Top 11 Office Assistant Certifications

Certifications for an office assistant demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain set of skills and knowledge that they can bring to the job. They are also a way to differentiate yourself in the job market, as many employers prefer candidates with certifications or qualifications that show they have taken the time and effort to increase their knowledge and proficiency. Certifications can also help office assistants stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can be beneficial in an ever-changing work environment. Lastly, certifications provide recognition that can be used as leverage when negotiating salary or other benefits.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how certifications can improve an Office Assistant's career, highlighting some of the top certifications available.

What are Office Assistant Certifications?

Office Assistant Certification is a type of certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in office administration. It is designed to help those who are interested in pursuing a career as an administrative assistant, office manager, or executive assistant gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. The certification process typically involves taking a course, passing an exam, or completing a project. Those who earn Office Assistant Certification can demonstrate their expertise in areas such as office technology and software, filing systems, communication skills, customer service, problem solving and decision-making, and time management.

Having Office Assistant Certification can help individuals stand out when applying for jobs in the administrative field. Earning the certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage an office efficiently. It may also open doors to more advanced positions with higher pay or increased responsibilities. Obtaining Office Assistant Certification can also provide opportunities for career advancement by demonstrating commitment to professional development. Additionally, it may qualify individuals for certain job roles where employers require certification or prefer applicants with certifications over those without them.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in an office assistant certification program, research the specific tasks and skills necessary to become a successful office assistant. This will help you identify which certifications are most relevant to your career goals and ensure that you receive the proper training to excel in the field.

Related: What does an Office Assistant do?

Top 11 Office Assistant Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Microsoft Office suite of applications. It is an industry-recognized credential that confirms an individual’s ability to use Microsoft Office products efficiently and effectively.

The MOS certification is available in three levels: Core, Expert, and Master. To get certified at any level, you must pass one or more exams that measure your skills in using different features of the Microsoft Office suite. The exams are offered through Certiport testing centers worldwide.

It typically takes between 1-2 months to prepare for the MOS exam and pass it successfully. To get ready for the exam, you can take advantage of online resources such as practice tests, tutorials, and study guides. Additionally, some universities offer courses specifically designed to prepare students for the MOS exams.

The cost of taking a MOS exam varies depending on which country you are in and which certification level you are pursuing. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $50-$150 USD per exam.

2. Microsoft Office Master (MOM)

Microsoft Office Master (MOM) is a certification program designed to help individuals develop their skills in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The certification is offered by Microsoft and is recognized by employers around the world. It demonstrates an individual's expertise in using the Microsoft Office suite of products.

The MOM certification consists of two exams: one for core applications and one for advanced applications. The core exam focuses on basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite while the advanced exam covers more complex topics such as macros and database management. To obtain the MOM certification, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The MOM certification process typically takes about four weeks to complete. During this time, you will need to register for the exams and study for them using official Microsoft materials provided by the company. Additionally, you may want to take practice tests or join online forums to discuss specific topics with other certified professionals.

The cost of obtaining your MOM certification varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, it can range from $100-$500 USD depending on which country you are taking your exams in and which version of Microsoft Office you are certifying in (i.e., 2016 or 2019).

3. Microsoft Office Expert (MOE)

Microsoft Office Expert (MOE) is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the use of Microsoft Office applications. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products. The certification consists of two exams: one for Word and one for Excel.

The MOE exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as creating, formatting, and editing documents; managing data; working with formulas and functions; and using tables, charts, and graphics. The exam also includes questions on collaboration tools such as SharePoint and OneDrive.

To get certified as a Microsoft Office Expert, you must first register for the exam through the Microsoft Certification Program website. Once you have registered, you will be able to take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via their remote proctoring service. The cost for taking the exam is $75 USD per test or $150 USD for both tests if taken at the same time.

Once you have completed your exams, you will receive your results within 48 hours. If you pass both exams, you will receive an email notification that your certification has been granted along with instructions on how to access your digital badge and certificate from your profile page on the Microsoft Certification Program website.

4. Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS)

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) is an industry-recognized certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in a specific Microsoft application. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency with the latest versions of Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and OneNote. The MCAS certification requires passing one or more exams in order to become certified.

The length of time it takes to get the MCAS certification depends on the number of exams taken and how quickly the individual can study and pass them. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one month to six months or more to complete all the requirements for MCAS certification.

To obtain MCAS certification, individuals must first purchase a voucher for each exam they plan on taking. Vouchers are available through various online vendors and can cost anywhere from $50-$150 depending on the exam being taken. After purchasing a voucher, individuals must register for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near them and schedule an appointment date for taking the exam(s).

Once all requirements have been met and all exams have been successfully passed, individuals will receive their MCAS certificate in the mail within four weeks of completing their last exam. The cost of obtaining an MCAS certification varies depending on how many exams are taken but typically ranges from $200-$600 USD.

5. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is designed to demonstrate competency in areas such as hardware, networking, security, troubleshooting, software installation and configuration, operational procedures and customer service. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers a wide range of hardware and software technologies from different vendors.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. This includes studying for the exam using books or online resources, taking practice tests and attending courses or workshops.

To get the CompTIA A+ certification you need to pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long and contain a mix of multiple-choice questions and performance-based items. You can take the exams at authorized testing centers located around the world.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take your exams. In most cases it costs around $200 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes.

6. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to certify individuals in the fundamentals of digital literacy. It is a comprehensive, three-part exam that assesses an individual’s ability to use computer hardware and software, understand the Internet and its associated technologies, and apply digital tools to solve problems. The certification is offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business.

