Top 11 Personnel Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for personnel assistants in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field that employers look for. They also provide assurance to employers that the individual is up-to-date on best practices, laws, and regulations related to personnel management. Further, certifications can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs and can help personnel assistants stand out from other candidates. Finally, certifications show a commitment to professional development, which is an attractive quality for employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Personnel Assistants and explains how they can help to advance a personnel assistant's career.

What are Personnel Assistant Certifications?

Personnel Assistant Certification is a certification program designed to give individuals the knowledge and skills needed to become effective personnel assistants. Personnel assistants are responsible for managing all aspects of human resources, including recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating employees. The certification is designed to provide an understanding of the legal issues related to human resources management and provides guidance on how to manage personnel effectively. It also covers topics such as budgeting, payroll processing, employee benefits, and workplace safety.

The certification can help those looking for a career in the field of human resources by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become successful personnel assistants. It can also help employers by helping them find qualified personnel who can handle their HR needs efficiently and professionally. With this certification, employers can rest assured that their personnel assistant is knowledgeable about the laws governing employee rights and responsibilities, has experience working with various types of employees, and understands how to resolve conflicts between different parties in a professional manner. Additionally, having a certified personnel assistant can improve an employer's reputation within their industry as well as with potential clients or partners.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research and compare different personnel assistant certification programs to find one that meets your needs and fits your budget. Ask for advice from experienced professionals in the field, as they may be able to provide insight into which program is best suited to you. Additionally, make sure you understand the requirements of the certification before enrolling in a program, so that you can ensure you are adequately prepared for the exam.

Related: What does a Personnel Assistant do?

Top 11 Personnel Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification awarded by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CPS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of administrative support. It is the highest level of certification offered by IAAP and requires that applicants meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements.

To become certified as a CPS, applicants must have at least five years of full-time work experience in an administrative support role or equivalent part-time experience. They must also complete an approved course in office management or business administration and pass an exam administered by IAAP. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical skills assessment.

The cost to take the CPS exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, applicants must pay a fee of $225 for members of IAAP or $325 for non-members. The fee includes both parts of the exam as well as access to study materials and practice tests.

The entire process from start to finish can take anywhere from six months to one year, depending on how quickly you are able to complete all the necessary steps. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certification from IAAP which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in administrative work. The CAP certification is recognized as the premier credential for administrative professionals, and it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional development and mastery of the essential skills required for success in today’s workplace.

The CAP exam consists of four sections: Office Administration, Office Technology & Information Management, Organizational Communication & Interpersonal Relationships, and Business Writing & Presentation Skills. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and is administered twice a year.

To get certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time administrative experience or five years of part-time experience within the past seven years. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues attesting to their professional abilities and accomplishments.

The cost for the CAP exam varies depending on when you register; early registration fees are $395 while late registration fees are $445. Additionally, there is an annual membership fee associated with IAAP which costs $85 per year.

3. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) is a professional designation offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). It is the highest level of certification available in Canada for HR professionals and provides recognition of expertise and knowledge in human resources management.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete the requirements for CHRP certification. To become certified, you must have a minimum of three years of full-time experience in an HR role or related field, or five years of part-time experience. You must also have completed either a post-secondary program in HR, or have taken specific courses from an approved provider.

To obtain CHRP certification, you must pass the Comprehensive Knowledge Exam (CKE), which covers topics such as recruitment and selection, organizational development, compensation and benefits, labour relations, health and safety, human rights legislation, and more. The CKE exam costs $395 for members of the HRPA and $495 for non-members.

In addition to passing the CKE exam, you must also submit an application that outlines your educational background and work experience to be approved by the HRPA Board of Directors. Once approved, you will receive your CHRP designation.

4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a person's knowledge and skill level in the use of Microsoft Office applications. The MOS certification program is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and SharePoint.

To become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, you must pass one or more exams that test your knowledge and skills in each of the Microsoft Office applications. Each exam typically takes about an hour to complete and covers topics such as creating documents, formatting text, working with tables and graphics, managing data and customizing features.

