Top 11 Office Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for an office clerk in the job market because they demonstrate their competence and expertise in a particular area. They can show employers that they have the skills and knowledge to perform the required tasks accurately and efficiently. Additionally, certifications can open up more opportunities for advancement within a company and increase wages as employers value employees with additional qualifications. Certifications also give office clerks a competitive edge over other applicants who do not possess them.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Office Clerks and explain how they can help enhance an office clerk's career.

What are Office Clerk Certifications?

Office Clerk Certification is a credential that demonstrates to potential employers and clients that an individual has a comprehensive knowledge of the duties and responsibilities associated with the role of an office clerk. This certification is typically offered by professional organizations or educational institutions, and often requires individuals to pass an examination in order to receive it.

The benefits of Office Clerk Certification can be numerous. It can give applicants a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization, as well as provide them with an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to their profession. Having this certification on one’s resume may also help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking employment outside of their current organization. Additionally, those who have earned this certification may find that they are more likely to be eligible for higher salaries and better job opportunities due to their enhanced skillset. Finally, many employers look favorably upon candidates who possess this type of certification, as it indicates a commitment to professional development and growth.

Pro Tip: Be sure to research the requirements for office clerk certification in your area before beginning the process. Many states require a minimum level of education and/or experience, so it's important to understand what is needed in order to obtain certification. Additionally, many certifying bodies offer online courses or resources that can help you prepare for the exam and gain a better understanding of the material.

Related: What does an Office Clerk do?

Top 11 Office Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of administrative professionals. The CAP certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and provides employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified candidates.

The CAP exam consists of four parts: Business Writing, Office Technology & Procedures, Human Resources Management & Administration, and Project Management & Leadership. To become certified, applicants must pass all four parts of the exam. The exam can be taken in-person at a designated testing center or online through the IAAP website.

The cost for taking the CAP exam varies depending on which option you choose. The in-person exam costs $250 USD for members of IAAP and $300 USD for non-members. The online exam costs $200 USD for members and $250 USD for non-members.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete the requirements for becoming a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). This includes studying for and passing the four parts of the exam as well as completing any required continuing education credits or other requirements set forth by IAAP.

2. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CPS credential is designed to recognize administrative professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in their field. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in the areas of office management, communications, technology, customer service, and other related topics.

In order to become certified as a CPS, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by IAAP. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as office management, communication skills, customer service, technology, and other related topics. Candidates are allowed three hours to complete the exam.

To be eligible to take the CPS exam, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or have completed an accredited post-secondary degree program in business or office administration.

The cost for the CPS certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member of IAAP or not. For members the cost is $175 USD; for non-members it is $225 USD. There are also additional fees for retaking the exam if necessary.

3. Certified Office Manager (COM)

Certified Office Manager (COM) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced office professionals. The COM certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of office management principles and practices.

The COM certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam which covers topics such as office management, communication, business writing, customer service, technology, project management, financial management, human resources and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To qualify for the COM certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in an administrative role or related field. Applicants must also submit proof of their education or training in office management or related fields.

The cost for the COM certification exam varies depending on whether you are an IAAP member or non-member. For IAAP members, the cost is $195 USD; for non-members it is $295 USD. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as the actual exam itself.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Certified Office Manager certificate from IAAP. You will also be listed in their online directory of certified professionals and be eligible for additional benefits such as discounts on conferences and other events hosted by IAAP.

4. Certified Records Manager (CRM)

Certified Records Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage records effectively. The CRM is offered by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM).

To become a Certified Records Manager, an individual must pass a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of records management. The exam is administered in three parts: Part 1 covers records management fundamentals; Part 2 covers regulations and standards; and Part 3 covers advanced topics such as electronic records management, legal issues, and disaster recovery. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in records management or a related field.

The cost of taking the CRM exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $400 for members of ICRM and $500 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any approved testing center around the world. It typically takes about three hours to complete the entire exam.

