (CMOUS) is a certification program offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE company. It is designed to help users demonstrate their proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. The CMOUS certification validates an individual’s ability to create documents, analyze data and communicate information using the tools available in Microsoft Office.

The CMOUS certification requires passing three exams: Word Core, Excel Core and PowerPoint Core. Each exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and covers topics such as creating documents, formatting text, working with tables and charts and managing data.

To receive the CMOUS certification you must pass all three exams within 12 months of starting the program. You can purchase each exam individually or buy them together as part of a bundle package that offers discounts on multiple exams. The cost for each exam ranges from $70 - $90 USD depending on which package you choose.

10. Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) is a professional organization that provides certifications for human resources professionals. The HRCI certification program is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who work in the field of human resources. The HRCI certifications are recognized by employers and organizations as a mark of excellence in the field.

The HRCI offers two main types of certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Both certifications require applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in the field, however, the SPHR certification requires five years or more.

In order to get certified by HRCI, applicants must first register for an exam and pay an application fee. Once registered, applicants must then complete an online study course and pass an exam. The exams are offered throughout the year at various locations across the United States.

The cost of taking an HRCI exam varies depending on which type of certification you are applying for. The PHR exam costs $395 while the SPHR exam costs $595. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for an exam or taking a study course.

Overall, it typically takes between four to six months to complete all requirements for becoming certified by HRCI. This includes completing any necessary study courses and passing both written and practical exams.

Do You Really Need a Office Administrative Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. If someone is already employed in an office administrative assistant role, or has some prior experience in this field, then it is likely that they do not need a certificate. However, if someone is looking to break into the field of office administration and does not have any experience or qualifications, then a certificate may be beneficial.

A certificate can help demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of office administration. It can also provide employers with evidence that the individual is qualified for the job. Additionally, having a certificate may make an individual more competitive when applying for jobs as employers may view them as being better prepared than those without one.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs an office administrative assistant certificate will depend on their personal situation and goals. If an individual believes that obtaining a certificate would be beneficial to their career prospects and help them stand out from other applicants, then it may be worth considering enrolling in a program to gain one.

Related: Office Administrative Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Administrative Assistant Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become an Office Administrative Assistant?

Answer: The requirements vary based on the type of certification you pursue, but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, and completion of an accredited administrative assistant program.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an Office Administrative Assistant?

Answer: It depends on the type of certification you pursue, but most programs can be completed in six months or less.

3. How much does it cost to get certified as an Office Administrative Assistant?

Answer: The cost varies depending on the type of certification you pursue, but generally ranges from $400-$2,000 for a basic office administrative assistant certification program.

4. What is included in an Office Administrative Assistant Certification Program?

Answer: Most programs include courses on topics such as office management, communication skills, customer service techniques and business software applications.

5. Are there any online Office Administrative Assistant Certifications available?

Answer: Yes! There are several online programs available that offer comprehensive training and certifications for office administrative assistants.