Top 10 Office Technician Certifications

Certifications for an office technician are important in the job market because they demonstrate technical competency and knowledge in the use of computer applications, technology, and office procedures. Having certifications can increase an individual’s employability and job prospects. They signify that an individual has a certain level of expertise in their field and is able to meet high standards of performance. A certification can also provide evidence that an individual has the necessary skills to perform a variety of tasks related to office technology. Certifications show employers that they are willing to invest time and money into their own professional development, which is attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Office Technicians, and explains how they can help to enhance an Office Technician's career.

What are Office Technician Certifications?

Office Technician Certification is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the administrative operations of an office. It is a certification that can help individuals stand out from the competition and open up more career opportunities.

The certification program covers important topics such as customer service, office communications, document management, records management, financial procedures and data entry. It also includes training on how to use business software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and other popular applications used in the workplace.

Having this certification demonstrates to employers that you have the skills necessary to work in an administrative or clerical role. You will be seen as more qualified than those who do not have it and may be given preference when applying for positions or promotions. Additionally, some employers may offer higher salaries or bonuses to those with this certification.

By obtaining your Office Technician Certification, you are showing potential employers that you are knowledgeable about all aspects of office operations and can handle any task they require of you. This knowledge gives you an advantage over other job applicants and can increase your chances of getting hired or promoted within your current organization.

Pro Tip: When considering office technician certification, make sure to research the certifications offered by your desired employers. Different employers may require different certifications and it’s important to make sure you have the right one for the job.

Related: What does an Office Technician do?

Top 10 Office Technician Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to demonstrate proficiency in the use of its Office suite of products. The MOS certification is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.

The MOS exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on real-world scenarios related to the use of Office applications. The exam covers topics such as creating documents, entering data into spreadsheets, formatting text and graphics, managing email messages and contacts, creating presentations and more.

It typically takes around two hours to complete the MOS exam. To get certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist you must pass one or more exams from the list of available certifications.

The cost for taking the MOS exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $100 - $150 per exam.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their competency in computer hardware, software, networking, security, troubleshooting and customer service.

It takes approximately 100 hours of study to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. The exam consists of two parts: 220-901 and 220-902. The 220-901 covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues. The 220-902 covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also covers security, cloud computing basics and operational procedures.

To get CompTIA A+, you must pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher on each one. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Certiport.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification depends on where you take the exams from but typically ranges from $200 to $300 USD per exam (not including any applicable taxes).

3. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their skills in networking technology. It is designed to validate a technician’s ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. The certification covers a wide range of topics related to networking technologies, such as network protocols, network topologies, network security, and network services.

In order to become CompTIA Network+ certified, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). This exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. It is recommended that you have at least nine months of experience in networking before attempting the exam.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification, you will need to register for and take the N10-007 exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $250-$300 USD. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Network+ certification from CompTIA.

The CompTIA Network+ certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam (N10-008).

4. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is a certification program offered by Microsoft for IT professionals who demonstrate expertise in the design, development, and deployment of Microsoft products and technologies. It is designed to validate an individual’s technical skills and knowledge in specific areas of Microsoft technology.

The time it takes to get MCP certification depends on the exam you are taking. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to three months to complete the necessary training and pass the exam.

To get MCP certification, you must first select an exam that covers the topics related to the technology you want to be certified in. You can then purchase study materials or take a course that will help prepare you for the exam. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register and schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. After passing your exam, you will receive your MCP certificate in the mail within 8-10 weeks.

The cost of MCP certification varies depending on which exams are taken and which versions of Windows are being tested for. The cost typically ranges from $100-$200 per exam plus any additional fees associated with registering for an exam or purchasing study materials.

5. IC3 Digital Literacy Certification

IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a person’s ability to use computers and other digital devices. The certification is designed to assess the individual’s knowledge of basic computer concepts, hardware components, software applications, and network fundamentals. It is administered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE company.

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification consists of three exams: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online. Each exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and covers topics such as operating systems, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, emailing and web browsing.

To get the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification you must pass all three exams with a score of at least 70%. You can take each exam separately or all at once. If you decide to take them separately, you will need to register for each one individually.

The cost for the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking it costs around $99 USD per exam or $297 USD for all three exams if taken together.

6. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) is an industry-recognized certification designed to validate one's skills and knowledge in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. This certification program provides individuals with the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, Dreamweaver and Premiere Pro.

The ACA exam takes approximately 90 minutes and covers a variety of topics related to the specific Adobe application being tested. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that are based on real-world scenarios and tasks. To become certified, individuals must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%.

To get started on the path to becoming an ACA, individuals should first choose which Adobe application they would like to be certified in. They can then purchase an ACA exam voucher from Adobe or a third-party provider. After purchasing the voucher, individuals will need to register for the exam at Pearson VUE's website and schedule their test date.

