Top 10 Operations Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for an operations assistant in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of specialized skills. They also provide employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to be successful in the position. Certifications can also set a candidate apart from other applicants, making them more attractive to employers and increasing their chances of getting hired. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Operations Assistants, and explains how they can help to advance an operations assistant's career.

What are Operations Assistant Certifications?

Operations assistant certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform administrative tasks related to business operations. This type of certification is typically available through specialized training programs and can be earned by passing an exam. By earning this certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence in the field of operational support.

Having operations assistant certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment in an administrative role. It can provide tangible proof of an individual’s qualifications and capabilities, as well as show employers that they are dedicated to furthering their career in this field. The certification also provides additional job opportunities and may increase the potential for salary increases or promotions. Additionally, having this certification may give employees a competitive edge when applying for positions within their current organization or when searching for new jobs outside of it. Finally, having operations assistant certification can provide individuals with access to continued education opportunities, such as seminars and workshops, which can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and techniques.

Pro Tip: When considering an operations assistant certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and real-world scenarios. This will help you gain a better understanding of the role and build your confidence in the workplace. Additionally, seek out certifications with continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does an Operations Assistant do?

Top 10 Operations Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Operations Assistants today.

1. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CPS designation is the highest level of certification available to administrative professionals, and it recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field.

The CPS program requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of core competencies in areas such as office management, communication, problem solving and decision making. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as financial management, customer service and technology.

The CPS program typically takes six months or more to complete. During this time, applicants are required to complete an online course and pass the exam. The cost for the program varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $600-$1,200 USD.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to IAAP and pay the associated fee. Once approved, they will receive access to the online course materials and be able to take the exam when they are ready. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPS certification from IAAP.

2. 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 and knowledge of administrative professionals. The CAP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of office management, project management, communication, technology, leadership, and customer service.

The CAP certification process involves taking an online assessment that tests your knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the IAAP's Core Competencies for Administrative Professionals. Once you pass this assessment, you will be eligible to take the CAP exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as office systems and procedures, problem solving and decision making, communication skills, customer service, technology applications, and project management.

The CAP exam typically takes about two hours to complete. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive a certificate from IAAP confirming your status as a Certified Administrative Professional.

The cost of obtaining a CAP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an IAAP member. Non-members must pay $350 for the exam fee plus an additional $50 for processing fees. For IAAP members, there is no fee for taking the exam; however there is still a $50 processing fee.

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 competencies and knowledge of administrative professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field.

The COM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as office management, office technology, communication, customer service, project management, and business operations. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified as a COM, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of administrative experience or a related degree or certificate from an accredited institution. You must also be a member of IAAP or agree to become one before taking the exam.

The cost for the COM certification exam is $225 for IAAP members and $325 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 for members and $75 for non-members.

4. Certified Executive Assistant (CEA)

Certified Executive Assistant (CEA) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise and experience of administrative professionals who work in executive-level positions. The CEA designation is awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competence, knowledge, and skill in their profession.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the CEA certification. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of full-time administrative experience, completing an approved IAAP training course or equivalent experience, passing an exam administered by IAAP, and paying an application fee.

The cost to become certified depends on several factors such as the type of training course taken and the length of time it takes to complete all requirements. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $400-$800 USD depending on how long it takes to complete all requirements.

5. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is an internationally recognized certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a person’s skills in using the Microsoft Office suite of products. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency with the Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and SharePoint.

To become a certified MOS, you must pass one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills in the various Microsoft Office applications. The exams are administered by Certiport, a testing center authorized by Microsoft. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as formatting documents, creating spreadsheets and presentations, managing databases and working with email.

It typically takes around two weeks to prepare for the MOS exams. However, preparation time can vary depending on how familiar you are with the software being tested. You can find study guides and practice tests online to help you prepare for each exam.

The cost of taking an MOS exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of the software you are testing for (e.g., Office 2016 or 2019). Generally speaking, each exam costs between $100-$150 USD per attempt.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in leading and directing project teams. PMP is the most widely recognized and respected certification for project managers.

To get the PMP certification, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. The minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, while the experience requirement is at least 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects over the course of three years. You must also take and pass an exam that covers different aspects of project management.

The PMP exam takes about four hours to complete and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $405 to $555 USD.