Once an individual passes the CRM exam, they will receive their official certification from ICRM. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed by retaking the examination or completing continuing education credits.

5. Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of human resource professionals. It is offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) in Canada and is recognized as the national standard for excellence in human resources management.

The CPHR program consists of five courses, which are typically taken over a two-year period. The courses cover topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, organizational development, recruitment and selection, and labour relations. Upon completion of all five courses, candidates must pass an exam to receive their CPHR designation.

To become a CPHR candidate, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of relevant work experience in human resources or related fields; holding a post-secondary degree or diploma; and being a member of HRPA.

The cost of the CPHR program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. The cost for taking the five courses online ranges from $2,400 to $3,000 CAD plus applicable taxes. The cost for taking the five courses in person ranges from $4,200 to $5,000 CAD plus applicable taxes. In addition to course fees, there is also an exam fee of $425 CAD plus applicable taxes that must be paid prior to taking the exam.

6. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It is designed to demonstrate a bookkeeper's knowledge and expertise in the field. The CB certification is considered to be one of the most prestigious certifications for bookkeepers in the United States.

It takes approximately two years to complete all the requirements for obtaining the CB certification. In order to become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers accounting principles, bookkeeping procedures, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. They must also have at least two years of experience as a bookkeeper or accountant, and they must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification.

To obtain the CB certification, applicants must submit an application form with their resume and supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of experience. Once approved, they must pay a fee which includes a non-refundable application fee and an examination fee. The total cost for obtaining the CB certification can range from $500-$1,000 depending on the applicant's location and other factors.

Once certified, bookkeepers are able to demonstrate their expertise in accounting principles and procedures while providing assurance to employers that they are qualified professionals who are up-to-date on industry standards.

7. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. The MOS certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to productively use Microsoft Office programs. It covers the full range of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and OneNote.

The MOS certification is available for both the Windows and Mac versions of Microsoft Office. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as formatting documents, creating spreadsheets and presentations, managing data with Access databases and using Outlook for communication.

It typically takes two to three months of study time to prepare for a MOS exam. The cost of taking an exam varies depending on which version of Microsoft Office you are testing for. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $150 per exam.

To get started studying for a MOS certification exam, you can purchase books or online courses from various providers that offer comprehensive training materials tailored specifically for each individual exam topic. Additionally, there are practice tests available online that can help you gauge your level of preparedness before taking the actual exam.

8. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral credential that verifies the skills of computer service technicians. The certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills required to support and troubleshoot hardware, software, networks, and security. It is an entry-level certification for IT professionals who have at least nine months of on-the-job experience in the field.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CompTIA A+ certification. This time frame depends on how much prior knowledge you have of computers and technology as well as how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam. To get certified, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ Certification varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, it will cost around $250 USD for each exam plus any additional fees associated with taking them at a testing center or online proctoring service. Additionally, there are study materials available for purchase that may help you prepare for the exams which can also add to your total cost.

9. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is an online certification program that helps QuickBooks users become more proficient in the software. The program is designed to provide users with a comprehensive understanding of how to use QuickBooks and its features. It covers topics such as setting up and managing accounts, creating invoices, tracking income and expenses, preparing financial statements, and more.

The certification process typically takes about 10-15 hours to complete. To get certified, you must first register for the program on the Intuit website. Once registered, you will be given access to an online training course that consists of multiple modules. You must complete all of the modules before taking a final exam which tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course.

The cost of becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor varies depending on which version of QuickBooks you are using (e.g., Desktop or Online). However, it typically costs around $299 USD for a one-year subscription to the program. This fee includes access to the training course and materials as well as discounts on other Intuit products such as payroll services and tax filing software.

Once you have successfully completed the certification process, you will receive a certificate from Intuit that verifies your status as a certified ProAdvisor. This certificate can then be used to demonstrate your expertise in QuickBooks and help you attract new clients or employers who are looking for someone with specific knowledge in this area.

