Top 10 Office Aide Certifications

Certifications are important for office aides in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job. They also provide evidence of an individual’s commitment to professional development, which is a desirable trait for employers. Certifications can also make an individual more competitive in the job market, as employers may prefer candidates who have taken the time and effort to pursue additional training or educational opportunities. Finally, certifications can provide a sense of credibility and trustworthiness that can be critical when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Office Aides and discuss how they can help advance an office aide's career.

What are Office Aide Certifications?

Office aide certification is a form of professional development that offers training in basic office skills and knowledge. This type of certification can help individuals who are looking to gain a better understanding of how to work in an office environment, as well as those who are hoping to move up the career ladder and become more qualified for certain positions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various tasks that may be required in an office setting, such as filing, creating documents, managing databases, answering phones, and managing customer service.

The certification also covers important topics such as customer service techniques, organization and time management strategies, communication skills, problem solving abilities, and general computer use. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in these areas to potential employers or clients. Additionally, having a certificate can open up opportunities for promotions or higher-level positions in the workplace. Finally, having a certificate shows employers that the individual has taken initiative to improve their skill set and stay updated on industry trends.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to become an office aide, make sure to get certified in the relevant software programs. This will help you stand out from the competition and show employers that you have the knowledge and skills they are looking for.

Related: What does an Office Aide do?

Top 10 Office Aide Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Office Suite Certification

Microsoft Office Suite Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and OneNote. The certification is offered by Microsoft and is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence for individuals who use the Office Suite.

The certification process typically takes anywhere from one to three months depending on the individual's experience level and how much time they are able to devote to studying for the exam. To get certified, an individual must first pass a series of exams that test their knowledge of the various Office Suite programs. The exams can be taken online or in-person at a testing center. After passing all required exams, an individual will receive their official Microsoft Office Suite Certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which exams you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $100 - $200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam in-person at a testing center.

2. Microsoft Excel Certification

Microsoft Excel Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in Microsoft Excel. It is designed for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in the use of Microsoft Excel and gain recognition for their knowledge and skills.

The certification consists of two exams: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam 77-727 and Expert Level Exam 77-728. The MOS exam covers basic concepts such as creating worksheets, formatting data, entering formulas, working with functions and charts, and analyzing data. The Expert Level Exam covers more advanced topics such as creating macros, automating processes, linking workbooks, using external data sources, and troubleshooting.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level and commitment to studying for the exams. To get certified, individuals must pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points.

The cost of getting certified depends on which route you take. If you choose to take the exams at a Pearson VUE testing center it will cost $150 per exam plus any additional fees associated with the testing center. Alternatively, if you choose to take the exams online through Certiport it will cost $99 per exam plus any additional fees associated with the online proctoring service.

3. Microsoft Word Certification

Microsoft Word Certification is a professional certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s expertise in using Microsoft Word. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their ability to use the software effectively and efficiently.

The certification consists of two exams: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Word 2016 Core Exam and MOS Expert Exam. The Core Exam covers topics such as creating and formatting documents, managing document elements, working with tables and lists, creating references, inserting images and shapes, proofing documents, customizing the environment, collaborating on documents, and protecting documents. The Expert Exam focuses on advanced topics such as creating forms, mail merging data sources into documents, automating tasks with macros, customizing the ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), integrating Word content with other applications, creating advanced tables of contents/figures/lists/bibliographies/footnotes/endnotes/hyperlinks/cross-references/bookmarks/headers & footers.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to complete both exams depending on how quickly you can study for them. To get certified you must pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points each.

The cost of the certification varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $99 - $150 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

4. Google G Suite Certification

Google G Suite Certification is a professional certification program offered by Google to demonstrate proficiency in the use of their G Suite applications. It is designed to help individuals and organizations become more productive and efficient in using G Suite tools such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, and Hangouts.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as creating documents with Google Docs, managing files with Google Drive, collaborating with colleagues using Google Hangouts Meet and Chat, setting up events in Google Calendar, and creating websites with Google Sites.

In order to get certified for G Suite you must first register for the exam through the Google Cloud Platform Console. Once registered you will be able to access practice tests and study materials that will help you prepare for the exam. After passing the exam you will receive your G Suite certification badge which can be used to showcase your skills on your resume or website.

The cost of the G Suite Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it from. Generally speaking it costs around $100 USD per person or $150 USD per team (for group discounts).

5. Adobe Acrobat Professional Certification

Adobe Acrobat Professional Certification is a certification program offered by Adobe, the maker of the popular PDF software. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Pro, which is used to create, edit, and manage PDF documents.

The certification process consists of two exams: one on the basics of using Acrobat Pro and one on advanced features. The basic exam covers topics such as creating PDFs, editing text and images in a PDF document, working with digital signatures, and more. The advanced exam covers topics such as creating interactive forms, creating bookmarks and links in a PDF document, using JavaScript in a PDF document, and more.

The certification exams can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. To become certified you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. It typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete both exams.

The cost for the Adobe Acrobat Professional Certification program varies depending on your location and whether you are taking the exams online or at an authorized testing center. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD for each exam if taken online or around $200 USD if taken at a testing center.

6. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a professional certification program offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks. The program is designed to help individuals and businesses use QuickBooks more effectively and efficiently.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online course and an online exam. The online course covers topics such as setting up a company file, creating invoices, tracking expenses, managing payroll, and more. It typically takes about 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, you can take the online exam which tests your knowledge of QuickBooks.