In addition to taking the exam, you must also submit an application demonstrating that you meet all eligibility requirements before you can become certified as a PMP. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your official PMP certification within two weeks.

Overall, it can take several months to go through all the steps necessary to become a certified PMP, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to pursue this credential.

7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of healthcare quality. The certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in healthcare quality, or one year of full-time work experience and a degree in healthcare quality or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, risk management, performance improvement, and data analysis.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the CPHQ exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and other materials that cover the topics on the exam, taking practice exams and attending review courses or workshops.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are a NAHQ member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $375; for nonmembers it is $475. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with preparation materials or review courses.

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification for medical administrative assistants. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of excellence in the field of medical administration. This certification demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the duties of a medical administrative assistant.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CMAA program, depending on how quickly you can study and complete assignments. The program consists of online courses and exams that cover topics such as medical terminology, coding, billing, legal issues, healthcare regulations, patient relations, customer service, scheduling and more.

To get certified as a CMAA, you must first pass an exam administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). You can register for the exam online or through NHA's website. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within two weeks.

The cost to take the CMAA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD for the registration fee plus any additional fees associated with taking an online course or practice tests.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and participate in process improvement initiatives. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) and is recognized globally as an industry-standard qualification for Lean Six Sigma professionals.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes between 4-6 months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience and study commitment. The program consists of two parts: classroom training and an online exam.

Classroom training typically includes lectures, discussions, case studies, simulations, role-playing exercises, and other activities that help participants understand the concepts of Lean Six Sigma. Participants also learn how to apply these concepts in their own work environment. After completing the classroom training, participants must pass an online exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD. Some providers may offer discounts or special packages that can reduce this cost.

In order to obtain a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must have at least three years of full-time work experience in a related field or have completed an approved course of study prior to taking the exam. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in basic mathematics and statistics as well as possess strong problem solving skills.

10. American Society of Administrative Professionals Certification

The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) Certification is a professional certification program for administrative professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals in the workplace.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with their resume and other supporting documents. After submitting the application, applicants must take a series of online exams that cover topics such as office management, customer service, communication skills, computer literacy, and more. Upon passing these exams, applicants will be awarded their certification.

The cost of the ASAP Certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $150-$600 USD.

Do You Really Need a Operations Assistant Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Operations Assistant Certificate depends on your individual goals and aspirations. Do you want to become a certified operations assistant? Are you looking for a job in the operations field? Do you want to increase your knowledge of the operations industry and gain a competitive edge in the job market?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then an Operations Assistant Certificate may be right for you. With this certification, you can demonstrate your commitment to the field and gain recognition as an expert in the area. Additionally, having this certification can give you access to higher-paying positions and specialized training courses that are only available to those with a certificate.

However, if you are simply looking for a job in the operations field without any long-term career aspirations, then obtaining an Operations Assistant Certificate may not be necessary. Many employers will still hire people who don’t have this certification but have other relevant experience or qualifications.

Ultimately, whether or not an Operations Assistant Certificate is right for you depends on your individual goals and ambitions. If it is something that interests you and would help advance your career prospects, then it could be worth considering.

Related: Operations Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Operations Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is an Operations Assistant Certification?

A1. An Operations Assistant Certification is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage day-to-day operations in a business or organization. It provides individuals with the qualifications they need to understand the operational processes and procedures of a company, and to support its strategic objectives.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Operations Assistant?

A2. Becoming certified as an Operations Assistant offers a variety of benefits, including: improved job prospects, increased job security, higher wages, greater understanding of operational processes and procedures, better customer service, and enhanced problem solving skills.

Q3. How do I become certified as an Operations Assistant?

A3. To become certified as an Operations Assistant, you must complete a recognized training program or course which covers all aspects of operations management such as process improvement, financial analysis, project management, customer service and more. After completing the program or course successfully you can receive your certification from a reputable certifying body like PMI (Project Management Institute).

Q4. What type of jobs can I apply for after receiving my Operations Assistant Certification?

A4. With your certification you will be qualified to apply for various roles within organizations such as operations manager, customer service representative, project manager, process analyst and more depending on the certifying body you choose to work with.

Q5. Is there an exam required for certification?

A5: Yes - most certifying bodies require you to pass an exam in order to receive your certification. The exams typically cover topics related to operations management such as process improvement, financial analysis and customer service among others.