The cost for taking a MOS exam varies depending on which exam you are taking. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 per exam. However, some discounts may be available from Microsoft or other organizations.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you spend studying for the exams and how quickly you can complete them. It usually takes several weeks to prepare for each exam but some people may be able to complete them faster if they have prior experience with the applications being tested.

5. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and reward legal secretaries who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in performing their job duties. The certification requires the successful completion of an examination that covers topics such as legal terminology, document preparation, court procedures, and office management.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam. Preparation includes studying reference materials provided by IAAP or taking a CLS review course offered by an accredited provider. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To get certified, individuals must apply for the certification through IAAP’s website. The application fee is $225 USD ($275 USD for non-members). Once the application has been approved, candidates must register for the exam and pay an additional fee of $150 USD ($200 USD for non-members). After successfully completing the exam, individuals will receive their official Certified Legal Secretary certificate from IAAP.

6. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the medical administrative field. This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CMAA credential is designed to validate the skills of those working in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations.

The CMAA certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding and billing, patient privacy laws, insurance claims processing, appointment scheduling, record keeping, and customer service. Candidates must also have at least one year of work experience in a medical administrative role. The exam fee is $125.

The exam can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. It typically takes about three hours to complete the exam. Once the exam has been passed successfully, candidates will receive their CMAA certification within two weeks of passing the exam.

The cost for the CMAA certification includes an application fee of $100 and an examination fee of $125. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with studying for the exam such as books or online courses.

7. Certificate in Executive Assistant Studies (CEAS)

The Certificate in Executive Assistant Studies (CEAS) is a professional certificate program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective executive assistant. The program focuses on developing administrative, organizational, and communication skills, as well as providing an understanding of the business world and the roles of executives and their assistants.

The CEAS program typically takes one year to complete. It consists of four courses that cover topics such as office management, executive support services, professional development, and project management. Students must also complete a practicum or internship in order to gain hands-on experience in the field.

To get the CEAS, you must first meet the admission requirements for the program. This usually includes having a high school diploma or equivalent and passing an entrance exam. Once accepted into the program, you will need to complete all coursework within one year in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of the CEAS varies depending on where you take it; however, most programs range from $1,500-$3,000 for tuition and fees. Additional costs may include books and other materials needed for classes.

8. Certified Professional Administrative Coordinator (CPAC)

Certified Professional Administrative Coordinator (CPAC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative coordinators. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates the highest level of proficiency in administrative coordination.

The CPAC certification program consists of two components: an online assessment and a comprehensive exam. The online assessment covers topics such as organizational management, communication, customer service, problem solving, and technology. The comprehensive exam tests the candidate’s knowledge in areas such as office procedures, project management, financial management, human resources management, and other related topics.

The CPAC certification process typically takes about three months to complete. Candidates must first register for the online assessment and then study for the comprehensive exam. Once they have passed both components of the program they will receive their CPAC certification.

The cost of obtaining a CPAC certification varies depending on the provider offering the program but typically ranges from $300 to $500 USD.

9. National Association of Legal Secretaries Certification Program (NALS-CP)

The National Association of Legal Secretaries Certification Program (NALS-CP) is a voluntary certification program for legal secretaries. It is designed to recognize and promote the knowledge, skills, and abilities of legal secretaries. The program provides a way for legal secretaries to demonstrate their expertise in the field of law and to validate their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The NALS-CP consists of two parts: an online test and an in-person proctored exam. The online test covers topics such as legal terminology, court procedures, document production, filing systems, office management, and ethics. The in-person proctored exam covers topics such as understanding the law office environment; legal research; preparing pleadings; drafting documents; client relations; time management; computer technology; communication skills; and professional responsibility.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire NALS-CP process. To get certified, applicants must first register for the program by submitting an application form along with a fee of $125 USD. After registering for the program, applicants must then take the online test within 90 days of registration. Once they have passed the online test with a score of 70% or higher, they can then schedule their in-person proctored exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Upon passing the in-person exam with a score of 75% or higher, applicants will receive their official NALS-CP certification from NALS International Headquarters.

