Top 10 Senior Administrative Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for senior administrative assistants to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to their profession. Certifications provide proof that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competency in the field, and can be used to differentiate them from other job candidates who may not have taken the time or effort to become certified. Additionally, certifications can help senior administrative assistants stand out in a competitive job market by showing employers that they are dedicated to professional growth and development. Finally, certifications can open up new opportunities for advancement within a company or organization.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Senior Administrative Assistants and explains how they can contribute to a senior administrative assistant's career growth.

What are Senior Administrative Assistant Certifications?

Senior Administrative Assistant Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip administrative assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their roles. This certification provides recognition of an individual’s expertise in the field of administrative support, as well as providing a valuable credential for employers who are looking for qualified candidates.

The certification consists of a series of courses that cover topics such as office management, communication strategies, customer service and project management. Through this program, students gain an understanding of the core principles of administrative support, including how to effectively organize workflow and manage deadlines in order to maximize efficiency. Additionally, they develop the ability to use technology efficiently, create effective presentations and understand legal and ethical considerations associated with their role.

By obtaining Senior Administrative Assistant Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to being knowledgeable professionals who can effectively assist organizations in achieving their goals. This certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants and may lead to promotions or higher-level positions within an organization. It also serves as a signal to employers that the individual is dedicated to learning best practices in order to become a valuable asset in any business setting.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a Senior Administrative Assistant Certification program, make sure to research the various curricula and specializations available. This will help ensure that you select the best program for your professional goals and needs.

Related: What does a Senior Administrative Assistant do?

Top 10 Senior Administrative Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Administrative Assistant (CPAA)

Certified Professional Administrative Assistant (CPAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize administrative professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in their field. It is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the world’s leading organization for administrative professionals.

The CPAA certification program consists of three parts: an online exam, a hands-on skills assessment, and a practical application project. The online exam tests knowledge in areas such as office management, communication, customer service, and technology. The hands-on skills assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. Finally, the practical application project requires the candidate to demonstrate their understanding of the material by completing a project related to their job duties.

The CPAA certification process typically takes six months or more to complete. Candidates must first register with IAAP and pay an application fee before they can begin studying for the exam. After passing the online exam, candidates must then complete the hands-on skills assessment and practical application project within six months of passing the online exam. Once all requirements are met, candidates will receive their CPAA certification certificate from IAAP.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which package you choose when registering with IAAP. The basic package costs $400 USD and includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as registration fees for both parts of the certification process (online exam and hands-on skills assessment). Additional packages are available that include additional study materials and practice exams for an additional fee.

2. 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 and validate the skills and knowledge of administrative professionals working in all industries. CAP certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in the administrative field, as well as mastery of key competencies related to office management, communication, customer service, problem solving, technology, and more.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CAP certification program. To get certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in an administrative role or completing a minimum number of college credits related to office management. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as office systems and procedures, technology applications, customer service principles, business writing techniques, project management methods, and more.

The cost for the CAP certification program depends on the IAAP chapter you join. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$500 for membership dues plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

3. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills in using the Microsoft Office suite of products. It is offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE company, and is recognized worldwide as an industry standard for demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

To become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, individuals must pass one or more exams that demonstrate their knowledge and skills in specific Microsoft Office applications. The exams cover topics such as creating documents, formatting text and images, managing data, working with formulas and functions, creating presentations, and automating tasks.

The amount of time it takes to get MOS certification depends on the individual's experience level with the software being tested. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months of studying before taking the exam.

In order to get MOS certification, individuals must first register for an exam through Certiport's website. Once registered for an exam, individuals can purchase study materials such as practice tests or books from Certiport or other third-party vendors. Additionally, some employers may offer free training courses that prepare employees for MOS certification exams.

The cost of MOS certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and any additional materials purchased. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $90-$150 USD per attempt; however discounts may be available if multiple exams are purchased at once or if certain criteria are met (such as being part of a school program).

4. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in the field of office management. It is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), which is an organization dedicated to advancing the profession of administrative professionals.

The CPS certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas such as office management, business communication, customer service, human resources, finance, technology, and project management. To qualify for this certification, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in an office setting.

To obtain the CPS certification, applicants must pass a three-hour exam that covers topics such as office procedures, communication skills, and organizational skills. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and costs $195 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for the certification, you will receive your Certified Professional Secretary certificate from IAAP. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP credential is designed to demonstrate mastery of the skills and techniques necessary to successfully lead and direct projects.

To become certified, applicants must have either a four-year degree and at least three years of project management experience, or a high school diploma/GED and five years of project management experience. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge).

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, applicants should prepare for the exam by studying the PMBOK Guide, attending classes or seminars, reading books on project management, and taking practice exams.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For members, the cost is $405; for non-members it is $555.

6. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). It is designed to recognize those legal secretaries who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The certification is based on the NALS Professional Competency Model, which outlines the core competencies necessary for successful legal secretarial work.

