Top 10 Office Worker Certifications

Certifications are important for office workers in the job market because they are a way to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Having certifications can help set an office worker apart from other candidates, as employers often look for applicants with specialized knowledge and experience. Certifications show that an office worker has taken the time to learn and develop their skills, which can be attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements that allow office workers to stay up-to-date on trends and best practices within their chosen field. This allows them to remain competitive in the job market by demonstrating their commitment to professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Office Workers and explains how they can help to enhance an office worker's career prospects.

What are Office Worker Certifications?

Office worker certification is a form of professional development and recognition that demonstrates an individual's knowledge, skill, and ability in office-related tasks. It is awarded by organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) or the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP).

Office worker certification can help individuals develop their skills and gain recognition for their accomplishments. It also provides employers with a measure of assurance that an individual has achieved a certain level of competency in office-related tasks. A certified office worker can be expected to be knowledgeable on topics such as document management, data entry, word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, presentation design, customer service skills, and other related areas.

The benefits of having a certified office worker include increased efficiency and productivity in the workplace due to improved communication between staff members; better problem solving capabilities due to enhanced understanding of workflow processes; improved customer service skills due to greater confidence; better knowledge sharing among employees; and increased job satisfaction due to the feeling of accomplishment associated with receiving a certification. Additionally, having a certified office worker may provide additional opportunities for advancement or promotion within an organization.

Pro Tip: If you are an office worker looking to advance your career, consider obtaining a professional certification. There are many certifications available that cover a wide range of topics related to office work, such as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). These certifications can demonstrate your competence in the field and make you more attractive to employers.

Related: What does an Office Worker do?

Top 10 Office Worker Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of office professionals who use these programs on a daily basis.

The MOS exam consists of two parts: the core exam and the elective exam. The core exam tests your knowledge of the basic features of Microsoft Office applications while the elective exam focuses on specific tasks within each application.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how much preparation you put into it. Generally speaking, most people can complete their certification within 4-6 weeks if they study regularly and practice using the software.

To get certified, you must first register for an MOS exam through Certiport or Prometric testing centers. You will then need to purchase a voucher from Certiport or Prometric that will allow you to take your chosen MOS exams.

The cost of taking an MOS exam varies by country but typically ranges from $100-$150 per exam.

2. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to validate an individual’s technical knowledge and skills in using Microsoft products and services. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in the latest Microsoft technologies, such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint, Office 365 and Azure.

It typically takes about one to two months of studying for an individual to become an MCP. To get certified, you must pass one or more exams related to the technology you wish to be certified in. The cost of each exam varies depending on the type of exam and the number of exams taken. Generally speaking, most exams range from $100-$200 USD per exam.

In order to become an MCP, you must first register with Microsoft Learning and create a profile. Once registered, you can select the exams that are relevant to your desired certification track and purchase them through the learning portal. After completing all required exams for your chosen track, you will receive your MCP certificate via email within 4-6 weeks.

3. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

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

The CAP program consists of three parts: a comprehensive exam, an online portfolio, and a professional development plan. The comprehensive exam covers topics such as office management, human resources, finance and accounting, technology, customer service, communication, and more. The online portfolio requires applicants to provide evidence of their experience in each of these areas. Finally, the professional development plan requires applicants to demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and professional growth.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three components of the CAP program. During this time, applicants must complete coursework related to their chosen field of study as well as pass the comprehensive exam.

To become certified as a CAP, applicants must first submit an application with supporting documentation showing that they meet all eligibility requirements. This includes proof that they have at least two years of full-time work experience in an administrative role or five years of part-time experience in an administrative role within the past 10 years. Applicants must also provide transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended or certifications held in order to qualify for the program.

The cost for the Certified Administrative Professional program varies depending on where you live and how you choose to take it (online or in person). Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for tuition fees plus additional fees for materials such as textbooks or online courses.

4. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CPS credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in an administrative role. It is intended for those who are currently working or aspiring to work as secretaries, executive assistants, administrative coordinators, office managers, and other related roles.

To become a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), you must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as business communications, office management, customer service, technology, and more. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. You must also have at least two years of full-time administrative experience before you can take the exam.

The cost of taking the CPS exam varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $200 USD for IAAP members and $250 USD for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your official Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) certificate from IAAP. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance and can be renewed every three years with continuing education credits or by retaking the exam.

5. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of legal secretaries. The program is offered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS), an organization that promotes excellence in the legal profession.

The CLS certification requires successful completion of three exams: Legal Office Procedures, Law Office Technology, and Legal Terminology. Each exam must be passed with a score of 70% or higher. The exams are administered online and take approximately two hours each to complete.

In order to become certified as a CLS, applicants must have at least one year of experience working as a legal secretary or paralegal. They must also be members of NALS in good standing.

The cost for the CLS certification program varies depending on whether you are already a member of NALS or not. For non-members, the fee is $195; for members, it is $145.

6. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of medical administrative support. The CMAA program is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CMAA certification requires applicants to have completed a minimum of one year of work experience in a medical office setting, and must pass an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to medical office procedures. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding, patient records management, insurance billing and reimbursement, and legal and ethical issues.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam. Applicants can study on their own or take an NHA-approved course to help them prepare for the exam. There are also online practice exams available to help applicants gauge their readiness for the test.

The cost of taking the CMAA exam is $129. This fee includes access to an online study guide and practice exams, as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

7. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of entry-level computer technicians. It is a globally recognized certification that proves an individual’s ability to troubleshoot, configure, and maintain computers and other devices.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The Core 1 exam covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. The Core 2 exam covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures, and customer service.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for both exams; however, the amount of time it takes varies based on individual experience with IT concepts. To get certified in CompTIA A+, you must pass both exams within 12 months of each other.

The cost for the CompTIA A+ certification depends on where you take the exam. The cost for each exam is $226 USD. Additionally, there are many resources available online to help prepare for the exams such as practice tests or study guides which may have additional costs associated with them.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP credential is globally recognized, and it is seen as a symbol of excellence in the field of project management.

It takes approximately three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam. The time frame depends on the individual’s background and experience in project management. To get certified, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements including completing 35 hours of project management education and having at least 4500 hours of professional experience leading projects over the past 8 years.

Once the eligibility requirements are met, individuals can apply for the PMP exam through PMI’s website. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555; for members it costs $405.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official PMP certification from PMI, which is valid for 3 years before needing to be renewed.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their process performance and reduce waste. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate proficiency in Lean Six Sigma tools, techniques, and methodologies.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete depending on the training provider. The courses are offered both online and in-person, with most programs requiring participants to attend a series of classes and complete an exam at the end. The cost of the certification varies depending on the program chosen, but can range from $1,000-$3,000 USD.

In order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must have a basic understanding of quality management principles such as process mapping, data analysis, problem solving, and project management. You must also be familiar with Lean Six Sigma tools such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) and SIPOC (Suppliers-Inputs-Processes-Outputs-Customers). Additionally, you must pass an examination administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

Once you have completed your training and passed the exam, you will receive your official Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification which is valid for five years. After five years you will need to renew your certification by completing additional training or passing another exam.

10. Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

The Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) is a professional organization that provides certifications for human resources professionals. It is the most widely recognized certification for HR professionals and is highly respected in the industry. HRCI certifications demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to excel in the field of human resources.

HRCI offers three levels of certification: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Each level requires different educational requirements and experience. The PHR certification requires at least one year of professional-level HR experience, while the SPHR requires five years of professional-level HR experience and the GPHR requires seven years of international HR experience.

In order to obtain an HRCI certification, you must first complete an application process. This includes submitting your resume, educational transcripts, references, and other pertinent documents. Once your application has been approved by HRCI, you will be required to take an exam that tests your knowledge of HR topics such as recruitment, performance management, compensation & benefits, labor relations & compliance, organizational development & change management, and strategic planning & execution.

The cost for taking an HRCI exam varies depending on which level you are applying for but typically ranges from $300-$600 USD. The exam itself takes about four hours to complete but it may take up to six weeks for results to be processed by HRCI. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from HRCI which is valid for three years before needing renewal.

Do You Really Need a Office Worker Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. It is important to consider the type of job you are seeking and the requirements for that particular job. For some jobs, such as those in the medical field or legal profession, an office worker certificate may be required in order to apply for the position. This certificate is usually obtained through specialized training programs or certifications offered by employers.

In other cases, an office worker certificate may not be necessary for a particular job. For example, if you are applying for an entry-level administrative assistant position, a certificate may not be required. Instead, employers may look more closely at your experience and skillsets to determine if you are qualified for the position.

In general, it is best to research whether or not a particular job requires an office worker certificate before you apply. You can typically find this information on the employer’s website or by calling their human resources department directly. This will help ensure that you do not waste time and money pursuing something that is not actually necessary for the position.

Related: Office Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Office Worker Certifications

1. What certifications are available for office workers?

Answer: Common certifications available for office workers include Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), and Certified Professional Secretary (CPS).

2. How do I obtain an office worker certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification, you may need to complete a training program, pass an exam, or provide evidence of your work experience in order to be certified.

3. What is the cost of obtaining an office worker certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an office worker certification can vary depending on the type of certification and the provider. Generally speaking, fees range from $100 - $500 USD.

4. Are there any prerequisites for getting an office worker certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, most certifications require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent and some may require a certain number of years of work experience in the field. It’s best to check with the provider to determine specific requirements for each certification program.

5. How long does it take to get an office worker certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of certification and preparation required for it. For example, some certifications can be obtained in as little as one day while others may take weeks or months to complete all necessary requirements.