To get certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, you must have at least one year of experience using QuickBooks or have taken an Intuit-approved training class. You must also pass the online exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification program varies depending on which version of QuickBooks you are using (Desktop or Online). For Desktop users, it costs $299 per year for individuals and $499 per year for businesses. For Online users, it costs $199 per year for individuals and $399 per year for businesses.

7. FileMaker Pro Certification

FileMaker Pro Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate your expertise in using FileMaker Pro software. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your understanding of the principles of database design, development and deployment.

The certification process consists of two exams: the FileMaker Pro 12 Certified Developer Exam and the FileMaker Pro 13 Certified Developer Exam. The exams are administered by Prometric, a third-party testing provider. To become certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The FileMaker Pro 12 Certified Developer Exam covers topics such as creating databases, developing scripts, designing layouts, creating reports and more. The FileMaker Pro 13 Certified Developer Exam focuses on advanced topics such as custom functions, web publishing and mobile solutions.

The cost for each exam is $150 USD. You can register for the exams at Prometric’s website or through their customer service center. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam platform and take the exam.

It typically takes about three hours to complete each exam; however, this may vary depending on your level of familiarity with the topics covered in the exam. After passing both exams, you will receive a digital certificate verifying your status as a certified developer and will be listed in FileMaker’s official database of certified developers.

8. Intuit QuickBooks Online Certification

Intuit QuickBooks Online Certification is a professional certification program that helps individuals demonstrate their expertise in the use of QuickBooks Online. It is designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge in the use of QuickBooks Online, as well as demonstrate their proficiency in the software.

The Intuit QuickBooks Online Certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and an online course. To become certified, individuals must pass both parts. The online exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. The online course covers topics such as setting up accounts, creating invoices, tracking expenses, managing payroll, and more. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the course.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program on Intuit’s website and pay a fee of $299 USD. After registering, they will receive access to the online exam and course materials. Once they have completed both parts successfully, they will receive a certificate of completion from Intuit that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in QuickBooks Online.

Overall, obtaining Intuit QuickBooks Online Certification requires 8 hours of study time and $299 USD in fees. It is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in using this popular accounting software.

9. SharePoint Administration and Configuration Certification

SharePoint Administration and Configuration Certification is a Microsoft certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering and configuring SharePoint Server. The certification covers topics such as installation, configuration, customization, security, deployment, optimization, troubleshooting and maintenance of SharePoint Server.

It typically takes around two to three months to prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must pass the Microsoft Exam 70-339: Managing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016. The exam consists of 40-60 questions that are multiple choice or scenario based and must be completed within 2 hours.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $150-$200 USD.

10. Lotus Notes Administration and Configuration Certification

Lotus Notes Administration and Configuration Certification is a certification program offered by IBM to demonstrate expertise in the administration and configuration of IBM Lotus Notes. It is designed to help IT professionals gain the skills they need to successfully manage and configure IBM Lotus Notes applications.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam C2090-619 (IBM Certified System Administrator - Lotus Notes) and Exam C2090-620 (IBM Certified Application Developer - Lotus Notes). The exams are administered through Pearson VUE, an online testing provider.

The exam duration for each exam is 90 minutes, with a total of 80 multiple choice questions. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70% on each exam in order to pass.

In order to get certified, candidates will need to purchase an exam voucher from Pearson VUE and register for the exams online. The cost of the voucher varies depending on the country where you reside, but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam.

Once registered, candidates can then take the exams at their local Pearson VUE testing center or remotely via their secure remote proctoring service. Once both exams have been passed, candidates will receive their certification credentials from IBM within two weeks after passing both exams.

Do You Really Need a Office Aide Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are looking for. If you are seeking a position as an office aide, then having an office aide certificate could be beneficial in helping you find a job. Having the certification demonstrates that you have obtained the necessary training and knowledge to be successful in the role. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications and that you are serious about your career.

On the other hand, if you are simply looking for a general administrative or clerical position, then having an office aide certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the specific job requirements, employers may not require any additional certifications beyond what is typically required for such positions (e.g., basic computer skills). In this case, it would likely be more beneficial to focus on gaining experience and building up your resume with relevant work history instead of obtaining an office aide certificate.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your individual goals and research what qualifications are necessary for the positions that interest you before deciding whether or not to pursue an office aide certificate.

Related: Office Aide Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Aide Certifications

Q1: What is an Office Aide Certification?

A1: An Office Aide Certification is a credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in office administration. It is usually obtained through educational or training programs, and it typically includes topics such as filing, data entry, customer service, and other basic office skills.

Q2: How do I obtain an Office Aide Certification?

A2: The most common way to obtain an Office Aide Certification is by taking courses or completing programs at a college or vocational school. Many online courses are also available that can provide certification upon completion.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified?

A3: The amount of time needed to complete the necessary coursework for an Office Aide Certification will vary depending on the program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed in 1-2 years.

Q4: Is there an exam required for certification?

A4: Yes, many programs require a final exam in order to receive certification. This exam tests your knowledge of the material you have studied during the program and may include multiple choice questions or hands-on activities.

Q5: What are some of the benefits of having an Office Aide Certification?

A5: Having an Office Aide Certification can open up many job opportunities and may even lead to higher pay than those without certification. Additionally, having this credential can help demonstrate your commitment to your chosen profession and give you the confidence you need to succeed in the workplace.