Top 11 Office Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for office administrators because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They can also help an office administrator stand out from other applicants and prove their qualifications for certain roles. Certifications provide employers with assurance that an individual has the skills necessary to perform well in a particular job, as well as providing evidence of ongoing professional development. In addition, certifications can increase an office administrator’s salary potential, since employers may be willing to pay more for someone who has achieved a certain level of certification.

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of some of the top certifications for Office Administrators and explain how they can help to advance an office administrator's career.

What are Office Administrator Certifications?

Office administrator certification is a type of professional certification that focuses on the skills needed to effectively manage an office environment. It provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a successful and efficient office operation. The certification covers topics such as customer service, filing systems, record keeping, scheduling, budgeting and financial management.

Having office administrator certification can help individuals stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. It demonstrates to potential employers that the candidate has the specialized knowledge needed to successfully manage an office environment. With this certification, individuals are more likely to be considered for positions such as administrative assistant, office manager or executive assistant.

In addition, having office administrator certification allows individuals to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This could lead to improved job performance and increased career opportunities in the future. Furthermore, it could also lead to greater job satisfaction since those with this certification will have a better understanding of their duties and responsibilities within an organization.

Pro Tip: Get certified in office administration to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Certification programs provide a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as communication, finance, and organizational skills, which can help you become an essential part of any business. Additionally, certification can help you stand out from the competition and give you the confidence to take on new challenges.

Related: What does an Office Administrator do?

Top 11 Office Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Office Manager (CPOM)

Certified Professional Office Manager (CPOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the management of office operations. It is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

The CPOM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as office management, customer service, communication, problem solving, and technology. The program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an online course. The assessment tests your understanding of office management principles and practices, while the course provides you with the tools and strategies needed to effectively manage an office.

It typically takes about 3-4 months to complete the CPOM certification process. To get started, you must first register for the program through IAAP's website. After registering, you will be sent instructions on how to access the online assessment and course materials. Once you have completed these steps, you can take the online assessment and submit it for review by IAAP's Certification Board. If approved, you will receive your CPOM certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of obtaining a CPOM certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of IAAP. Non-members must pay a one-time fee of $295 USD while members pay $245 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the online assessment or course materials if applicable.

2. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CAP credential is designed to recognize and reward administrative professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in their field. It is an internationally recognized designation that demonstrates mastery of core competencies in business, technology, and management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CAP certification. To obtain the CAP credential, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as office administration, communication skills, customer service, project management, financial management, and organizational behavior. Applicants must also have at least two years of relevant work experience or a combination of education and experience that totals four years.

The cost of obtaining the CAP credential varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam in person or online. The fee for taking the exam in person is $395 USD while the fee for taking it online is $345 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application materials and registering for the exam.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential can be an invaluable asset for any administrative professional looking to stand out from their peers and advance their career.

3. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of secretaries and administrative professionals. It is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of administrative support.

The CPS certification requires individuals to pass a comprehensive exam that covers areas such as office technology, communication, business writing, customer service, time management, and other administrative topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPS certification, individuals must have at least three years of experience in an administrative role or related field. They must also be members of IAAP or another approved organization.

The cost for taking the CPS exam varies depending on the country in which you are taking it; however, it typically ranges from $100-$300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with membership in IAAP or another approved organization.

Once you have completed all requirements for the CPS certification, you will receive your certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. This certificate will serve as proof that you have achieved a high level of expertise in your chosen field and can help demonstrate your dedication to professional development.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that demonstrates a person’s proficiency in using the Microsoft Office suite of applications. It is an industry-recognized credential that validates one's expertise in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.

The MOS certification exam typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country and the type of test taken. Generally, it costs around $100 USD for each individual exam.

To get certified as an MOS, you must take and pass one or more exams related to the Microsoft Office suite of products. Each exam covers topics such as creating documents, formatting text and data, using formulas and functions, working with graphics and charts, integrating features within different applications, managing emails and contacts, etc.

You can prepare for the MOS certification exams by taking online courses or attending instructor-led training classes from authorized training centers or through self-study materials available from Microsoft Learning Partners.

5. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification for IT professionals. It is the most popular entry-level certification for those who are looking to start a career in IT. It validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in areas such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance, and basic networking.

The CompTIA A+ exam consists of two parts: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The exams cover topics such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, troubleshooting and more. To become certified you must pass both exams with a score of at least 750 on each exam.

In order to take the CompTIA A+ exam you must first register with an approved testing center. You can find approved testing centers through the CompTIA website or through Pearson VUE which is the official testing provider for CompTIA certifications.

The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ exam varies depending on where you take it but typically it will cost around $200 USD per exam or $400 USD for both exams.

It usually takes about 6 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification if you are studying full time or up to 1 year if you are studying part time.

6. Certified Records Manager (CRM)

Certified Records Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management of records and information. The CRM program is administered by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), which sets standards and requirements for certification.

The CRM program consists of two parts: an educational component and an experience component. To become certified, applicants must complete a minimum of three college-level courses related to records management, pass the ICRM exam, and demonstrate at least three years of full-time work experience in records management or a closely related field.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all the requirements for CRM certification. Applicants should plan on spending time studying for the exam and completing any necessary coursework before taking it.

