Top 10 Office Executive Certifications

Certifications for an office executive are important because they demonstrate a certain level of proficiency and expertise in the job. Certifications can help to set an office executive apart from other applicants, as employers value individuals with specialized knowledge and skills. Employers may also prefer candidates who have been certified in specific areas, such as Microsoft Office Suite or Adobe Creative Suite, as these certifications can help ensure that the employee is familiar with the latest industry trends and technologies. Having certifications can also provide an office executive with professional credibility when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions or roles within organizations.

This article reviews the top certifications for Office Executives and explains how they can help advance their careers.

What are Office Executive Certifications?

Office Executive Certification is a professional certification program designed to help office professionals become more proficient in their roles and advance their careers. This certification recognizes those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of office management, technology, communication, customer service, problem-solving and other related topics. It demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform at an advanced level in their role as an office executive.

The certification is beneficial for those looking to advance their career opportunities or gain recognition from employers. It can also be used as a way to differentiate oneself from others when applying for positions or promotions. The certification shows potential employers that the individual is committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can be highly valued by employers. Additionally, having this certification can increase one’s credibility when providing advice or making recommendations in the workplace.

In addition to career benefits, having this certification can provide individuals with personal development opportunities. By obtaining this certification, individuals are demonstrating that they are willing to invest in themselves and take ownership of their professional growth and development. This investment can lead to increased confidence and improved job satisfaction as well as better performance within the workplace.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an office executive certification, it's important to take the time to research the different certifications available in order to find the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, be sure to check the requirements for each certification and ensure that you meet them before applying.

Related: What does an Office Executive do?

Top 10 Office Executive Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Office Executives 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 knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. The CAP credential demonstrates that an individual has attained a high level of proficiency in the administrative profession.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CAP certification process. To get certified, applicants must pass a three-part exam that covers topics such as office technology, management principles, communication skills, customer service and problem solving. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in an administrative role or have completed an accredited training program in order to qualify for the certification.

The cost for the CAP exam is $395 USD for IAAP members and $495 USD for non-members. Additional fees may apply depending on the type of testing center used.

2. 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 reward individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of administrative support. The CPS designation is a mark of distinction that sets individuals apart from their peers and demonstrates their commitment to excellence.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by IAAP. The exam consists of four sections: Office Administration, Human Resources, Technology and Management/Leadership. The exam covers topics such as office procedures, customer service, communication skills, human resources management, technology applications, and management/leadership skills.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and can be taken at any IAAP-approved testing center. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience or training in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the country where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per attempt.

3. Certified Executive Assistant (CEA)

Certified Executive Assistant (CEA) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in the administrative profession.

The CEA program focuses on core competencies such as communication, problem solving, technology, project management, and leadership. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers these topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CEA exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in an administrative role or hold an IAAP approved degree or certificate. They must also submit a completed application form and pay a fee of $250 USD.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CEA certificate and may use the designation “CEA” after their name. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or exams as required by IAAP.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. The MOS certification is designed to help individuals validate their skills and advance their careers.

The MOS certification requires passing one or more exams that test your knowledge of the various Microsoft Office applications. Each exam typically takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to complete. Depending on the number of exams you take, it can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks to become certified.

To get certified you must first purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft or an authorized reseller. Exam vouchers range in price from $75-$150 depending on the number of exams taken and the type of exam taken (e.g., basic or advanced). Once you have purchased a voucher, you can then register for an available exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

Once you have passed all required exams and received your certificate, you will be officially recognized as a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). This certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

5. Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS)

Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) is a certification program developed by Microsoft for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using the Microsoft Office suite of applications. The MOUS certification requires passing a series of exams that cover the various features and functions of the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and other related programs.

To obtain the MOUS certification, you must pass five exams: one core exam and four elective exams. The core exam covers basic skills such as creating documents and spreadsheets; formatting text; working with charts; using mail merge; creating databases; and using macros. The elective exams focus on more advanced topics such as creating forms in Excel; working with pivot tables; automating tasks with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA); integrating data from multiple sources; and developing web-based solutions with SharePoint.

The cost to take each MOUS exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, the cost is around $125 USD per exam. It can take anywhere from 2-6 months to complete all five exams depending on your study habits and schedule.

Once you have passed all five exams, you will receive your official MOUS certificate from Microsoft confirming your achievement. With this certificate, you can add “Microsoft Office User Specialist” to your resume or CV to demonstrate your expertise in using the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

6. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced managers who have demonstrated their ability to successfully manage a business.

The CPM program consists of three parts: an online assessment, a written exam, and an oral interview. The online assessment tests applicants on their knowledge of management principles, techniques, and practices. The written exam covers topics such as organizational behavior, strategic planning, financial management, and customer service. The oral interview evaluates applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM program. Applicants must first register for the program by completing an application form and paying a fee. They then take the online assessment and submit it for review by ICPM staff members. Once approved, they can proceed to take the written exam and oral interview. After all requirements are met, they will receive their CPM certification.