10. Notary Public Certification

A Notary Public is a public official appointed by the state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. The Notary's main role is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of the signer and witnessing their signature on the document.

The process to become a Notary Public varies from state to state, but typically requires applicants to pass an exam, pay a fee, and submit an application. Depending on the state, it can take several weeks or even months for your application to be processed and for you to receive your commission as a Notary Public.

To get started, you will need to research what is required in your particular state. This includes finding out if there are any special qualifications or requirements that must be met before applying. You will also need to find out what fees are associated with becoming a Notary Public in your state. In most cases, these fees range from $20-$100 depending on the state and type of notarial services you plan on providing.

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information about becoming a Notary Public in your state, you will need to fill out an application and submit it along with any required fees or documentation. After submitting your application, you will then be required to take an exam which tests your knowledge of notarial laws and procedures in order to obtain your commission as a Notary Public.

The cost for obtaining a Notary Public certification varies from state-to-state but generally ranges between $20-$100 depending on the type of services you plan on providing as well as any additional fees associated with becoming certified in that particular state.

11. National Association of Legal Secretaries Paralegal Certificate

The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Paralegal Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize the legal knowledge, skills, and abilities of paralegals. The program is offered by NALS, a national organization that provides education and resources to paralegals.

To receive the NALS Paralegal Certificate, applicants must successfully complete an online exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as legal research, legal writing, ethics, civil procedure, and other areas of law. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

In order to be eligible for the NALS Paralegal Certificate, applicants must have either completed an accredited paralegal program or have three years of full-time paralegal experience. Those who meet these requirements can register for the exam online through NALS’ website. The cost for registering for the exam is $125 USD.

Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official NALS Paralegal Certificate in the mail within four weeks from their test date. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or exams related to paralegals or completing continuing education credits each year.

Do You Really Need a Office Clerk Certificate?

When it comes to the question of whether or not you need an office clerk certificate, the answer is generally no. While having a certificate can be beneficial in certain circumstances, it is usually not necessary for those seeking employment as an office clerk.

The primary benefit of having an office clerk certificate is that it provides employers with proof that you have received some formal education in the field. It also shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and willing to invest the time and money into furthering your education. However, this is often unnecessary as many employers are more interested in experience than credentials.

In addition, while having a certificate may make you stand out from other applicants who do not have one, there are a variety of other ways to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. You could gain experience through internships or volunteer work. You could take classes related to the job or pursue certifications related to specific software or programs used in offices. Additionally, strong references from previous supervisors or colleagues can help demonstrate your capabilities as an office clerk even without a certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an office clerk certification depends on what kind of job you are looking for and what type of employer you are trying to impress. In some cases, such as if you are applying for a specialized position at a large firm, having a certificate may be beneficial; however, for most entry-level positions at small businesses it is usually not necessary.

Related: Office Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Clerk Certifications

1. What is an Office Clerk Certification?

Answer: An Office Clerk Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in office management and clerical duties such as filing, data entry, customer service, and administrative tasks.

2. What are the benefits of an Office Clerk Certification?

Answer: Having an Office Clerk Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary skills and expertise to perform clerical functions within their organization. It also provides you with a competitive edge over other job applicants who don’t have the same qualifications.

3. What are the requirements for becoming certified as an Office Clerk?

Answer: Generally, the requirements for becoming certified as an Office Clerk include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing courses related to office management and clerical duties, and passing a certification exam issued by a recognized organization such as CompTIA or Microsoft.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Office Clerk?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as an Office Clerk depends on several factors such as how quickly you can complete coursework and how quickly you can pass the certification exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months up to one year or more depending on your level of commitment.

5. Is there any cost associated with becoming certified as an Office Clerk?

Answer: Yes, there are usually costs associated with becoming certified as an Office Clerk such as registration fees for the certification exam or tuition fees for any required coursework.