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification consists of three exams: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online. Each exam takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. To earn the certification, all three exams must be passed with a score of 70% or higher.

To get the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification, you must register for the exams through Certiport’s website or through an authorized testing center. You will then need to schedule your exams and pay the required fee. The cost of the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification varies depending on where you take the exams; however, it typically ranges from $100-$150 USD per exam.

7. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a program offered by Intuit to help QuickBooks users become more proficient in using the software. It is a comprehensive certification program that covers all aspects of using QuickBooks, including setup, customization, and troubleshooting.

The certification process takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and consists of two parts: an online course and an online exam. The online course covers topics such as setting up QuickBooks, customizing the software for your business needs, managing customers and vendors, creating reports, and resolving common errors. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course.

To get certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, you must first register with Intuit's ProAdvisor Program. After registering, you will be able to access the online course and exam. Once you have completed both components successfully, you will receive your certificate from Intuit.

The cost of becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor varies depending on which version of the software you are using (Pro or Premier). The cost for Pro is $299 USD while the cost for Premier is $399 USD. All fees include access to the online course materials and exam as well as one year of membership in Intuit's ProAdvisor Program.

8. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe digital media tools. It is a globally recognized credential that validates one’s skills and knowledge in using Adobe Creative Cloud applications. With an ACA certification, individuals can prove their expertise in the use of popular Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Dreamweaver and Animate.

The duration to obtain the ACA certification varies depending on the individual's experience with Adobe products. Generally speaking, it takes between two to three months to complete all the required courses and exams for each application.

To get an ACA certification, individuals must first pass an exam for each of the applications they wish to be certified in. Exams are available through Pearson VUE test centers or online through OnVUE testing centers. The cost of each exam varies depending on the application being tested; however, most exams cost around $180 USD.

Once all exams have been passed successfully, individuals will receive their official Adobe Certified Associate certificate from Adobe Systems Incorporated via email within 5-7 business days.

9. Google Apps Certified Administrator

Google Apps Certified Administrator (GACA) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a Google Apps domain. It is designed for IT professionals and administrators who are responsible for deploying, managing, and maintaining Google Apps within their organization.

The GACA exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as Google Apps setup, user management, security, data migration, troubleshooting, and more.

To get the GACA certification you must first register for the exam on the Google Cloud Platform website. Once registered you will be provided with a link to access the exam. After completing the exam you will receive your results immediately. If you pass, you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your certificate.

The cost of taking the GACA exam is $100 USD per attempt or $200 USD for three attempts.

10. Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP)

Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the installation, configuration, and administration of Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

The CLP certification requires two exams: Exam 050-721: SUSE Linux Enterprise Administration and Exam 050-722: SUSE Linux Enterprise High Availability Extension. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE testing centers.

In order to become certified as a Novell Certified Linux Professional (CLP), you must pass both exams with a minimum score of 70%. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $150 USD each.

The time it takes to get the CLP certification will vary depending on your experience level with Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. It is recommended that you have at least 6 months of hands-on experience working with the product before taking the exams.

11. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is an Apple certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency in supporting and troubleshooting Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products. The ACSP certification is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge of the macOS operating system and its built-in applications.

The ACSP certification requires passing two exams: the Apple Service Fundamentals Exam and the macOS Support Essentials 10.13 Exam. Both exams are administered by Apple authorized testing centers around the world.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for both exams, depending on your experience with Apple products. You will need to study topics such as macOS installation and configuration, user account management, file systems, networking technologies, system security, troubleshooting techniques, and more.

In order to get certified as an ACSP you must pass both exams with a score of at least 80%. To take the exams you must register with an Apple authorized testing center and pay the associated fees which range from $150-$250 per exam depending on location.

Once you have successfully passed both exams you will receive your official ACSP certificate from Apple which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Office Assistant Certificate?

Having an Office Assistant Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to enter the world of office administration. It can help demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and skill, and can open up job opportunities that may not have been available without it.

For those just starting out in the field, having a certificate may be helpful in getting their foot in the door. It proves they have taken the time to learn the necessary skills and have achieved a certain level of proficiency in them. This could potentially make them stand out from other applicants who do not hold any relevant qualifications or certifications.

However, a certificate is not necessarily essential for obtaining an office assistant role. Many employers are willing to take on people with no prior experience if they can demonstrate that they possess the required skillset and attitude for the role. An employer may be more likely to hire someone with no certificates but with years of administrative experience over someone with certificates but no practical work history.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an Office Assistant Certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are just starting out in this field and want to gain a competitive edge over other applicants, then it could be worth considering taking a course to obtain one. However, if you already have plenty of relevant experience, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one as employers may still be willing to hire you without it.

Related: Office Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Assistant Certifications

1. What is an Office Assistant Certification?

Answer: An Office Assistant Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in office administration, including office systems and procedures, customer service, communication, software applications, and more.

2. Who should get an Office Assistant Certification?

Answer: Individuals interested in advancing their career in the field of office administration or those looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market can benefit from obtaining an Office Assistant Certification.

3. Where can I obtain an Office Assistant Certification?

Answer: Many colleges and universities offer programs that lead to certification as an Office Assistant; however, some businesses may also offer training programs for employees seeking this type of credential.

4. How long does it take to get an Office Assistant Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain an Office Assistant Certification varies depending on the program chosen and the individual's prior experience; however, most programs can be completed within one year or less.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as an Office Assistant?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in a certification program for office assistants; however, individual requirements may vary depending on the institution offering the certification program.