Top 10 Office Secretary Certifications

Certifications are important for an office secretary in the job market because they demonstrate a level of skill, knowledge, and qualifications that employers are looking for. Certifications show potential employers that a candidate has taken the initiative to learn and master certain skills necessary to perform the job successfully. They also help establish credibility with potential employers and can give an individual an edge over other candidates who lack certifications. Finally, certifications provide proof of competency in specific areas, which can help enhance a person’s marketability when seeking employment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Office Secretaries and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Office Secretary Certifications?

Office secretary certification is a type of certification that provides recognition to office professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to work in an office setting. This certification can help individuals stand out from the competition in the job market, as it shows employers that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to handle a variety of tasks associated with office work. It also helps demonstrate that they understand the various software programs used in today’s offices, such as word processing, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and continuing education, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of online office secretary certification courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge required for this role. This will help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge in the job market.

Related: What does an Office Secretary do?

Top 10 Office Secretary Certifications

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

1. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is an internationally recognized professional certification for administrative professionals. It is a voluntary credential that demonstrates mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform administrative tasks at a high level. CAP certification is awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the CAP program and obtain certification. To get certified, you must first become a member of IAAP and take the CAP exam, which consists of three parts: Core Knowledge Exam, Skills Application Exam, and Business Technology Exam. The cost of taking all three exams is $350 USD. Once you pass all three exams, you will receive your CAP certification.

2. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of office administration, management, communication, customer service, and technology.

To become certified as a CPS, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as office management, communication, customer service, and technology. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in an administrative role or have completed an IAAP-approved course in office administration.

The cost for taking the CPS exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with registering for the exam or obtaining study materials.

Once you pass the CPS exam, you will receive a certificate from IAAP acknowledging your achievement as a Certified Professional Secretary. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products. The MOS certification is recognized internationally as the premier credential for demonstrating expertise with Microsoft Office applications.

The program includes exams that test an individual’s knowledge and skills in the various versions of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access. To become certified, individuals must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as creating documents, formatting text and graphics, working with formulas and functions in Excel, creating presentations in PowerPoint and managing databases in Access.

It typically takes around two months to study for and pass the MOS exams. However, this can vary depending on an individual’s experience level with the applications being tested. It is recommended that individuals have at least six months of experience using the application before attempting the exam.

To get started on your MOS certification journey you will need to purchase a voucher from an authorized testing center or online vendor such as Certiport or Pearson VUE. Each exam costs between $80 - $150 USD depending on where you take it. Once you have purchased your voucher you can register for your exam at either Certiport or Pearson VUE's website. After registering you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam at a local testing center.

Once you have passed all required exams you will receive an email verifying your MOS certification status along with a digital badge that can be used on resumes and other professional materials to showcase your credentials.

4. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

A Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the legal secretary profession. To become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS).

The exam consists of four parts: business law, legal terminology, office systems and procedures, and legal documents. It typically takes two to three months to prepare for the exam. The cost of the exam varies from state to state but can range from $150-$400.

To qualify for certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a legal secretarial position or have completed an approved training program in legal secretarial studies. Applicants must also be members in good standing with NALS and meet all other requirements set forth by the organization.

Certified Legal Secretaries are recognized as having achieved a high level of proficiency in their field and are often sought after by employers looking for experienced professionals with specialized knowledge and skills.

5. Certified Professional Manager (CPM)

Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to help managers become more effective leaders. It is offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of management. The CPM certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of professional proficiency in their field.

The CPM program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level requires the completion of coursework and examinations that assess knowledge, skills, and abilities related to management topics such as organizational behavior, human resources management, operations management, financial management, strategy formulation and implementation, and leadership. To earn the CPM certification, candidates must pass all three levels within five years.

To get started on the CPM program, applicants must first register with ICPM and pay an application fee. After registration is complete, applicants can begin working toward their certification by completing courses and exams at each level. Applicants should also plan to attend workshops or seminars offered by ICPM or its partner organizations throughout the year.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on which courses are taken and how many levels are completed. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $3,000-$4,000 for all three levels combined. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking exams or attending workshops or seminars offered by ICPM or its partner organizations throughout the year.

6. International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of administrative professionals. It is designed to validate the expertise and experience of administrative professionals in various areas, including office management, customer service, communications, technology, and project management.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the IAAP Certification program. The program consists of three levels: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Advanced Certified Administrative Professional (ACAP), and Master Certified Administrative Professional (MCAP). Each level requires successful completion of an exam, which covers topics such as office procedures, communication skills, customer service principles, technology fundamentals, and project management.