The cost of obtaining a CPM certification varies depending on how quickly you want to complete the program. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for all three parts of the program (online assessment, written exam, and oral interview).

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. The PMP credential is designed to measure an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects, as well as their ability to apply the principles of project management to real-world situations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become certified as a PMP. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either: A four-year degree and at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; or A secondary diploma (high school or equivalent) and at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

To get certified as a PMP, applicants must first pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers areas such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing a project. Applicants must also demonstrate their understanding of the Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct set by PMI.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD while non-members pay $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with study materials or courses that can help prepare you for the exam.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's understanding of the Six Sigma methodology and their ability to apply it in their organization. The certification is designed to help individuals increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to become more effective in their job roles.

It typically takes around three months to complete the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program, depending on the provider and the individual's commitment level. The program consists of online learning modules, practice exams, and an exam at the end of the course.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first complete a training program from an accredited provider. These programs are available both online and in-person. Once they have completed the training program, they must pass an exam administered by the provider or a third-party testing organization.

The cost of Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and whether you choose to take an online or in-person course. Generally speaking, online courses tend to be cheaper than in-person courses. On average, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for certification depending on your chosen provider.

9. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead Lean Six Sigma projects and initiatives. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to effectively apply the principles of Lean Six Sigma to improve organizational performance.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes between four and five months to complete, depending on the complexity of the project. To get certified, individuals must pass both a written exam and a practical application exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process improvement, project management, problem solving, data analysis, and more. The practical application exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply the principles of Lean Six Sigma by completing a project within an organization.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD for the entire program including course materials and exams.

10. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of business analysis professionals. The CBAP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the business analysis body of knowledge and are committed to keeping their skills up-to-date.

To obtain the CBAP certification, candidates must meet certain criteria including having a minimum of 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as 35 hours of formal education in business analysis topics. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers six core knowledge areas: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring; Elicitation & Collaboration; Requirements Life Cycle Management; Strategy Analysis; Requirements Analysis & Design Definition; Solution Evaluation.

The cost for the CBAP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $325-$400 USD. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and consists of 120 multiple choice questions.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification through Continuing Development Units (CDUs). CDUs are earned through activities such as attending conferences or workshops, participating in webinars or online courses, writing articles or books related to business analysis topics, teaching courses related to business analysis topics, or volunteering with IIBA chapters.

Do You Really Need a Office Executive Certificate?

Yes, an office executive certificate is a valuable asset that can help you advance your career. It is an important credential to have in the business world, as it demonstrates that you possess the skills and knowledge necessary for successful management of an office. An office executive certificate proves that you have the ability to oversee the efficient running of all aspects of a business, from administration to personnel management.

Having an office executive certificate will give employers confidence in your abilities and make you more attractive as a job candidate. It shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable in all aspects of running an office and can handle multiple tasks with efficiency. It also demonstrates your commitment to professional development, which can be appealing to employers who want employees who are constantly striving for excellence.

An office executive certificate will also open up opportunities for career advancement and additional responsibilities within a company. With this certification, you can show employers that you are capable of taking on higher-level roles such as team leader or project manager. This gives them confidence in your capabilities and could result in higher pay or better benefits packages if they decide to hire you.

In conclusion, having an office executive certificate is a great way to boost your career prospects by showing potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for successful management of an office environment. It can open up new opportunities for career advancement and prove to employers that you are committed to professional development.

Related: Office Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Executive Certifications

1. What is an Office Executive Certification?

Answer: An Office Executive Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the use of office technology, software, and communication tools. It also shows a commitment to continuing education and staying current on industry trends.

2. How do I get an Office Executive Certification?

Answer: To obtain an Office Executive Certification, you must complete a program of study at an accredited institution or online provider. This typically includes courses related to the use of office technology, software, and communication tools.

3. What are the benefits of having an Office Executive Certification?

Answer: Having an Office Executive Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your readiness for higher-level positions. It can also open up opportunities for career advancement and salary increases. Additionally, employers may look more favorably upon candidates with certifications as it shows a commitment to continuing education and staying current on industry trends.

4. How long does it take to earn an Office Executive Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to earn an Office Executive Certification depends on factors such as the type of program chosen, the number of courses taken, and how quickly you master the material covered in each course. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within one year or less if you are taking classes full-time.

5. Is there any way to get my Office Executive Certification faster?

Answer: Yes! Many providers offer accelerated programs where you can complete your certification faster than traditional programs by taking fewer classes but covering more material in each class at a quicker pace. Additionally, many providers offer online classes that allow you to work at your own pace which can further reduce the amount of time needed for completion.