Top 10 Office Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for an office associate in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job. Certifications provide proof that the individual has met specific standards set by a professional organization or governing body. They also show a commitment to learning and development and can help to differentiate an applicant from other candidates who may have similar qualifications. Certifications also often increase an individual's earning potential since they signify expertise in a particular area.

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

What are Office Associate Certifications?

Office associate certification is an industry-recognized credential that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful office associates. It is designed to help individuals understand the basics of office management, including customer service, filing systems, computer software, and administrative support. The certification helps individuals develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to manage an office effectively and efficiently. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their ability to work in an office setting and improve their chances of being hired for related jobs. Additionally, the certification may give individuals an edge over other applicants for these positions as employers often prefer candidates who have solid credentials in office management. With this certification, individuals are better equipped to handle complex tasks related to managing an office as well as providing excellent customer service.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an office associate certification, make sure to take the time to research the different certification options available and find one that best suits your needs. It is also important to understand the requirements for each certification and make sure you meet them before taking any exams. Additionally, be sure to keep up with any continuing education or training required after obtaining your certification.

Related: What does an Office Associate do?

Top 10 Office Associate Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a person’s skills in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of products.

The MOS certification program includes three levels: Expert, Master, and Specialist. To become certified at each level requires passing one or more exams. Each exam tests a person’s knowledge and skills in a specific Microsoft Office application. The exams are available online or in-person at authorized testing centers.

The time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's familiarity with the application being tested and how much time they can dedicate to studying for the exam. In general, it takes about two months of study for someone who is familiar with the application to prepare for and pass an exam.

To get MOS certified, you must register for an exam through Certiport or Prometric Testing Centers. You will then need to pay the applicable fee for each exam you take. Prices vary by country but typically range from $80 - $150 per exam.

In addition to taking exams, you can also earn MOS certification through online courses offered by Microsoft Learning Partners or approved training providers such as New Horizons and Global Knowledge. These courses cost between $500 - $2,000 depending on the course length and content covered.

2. Microsoft Office 365 Certification

Microsoft Office 365 Certification is a professional certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in Microsoft Office 365. The certification program provides individuals with the necessary skills to successfully deploy, configure, manage, and support Office 365 services in their organization.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements and Exam 70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services. Each exam typically takes around 2 hours to complete and covers topics such as configuring Exchange Online, managing SharePoint Online, deploying Skype for Business Online, managing Azure Active Directory, and more.

To get certified in Microsoft Office 365, you must first register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric. Once registered, you can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you. The cost of the exams varies depending on location but generally ranges between $100-$150 per exam.

Once you have completed both exams successfully with a passing score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points on each exam, you will receive your official Microsoft Office 365 Certification which is valid for three years from the date of completion.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s competency in computer hardware and software. It is designed to provide IT professionals with the skills needed to support, repair, install, configure, and troubleshoot computers and other related technologies.

It typically takes about two years of on-the-job experience in the IT field to be eligible for CompTIA A+ certification. To obtain the certification, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The exams cover topics such as computer hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, troubleshooting, virtualization and cloud computing.

The cost of CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD to take both exams. There are also discounts available for students or those who already have certifications from other organizations. Additionally, some employers may cover the cost of the exam as part of their training program or benefits package.

4. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the skills and knowledge required for successful administrative performance. The CAP designation is awarded to those who have completed a comprehensive exam, demonstrating their mastery of the core competencies necessary for effective administrative work.

The CAP exam consists of four parts: Business Communication, Human Resources Management, Office Technology & Procedures, and Financial & Project Management. To qualify for the CAP designation, applicants must pass all four parts with a score of at least 70%.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CAP designation. This includes studying for and taking the exam as well as completing any additional requirements such as continuing education credits or professional development courses.

To get started on your path to becoming a Certified Administrative Professional, you will need to register with IAAP and pay an application fee. After registering, you can begin studying for the four-part exam using materials provided by IAAP or other resources such as study guides and practice tests. Once you feel prepared, you can register to take the exam at an approved testing center near you.

The cost of obtaining your Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation varies depending on how many additional requirements are needed beyond passing the four-part exam. The cost of registering with IAAP is $150 USD and there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or completing any required continuing education courses or professional development activities.

5. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals in the workplace.

The CPS certification requires individuals to pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as office technology, business communication, customer service, project management, and more. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or one year of full-time work experience plus a postsecondary degree or certificate.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CPS exam. Preparation involves studying relevant materials from IAAP’s official study guide as well as taking practice exams. Additionally, applicants may choose to enroll in an online course or attend a live review session for additional guidance.

The cost of taking the CPS exam varies depending on whether you are an IAAP member or non-member. For members, the cost is $225 USD; for non-members it is $325 USD.

6. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). This certification is designed to recognize and reward managers who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of management. It is intended to provide employers with an assurance that their managers have met certain standards of excellence and are qualified to manage effectively in today’s ever-changing business environment.

To become certified as a CPM, applicants must meet certain criteria including: having a minimum of five years of management experience; completing at least 120 hours of ICPM approved training courses; passing an exam; and submitting three letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as organizational behavior, strategic planning, human resources management, financial analysis, and operations management.

The process typically takes about two years to complete. After successfully completing all requirements for certification, applicants receive their CPM designation.

The cost for the Certified Professional Manager program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as location and type of institution offering the courses. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD for all required coursework and exams.

7. Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Certification

Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Certification is a certification program that is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications. It is offered by Microsoft and requires the successful completion of an exam for each application. The exam covers topics such as creating, editing, formatting, and printing documents; using formulas, functions, and macros; customizing menus and toolbars; working with lists and databases; using graphics; and integrating applications.

The MOUS certification program has four levels: Core, Expert, Master, and Master Instructor. Each level requires the successful completion of one or more exams related to that level's specific Microsoft Office application(s). The Core level covers basic skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and OneNote. The Expert level covers advanced skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and OneNote. The Master level covers expert-level skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint Access and Outlook. Finally the Master Instructor level covers teaching skills related to all the Microsoft Office applications.

The time it takes to obtain a MOUS certification depends on how much experience you have with each application covered by the exam(s). Generally speaking it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on your current skill set.

In order to get certified you must register for an exam at a local testing center or online through Prometric or VUE Testing Centers. You will then need to purchase a voucher from Microsoft which allows you to take the exam(s). The cost of each voucher varies depending on which application(s) you are taking the exam for but generally ranges from $100 - $200 USD per exam.

8. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is a globally recognized certification program that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the use of digital technology. It is designed to measure proficiency in the three main areas of digital literacy: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online. The certification is offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE company.

The certification exam consists of three separate tests that cover the topics mentioned above. It takes approximately two hours to complete all three tests. Each test has a different time limit and number of questions, so it is important to plan accordingly when taking the exam.

To get certified, you must first register for an IC3 Digital Literacy Certification account at Certiport's website. Once your account has been created, you can purchase the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification Exam voucher from Certiport or from one of their authorized resellers. After purchasing the voucher, you will be able to schedule your exam at any Certiport testing center or online through their remote proctoring service.

The cost of the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification Exam varies depending on where you purchase it from but generally ranges between $75-$99 USD per person.

9. Google Apps for Work Certified Administrator

Google Apps for Work Certified Administrator is a certification program designed to help IT professionals learn how to use and manage Google Apps for Work. The certification covers topics such as setting up users, managing domains, configuring applications, troubleshooting common issues, and more.

To become a Google Apps for Work Certified Administrator, you must pass the Google Apps for Work Certification Exam. This exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You can take the exam online at any time from anywhere in the world.

In order to take the exam, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Google. The cost of an exam voucher is $125 USD. Once you have purchased your voucher, you will receive a link to register for the exam on the Prometric website. Once registered, you will be able to schedule your exam at any Prometric testing center near you.

After successfully passing the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your digital certificate and badge which can be used to promote your achievement on social media or other sites. You will also receive a physical certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks of passing the exam.

10. Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certifications

Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certifications are a series of certifications that demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Cloud applications. The certifications are designed to help professionals demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the areas of design, web development, video production, photography, and other creative disciplines.

The certification process requires applicants to complete a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as how to use the various Adobe Creative Cloud applications, how to create projects with them, and how to troubleshoot problems. After completing the courses and passing the exams, applicants receive an Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) or Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's background, experience level, and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to become certified.

To get certified, individuals must first purchase a subscription plan for the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. This will give them access to all of the necessary software applications and resources needed for certification preparation. Once they have purchased their subscription plan they can then register for the certification program through Adobe’s website or contact an authorized training provider for assistance in registering for the program.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which subscription plan you choose and whether you opt for self-study or instructor-led training options. Generally speaking, self-study options start at around $99 USD while instructor-led training options range from $500-$1000 USD depending on your location and course selection.

Do You Really Need a Office Associate Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an office associate certificate to be successful in the workplace. That said, having one can certainly open up more career opportunities and increase your chances for advancement.

An office associate certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have acquired a certain level of knowledge and skills when it comes to office-related tasks such as filing, data entry, customer service, and more. This type of certification can be especially helpful for those looking to break into the administrative field or for those already working in an office environment but wanting to advance their career. It can also show employers that you are serious about your work and willing to go above and beyond.

If you choose to pursue an office associate certificate, there are many options available depending on your experience level and interests. Many colleges and universities offer programs specifically designed for this type of certification while other organizations may offer online courses or self-study materials that allow you to gain the necessary knowledge at your own pace. Ultimately, it will depend on what best fits into your schedule and budget.

In conclusion, having an office associate certificate is not absolutely necessary but it could greatly benefit anyone looking to work in an administrative role or gain a promotion within their current job. Taking the time to acquire this credential could open up new doors for potential employment opportunities and demonstrate dedication to one's profession.

Related: Office Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Associate Certifications

1. What is an Office Associate Certification?

Answer: An Office Associate Certification is a credential that demonstrates proficiency in office procedures, software, and technology. It is offered by organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

2. How can I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the certifying organization. The exam tests your knowledge of office procedures, software, and technology. You may also need to complete certain courses or workshops before taking the exam.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified provides recognition of your skills and knowledge in office procedures, software, and technology. It can also lead to career advancement opportunities such as better job prospects or higher pay.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified depends on the certifying organization and the type of certification you’re seeking. Generally speaking, most certifications require passing an exam within one year of enrolling in a course or workshop.

5. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifying organizations may have specific requirements such as having prior experience with office procedures or being able to demonstrate basic computer skills before taking the exam. Check with the organization offering the certification for more information about prerequisites.