To get started with the CRM program, applicants must first register with ICRM online. Once registered, they will be able to access study materials and take practice exams to prepare for their actual exam. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit evidence of their work experience to ICRM for review and approval before being awarded their CRM designation.

The cost of becoming a Certified Records Manager varies depending on how much coursework needs to be completed prior to taking the exam. The cost of registration with ICRM is $225 USD, while each college-level course can range from $500-$1,000 USD depending on where it is taken from.

7. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification for legal secretaries. The certification is awarded by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) and is recognized nationally as a mark of excellence in the legal field.

To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in areas such as legal terminology, court systems, legal documents and processes, computer applications, and communication skills. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NALS.

The process of becoming certified typically takes two to three months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register with NALS and pay the application fee (currently $125). Once registered, applicants have 12 months to complete the online study course and take the certification exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are already a member of NALS or not. Non-members will need to pay for both the application fee ($125) as well as the membership fee ($95). Members only need to pay for the application fee ($125).

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a certification program for medical administrative assistants. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of those who work in medical office settings by providing them with a credential that demonstrates their expertise in the field. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by NHA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding and billing, healthcare laws and regulations, patient confidentiality, and other related topics. Candidates must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least one year of experience working in a medical office setting or completing an accredited medical administrative assistant program.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $125-$150. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via proctoring services such as ProctorU or Examity. It usually takes about 3 hours to complete the exam but may take longer depending on your individual speed and abilities.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CMAA certification which is valid for two years from the date of issuance. You will need to renew your certification every two years by taking continuing education courses or retaking the CMAA exam.

9. Microsoft Office User Specialist Master (MOUS Master)

Microsoft Office User Specialist Master (MOUS Master) is a certification program designed to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. It is the highest level of certification available for the Microsoft Office suite of products. The MOUS Master certification requires a person to pass five exams, which cover the core applications of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.

In order to become a MOUS Master, an individual must first have obtained either the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or Expert (MCE) certifications. Once these certifications are obtained, an individual can take the five required exams to become a MOUS Master. Each exam typically takes around two hours to complete and tests knowledge on how to use each application effectively and efficiently.

The cost of obtaining the MOUS Master certification varies depending on where you choose to take the exams and how many exams you plan on taking at once. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $100 USD and will require a voucher code that can be purchased from Microsoft or through an authorized testing center such as Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

Once all five exams are passed with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points, you will receive your MOUS Master certificate from Microsoft in approximately six weeks after completion of all five exams.

10. Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). This certification is designed to recognize bookkeepers who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field of bookkeeping.

To become a CPB, one must pass an exam administered by AIPB. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section tests candidates on topics such as accounting principles, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, tax reporting, and other related topics. The essay section requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret financial data.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must register for the exam at least three weeks prior to the test date in order to be eligible for the CPB designation.

The cost of taking the CPB exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AIPB member. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members, it is $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with re-taking the exam if necessary.

11. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced project managers. The PMP credential demonstrates that an individual has the experience and education necessary to manage projects successfully.

The PMP certification process includes four steps:

1. Application – Submit an application to PMI with your project management experience and education credentials.

2. Exam – Pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam on project management topics such as cost management, quality management, risk management, etc.

3. Education – Complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education from an accredited institution or provider.

4. Ethics – Agree to adhere to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements for the PMP certification depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and pass the exam. The cost of obtaining the PMP certification varies depending on which route you take to earn it (self-study or instructor-led courses). Generally speaking, self-study courses are more affordable than instructor-led courses but may require more time investment as well as discipline to stay on track with your learning plan.

Do You Really Need a Office Administrator Certificate?

No, you do not need an office administrator certificate in order to become an office administrator. It is possible to become an office administrator without any formal education or training; however, having a certificate can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs and promotions.

Having a certificate will demonstrate your knowledge of the job and show potential employers that you are serious about the position. A certificate might also provide additional skills and knowledge that could help you perform your duties more effectively. Additionally, if you decide to pursue further education in the field, such as a degree or diploma program, having an office administrator certificate can serve as proof of previous experience and may be taken into consideration when applying for advanced courses or positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to get an office administrator certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If having a certification will help you reach those goals then it could be worth considering. On the other hand, if you have sufficient experience and knowledge already then pursuing certification may not be necessary for your current situation.

Related: Office Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Administrator Certifications

1. What is an office administrator certification?

Answer: An office administrator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in the skills required for administrative roles, such as managing communications, organizing documents, and operating software programs.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can give you a competitive edge in the job market, provide recognition of your skills, and increase your earning potential. Additionally, certifications may be required by employers when considering candidates for certain positions.

3. How do I become certified as an office administrator?

Answer: To become certified as an office administrator, you must typically complete a training program or course approved by a recognized certification body. After completing the training program or course, you must pass an exam to receive your certification.

4. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Most certification programs have prerequisites such as prior work experience or education in business administration or related fields. You should check with the specific certification body to determine what prerequisites may apply to their program.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on several factors such as how much prior knowledge or experience you have and how often you study for the exam. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months before you are ready to sit for the exam and earn your certification.