To obtain the CLS certification, an individual must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as legal terminology, document preparation, court procedures and other related areas. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CLS examination, individuals must have at least two years of full-time employment as a legal secretary or paralegal or successfully completed an accredited paralegal program. Additionally, applicants must be members in good standing with NALS and submit an application form and fee prior to taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CLS certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NALS. For members, the cost is $250; for non-members it is $350.

7. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The purpose of this certification is to provide recognition for individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the administrative aspects of healthcare.

The CMAA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as medical terminology, insurance billing, coding, scheduling and appointment management, medical office procedures, communication and customer service. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To qualify for the CMAA certification, applicants must have either a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of work experience in a medical office setting within the past five years. In addition, applicants must pass an online assessment prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CMAA certification is $125 plus applicable taxes. This fee includes access to study materials, practice exams and the actual exam itself.

8. Certified Executive Administrative Professional (CEAP)

Certified Executive Administrative Professional (CEAP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The CEAP certification is designed to recognize administrative professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. It is intended to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as an executive assistant, administrative professional, or office manager.

The CEAP certification program consists of four core courses: Leadership and Management, Business Writing and Communication, Technology Applications, and Office Administration. Each course has its own exam which must be passed in order to receive the certification. In addition to the core courses, there are also elective courses that can be taken to further enhance one's understanding of the role of an executive assistant or administrative professional.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all of the requirements for the CEAP certification. This includes completing the four core courses and passing all exams associated with them. The cost for obtaining the CEAP certification varies depending on which IAAP chapter you join and whether you choose to take any elective courses. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for all required materials and exams needed for completion of this certification program.

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

The National Association of Legal Secretaries Certification Program (NALS-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of legal secretaries. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of legal secretarial work.

To get the NALS-CP certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as legal terminology, document formatting, filing procedures, court rules and regulations, and other areas related to legal secretarial work. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the NALS-CP exam, applicants must be members of NALS or pay a one-time nonrefundable fee of $125. Applicants must also demonstrate at least two years of experience in the field or have completed an accredited paralegal program within the past five years.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their official NALS-CP certificate and lapel pin. The cost for taking the exam is $195 for members and $295 for nonmembers.

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

The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP-CP) Certification Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of administrative professionals. The program is open to anyone with at least two years of experience working in an administrative capacity, and it can be completed in as little as six months.

To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with a fee of $150. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete three courses: Organizational Skills for Administrative Professionals; Professionalism and Interpersonal Communication; and Technology for Administrative Professionals. Each course requires approximately six hours of study time. Upon successful completion of all three courses, applicants will receive their ASAP-CP certification.

The cost of the ASAP-CP Certification Program includes the $150 application fee plus the cost of each course ($50 per course). In addition, there may be additional fees associated with taking exams or purchasing required materials. The total cost varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $250 to $400.

Do You Really Need a Senior Administrative Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a Senior Administrative Assistant Certificate may be necessary in order to advance their career and open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs. For others, the certificate may not be as essential, depending on their experience level and the type of job they are seeking.

For those who wish to pursue a career in an administrative role, having a Senior Administrative Assistant Certificate can be beneficial. This certification demonstrates that an individual has obtained specialized skills required for success in this field, such as knowledge of office systems and procedures, customer service techniques, record keeping practices, and more. Having this certification can help a potential employer or client see that an individual is qualified for the job they are applying for or looking to fill. Additionally, having this certificate can also give an individual a competitive edge over other candidates who do not have the same credentials.

On the other hand, if someone is already experienced in administrative roles or is looking to pursue a different field entirely, then obtaining a Senior Administrative Assistant Certificate may not be necessary. However, it is important to note that obtaining such certifications can still help an individual stand out from other applicants when competing for certain jobs or positions. It can also demonstrate that one has taken extra steps toward furthering their education and developing their skillset to better serve employers or clients.

In conclusion, whether one needs a Senior Administrative Assistant Certificate depends on their own personal goals and what type of job they are seeking. Those who wish to pursue administrative roles may benefit from obtaining such certification while others may find it unnecessary depending on their experience level and the type of job they are looking for.

Related: Senior Administrative Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Administrative Assistant Certifications

Q1: What is a Senior Administrative Assistant Certification?

A1: A Senior Administrative Assistant Certification is a professional certification for those who have achieved a high level of competency in administrative tasks such as scheduling, communication, and project management. The certification demonstrates proficiency in the field and may also be used to advance into higher-level positions.

Q2: Who should pursue this certification?

A2: This certification is ideal for administrative professionals who are looking to take their career to the next level. It can also provide additional credibility to those already working in the field.

Q3: How do I become certified?

A3: To become certified, you will need to complete an approved training program or coursework. You may also need to pass an exam or evaluation process depending on the certifying organization.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

A4: Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites for becoming certified besides having experience in the field or completing an applicable training program. However, some organizations may require that applicants have prior knowledge or experience before they can apply for certification.

Q5: What are some of the benefits of having a Senior Administrative Assistant Certification?

A5: Having a Senior Administrative Assistant Certification can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs, giving you an edge over your competition. It can also increase your earning potential and open up more opportunities for career advancement within the field.