The cost of an ACA exam voucher varies depending on which application is being tested but generally ranges from $80-$100 USD per exam.

7. Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) is a certification program designed to recognize Apple professionals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to provide superior customer support for Mac computers. The ACSP certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain Mac computers.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours of study time and practice exams to prepare for the ACSP exam. To get certified, you must pass the ACSP exam administered by Apple at an authorized testing center. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location, but it generally costs around $150 USD.

The ACSP certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. After three years, technicians must retake the exam in order to remain certified.

8. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with a foundation of technology knowledge. MTA certifications are designed to validate fundamental technology skills and knowledge, which can help individuals pursue more advanced technology certifications.

The MTA certification is offered in several areas, such as Windows Operating System Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, Software Development Fundamentals, Database Fundamentals, and Mobile Development Fundamentals. Each exam covers the fundamentals of the particular topic area and requires the individual to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter.

It typically takes around two hours to complete an MTA exam. The exam consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within the allotted time frame. Most exams cost $127 USD but some may be discounted if purchased through a Microsoft Learning Partner or other approved vendor.

To get an MTA certification, you must first register for an exam at the Microsoft Learning website or through an authorized testing center. You will then need to purchase the exam voucher from your chosen provider and schedule your test date. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your certificate of completion via email within 30 days of passing the exam.

9. CIW Web Foundations Associate

CIW Web Foundations Associate is an entry-level certification for individuals who want to understand the fundamentals of web development and design. It is designed for those who are just starting out in the field, or those who already have some knowledge but need to expand their understanding. The certification covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, website design, and more.

The certification exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. To get the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it. It typically costs around $125 USD. You can find a list of testing centers on the CIW website.

10. Autodesk Certified User (ACU)

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is a certification program offered by Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design and engineering software. The ACU certification validates an individual’s understanding of the fundamental concepts of Autodesk products and their ability to use them effectively.

The ACU certification consists of two parts: an online assessment and a hands-on project. The online assessment tests the individual’s knowledge of the Autodesk product they are seeking certification for, while the hands-on project requires the individual to demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned.

It typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete the online assessment and 4-6 hours to complete the hands-on project. However, this may vary depending on the individual’s familiarity with Autodesk products.

To get certified, individuals must first register for an account on Autodesk's website and then purchase a voucher that grants access to both the online assessment and hands-on project. The cost of the voucher varies depending on which Autodesk product you are seeking certification for, but generally ranges from $50 - $100 USD.

Once both parts of the certification process have been completed successfully, individuals will receive their official ACU certificate via email within 7 days.

Do You Really Need a Office Technician Certificate?

Having an Office Technician Certificate can be beneficial in many ways, especially for those who are looking to enter or advance in the office technology field. With this certificate, you will demonstrate your competence and knowledge in all aspects of office technology. It can provide you with a competitive edge when it comes to job applications and promotions, as employers may prefer applicants who have taken the time and effort to obtain this certification.

The Office Technician Certificate is offered by a variety of institutions, such as colleges, universities, and professional organizations. The courses available within the program cover topics related to computers, software applications, office equipment usage, troubleshooting techniques, customer service skills, and more. Depending on the institution offering the program, you may also have access to additional courses like business communication or project management.

Having an Office Technician Certificate may open doors for new opportunities that would otherwise not be available without it. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a recognized program in order to guarantee their expertise on the specific technologies they need for their organization. Also, having a certificate can increase your chances of landing a job that pays higher than what someone without one might earn. Plus, having an up-to-date certificate will ensure that you stay abreast of current trends and technologies in the industry.

Overall, obtaining an Office Technician Certificate can be beneficial for those wanting to enter or advance in the field of office technology. It demonstrates your commitment to gaining knowledge about relevant topics and shows your dedication towards staying up-to-date with current trends and technologies within the industry. If you’re looking for higher pay or more career opportunities within this sector then obtaining a certificate may be just what you need!

Related: Office Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Technician Certifications

1. What certifications are available for office technicians?

Answer: Office technician certifications vary depending on the specific field, but popular certifications include Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), CompTIA A+, Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), and Certified Professional Secretary (CPS).

2. How long does it take to become certified as an office technician?

Answer: The length of time will depend on the certification you are pursuing, but typically takes anywhere from a few months to a year or more.

3. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: Cost varies by certification, but typically ranges from $100 to several hundred dollars. Some certifications may also require additional costs, such as study materials or examination fees.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Depending on the certification you are pursuing, there may be certain prerequisites that need to be met prior to taking the exam, such as prior experience in the field or educational requirements.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Most certifications must be renewed every two years by taking continuing education courses or passing an exam.