To get IAAP certified, you must first become a member of the IAAP organization. You can then register for the certification exams online or through your local chapter. Once you have completed all required exams for a particular level, you will receive your certification from IAAP.

The cost for IAAP Certification varies depending on the level you are seeking. For example, CAP certification costs $125 USD; ACAP costs $195 USD; and MCAP costs $275 USD.

7. Executive Assistant Certificate Program

The Executive Assistant Certificate Program is designed to provide professional development and training for executive assistants, administrative professionals, and other office support staff. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as communication, organization, problem solving, time management, customer service, and more. The program typically takes six months to complete and consists of online courses and webinars.

To get the Executive Assistant Certificate Program, you must first enroll in the program through an accredited provider. You can find a list of accredited providers on the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) website. After enrolling in the program, you will be required to complete all coursework and assessments within six months.

The cost of the Executive Assistant Certificate Program varies depending on the provider you choose. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for the entire program.

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical administrative assistants. It is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to effectively perform administrative tasks in a healthcare setting.

The CMAA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, insurance processing, scheduling, and customer service. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and must be taken at an NHA approved testing center.

To get certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience working in a healthcare setting. Candidates can also opt to take an online preparation course offered by NHA prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CMAA exam is $169 for members of NHA and $219 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the online prep course which range from $99-$179 depending on the type of package chosen.

9. Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a professional certification for bookkeepers. It is the highest level of certification that a bookkeeper can achieve and is offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The CPB certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the bookkeeping profession.

To obtain the CPB certification, an individual must pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statement preparation, payroll processing, taxation, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least two years of professional bookkeeping experience or one year of full-time college coursework related to accounting or bookkeeping.

The cost for taking the CPB exam is $395 USD. Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will be awarded their CPB certificate. This certificate is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete 20 hours of continuing education each year during their three-year cycle.

10. National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Certification

The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of legal secretaries. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their legal secretaries have the necessary training and experience to perform their duties effectively.

To obtain NALS Certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as legal terminology, filing procedures, document preparation, and office management. The exam is administered by NALS and can be taken online or in person at one of its authorized testing centers. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to take the exam. These include having at least two years of experience as a legal secretary or having completed a postsecondary program related to legal secretarial work. Additionally, applicants must pay an application fee when registering for the exam.

The cost of obtaining NALS Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and whether or not an applicant has already passed the required exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $150-$400 USD for initial certification and $50-$100 USD for recertification every three years thereafter.

Overall, NALS Certification is a valuable credential for those seeking employment as legal secretaries or other administrative roles within the legal field. It provides employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary qualifications to perform their job duties effectively, while also providing individuals with recognition for their knowledge and skills in this area.

Do You Really Need a Office Secretary Certificate?

No, you do not need an office secretary certificate to become a successful office secretary. However, having one can be beneficial in some situations. There are many skills and qualities that are necessary for a successful office secretary, such as organization, communication, multitasking, and customer service. An office secretary certificate can demonstrate to employers that you possess these skills and qualities and have the knowledge needed to be successful in the role.

In addition to demonstrating your skill set and qualifications, a certificate can also give you a competitive edge over other candidates who may not have one. This is especially true if there are multiple applicants competing for the same job or if the job requires specific credentials. Having a certificate can show potential employers that you are serious about the position and have taken steps to educate yourself on what it takes to succeed as an office secretary.

However, it is important to remember that having an office secretary certificate is not always necessary or even beneficial in all situations. Many employers will hire based on experience or on-the-job training rather than formal education or certification. It is also important to note that having a certificate does not guarantee success; it simply shows that you have taken steps towards preparing yourself for the role of an office secretary. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not obtaining an office secretary certificate would be beneficial for them in their particular circumstances.

Related: Office Secretary Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Secretary Certifications

1. What is an Office Secretary Certification?

Answer: An Office Secretary Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform administrative tasks in an office setting. It covers topics such as filing, document management, customer service, and more.

2. Who can get certified?

Answer: Anyone with the appropriate educational background, experience, and training can pursue an Office Secretary Certification. The requirements vary by program but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer proficiency, and completion of an approved training course.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: Depending on the type of certification you are pursuing and your level of experience, it can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete the requirements for an Office Secretary Certification.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified in a specific area of office administration can help you stand out in the competitive job market and give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, it shows employers that you are committed to professional development and demonstrates your dedication to providing quality services in your current role or any future positions you may pursue.

5. Are there any costs associated with getting certified?

Answer: Yes, there are fees associated with taking the exam required for most certifications as well as any additional courses or materials needed for preparation for the exam.