Why You Should Get an Administrative Assistant Certification

By Omar Sommereyns, Monster Contributor

Almost every industry has a need for eagle-eyed administrative assistants who can handle a variety of clerical, organizational, and proofing tasks. From answering phones and emails to scheduling meetings and appointments; prepping memos, invoices, presentations, and reports; editing documents; updating spreadsheets and databases; and possibly doing some bookkeeping—the duties of an administrative assistant are manifold and may fluctuate on a daily basis.

But how do you elevate this career to the next level? How do you stand out among the flood of candidates vying for the same position? There’s a simple answer: Get an administrative assistant certification. Whether you want to work in healthcare or technical services, education or legal offices, government agencies, or just the corporate headquarters of your favorite brand, we’ll show you how an administrative certification can widen your skill set, broaden your opportunities, and increase your salary potential.

What Is an Administrative Assistant Certification?

Job titles in this field can range from secretaries and office clerks to receptionists and the colloquial “admin,” but before we go over what a certification entails, review these 10 essential skills for administrative assistants. Whatever your title may be, mastering those skills should ensure your success.

An administrative assistant certification (or what can also be called an administrative certification) provides training applicable to the real world that demonstrates to employers your superior aptitude for administrative work—and, well, that you’re taking your career quite seriously. You’re showcasing how you’ve updated your technical knowledge and how you’re being proactive about doing whatever’s necessary to be a cut above the rest. And given that many admin positions don’t require a college degree, a high school diploma reinforced with the proper certification should allow you to progress within any organization.

According to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), admins are often involved in key purchasing decisions for their companies, which amounts to an annual average of $20,000. Successful admins are highly valued members of their organizations, and this career is coveted for its stable work-life balance, a relatively low-stress quotient, and above-average possibilities for promotion. Getting certified gives you a better chance to move up and remain within the field for the long term—which is typically the goal for most admins, as indicated by the IAAP.

What Are the Benefits of an Administrative Certification?

If you’re in the admin world, you already know how important it is to stay organized and have good writing skills, especially since communication through email is omnipresent. But acquiring a specialized credential can improve your prospects when it comes to getting hired, getting paid more, and getting promoted.

Of course, a certification is not imperative for everyone. It really depends on a few factors, including your educational attainment, your previous work experience, what kind of skills you possess, what software and technologies you’re familiar with, and what requirements a certain position may stipulate. (See, for example, Monster’s administrative assistant job description.)

But we’d never say that opting for a certification is a waste of time or money since the benefits are plentiful. And you’ll likely swoop in some extra skills or additional expertise to display on your admin resume (as well as a designation and career achievement to flaunt in your email signature)—and that can’t hurt.

Ultimately, you should consider getting an administrative assistant certification for the following reasons:

  • If you’re having trouble getting hired: After a rather short time spent studying and passing an exam, you’ll garner some worthwhile training that will revamp your grasp of current office applications and filing systems for the 21st-century workplace. A certification can help you surpass the competition during the hiring process.
  • If you’re missing relevant work experience: Maybe you haven’t yet held a job in an office, but it is where you want to be. A certification can help you outshine others by manifesting your commitment and genuine interest in the field of admins.
  • If you need to acclimate to new technology: You may have several years of experience, but new companies and new positions may have totally new tech requirements. A certification can help you stay ahead of current office standards and teach you new software skills.

How Do You Get Certified?

Depending on your needs, a few different types of administrative assistant certifications are available, and we’ve listed three popular ones below.

Certification Type: Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE)

The Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) is issued by the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), which is the largest organization of its kind, with over 75,000 members nationwide. You can take this course online, and the price of admission includes a comprehensive study plan and training videos. Four learning modules are highlighted in this program:

  • Interpersonal Communications
  • Task and Project Management
  • Computer and Internet Technology
  • Management Skills

Featuring 120 multiple-choice questions, the exam is timed at 90 minutes, and you’ll have three chances to pass. Plus, you’ll have up to one year after your enrollment date to take the test, and there aren’t any previous educational requirements to qualify.

Certification Type: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification from the IAAP is a highly sought-out credential that’s only available during one three-week period in the spring and another in the fall of each year. The CAP exam should take three hours to complete and covers six domains:

  • Organizational Communications
  • Business Writing and Document Production
  • Technology and Information Distribution
  • Office and Records Management
  • Event and Project Management
  • Operational Functions

Featuring 200 to 225 multiple-choice questions, this test needs to be taken in-person at an approved proctored testing center. As a prerequisite, you’ll need some education and/or work experience before being eligible.

Certification Type: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Undeniably, the Microsoft Office software suite plays a large role in day-to-day tasks performed by any admin. So if you need to strengthen your technical knowledge of any Office applications and want the ability to negotiate a higher starting salary (especially for entry-level positions), look into a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification.

Browse around because you’ll have various options. Exams should take about 90 minutes, and you’ll need to do them in-person at a Certiport Authorized Testing Center. If you want to go even further, you can eventually earn MOS Expert and MOS Master certifications too.

Ready to Gain an Edge and Enhance Your Career?

Now that you know how to obtain an administrative assistant certification, sign up with Monster for free and take advantage of all our career-boosting resources. Not only will you be able to apply to any administrative assistant jobs you see, but we’ll also send you nifty guides related to your industry, customized alerts about openings in your area, and direct connections to recruiters at the companies you want to work for.