The cost to become certified through NALS-CP is $125 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the online test or in-person proctored exam at Pearson VUE testing centers.

10. International Association of Administrative Professionals Certification Program (IAAP-CP)

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification Program (IAAP-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of administrative professionals. It is offered by the IAAP, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, training, and certification programs for administrative professionals.

The IAAP-CP consists of two levels: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) and Advanced Certified Administrative Professional (ACAP). To become certified at either level, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as office management, communication, problem solving, customer service, technology, and project management. The CAP exam focuses on entry-level knowledge while the ACAP exam focuses on more advanced topics.

In order to take the IAAP-CP exams, candidates must first complete an application process which includes submitting proof of their educational background and work experience. Once approved for the program, candidates can begin studying for the exams. Depending on how much time they have available to study and how quickly they learn material, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the exams.

Once ready to take the exams, candidates can register online or through their local IAAP chapter. The cost of registration varies depending on the level of certification being sought; however, it typically ranges from $125-$200 USD per exam.

Overall, obtaining IAAP-CP certification requires dedication and commitment but is well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities and recognition within the industry.

11. American Society of Administrative Professionals Certification Program (ASAP-CP).

The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP-CP) Certification Program is an internationally recognized certification program for administrative professionals. It is designed to recognize and reward the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the field of administrative support.

The ASAP-CP certification program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), and Master Administrative Professional (MAP). To become certified at each level, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as office management, communication skills, customer service, and organizational development.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants are expected to complete coursework related to their chosen level of certification, study for the exam, and take the exam itself.

To get started with the ASAP-CP certification program, applicants must first register with the American Society of Administrative Professionals website. Once registered, they will be able to access resources such as study guides and practice exams to help them prepare for the upcoming exams.

The cost of becoming certified through ASAP-CP varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The cost for the CPS level is $195; for CAP it is $295; and for MAP it is $395. All fees include registration costs as well as access to online resources such as study guides and practice exams.

Do You Really Need a Personnel Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on your current job or career goals. If you are looking for a position in human resources, then a Personnel Assistant Certificate can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and qualifications. With the certificate, employers will see that you have been trained in the essential skills needed to perform the duties of a personnel assistant.

A Personnel Assistant Certificate can also be beneficial if you already work in an administrative role and are looking to advance within the company. With the certificate, you will be able to show employers that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to take on more responsibility and help manage personnel tasks.

In addition, having a Personnel Assistant Certificate can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may view it as evidence of your commitment to professional development, which could make them more likely to hire you over someone who doesn't have one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Personnel Assistant Certificate depends on your desired career path and current level of experience or expertise. If you think it would be beneficial for helping you reach your goals, then it is definitely worth considering getting one.

Related: Personnel Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Personnel Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is a Personnel Assistant Certification?

A1. A Personnel Assistant Certification is a professional certification program that provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective personnel assistant in a variety of settings. It includes training in communication, interviewing, employee relations, payroll and scheduling, conflict resolution, and other essential topics.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Personnel Assistant?

A2. To become certified as a Personnel Assistant, you must successfully complete an approved course of study and pass the certification exam administered by the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA). The requirements vary depending on your state or region, so you should check with your local ASPA chapter for more details.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Personnel Assistant?

A3. Becoming certified as a Personnel Assistant can open up job opportunities in many fields including human resources, recruitment, labor relations, and management consulting. Additionally, having this credential may give you access to higher salaries and better career advancement prospects than those without it.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Personnel Assistant?

A4. The length of time required to get certified as a Personnel Assistant depends on several factors such as the type of course taken, how quickly you learn the material covered in the course, and if any additional experience or education is required by the certifying body prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking however it can take anywhere from 6 months up to 1 year or more to complete all requirements necessary for certification depending on individual circumstances and goals..

Q5. Are there continuing education requirements once I am certified?

A5: Yes - Most certifying bodies require that personnel assistants maintain their certification status by completing ongoing continuing education credits each year in order to keep their credentials current and up-to-date with industry changes and standards.