Administrative Certifications: Benefits and Tips to Earning One

Are you an adiminstrative professional looking to expand your knowledge, test your abilities, and open up new opportunities? If so, it may be time to get an administrative certification. 

This blog post will dive into: 

• Top administrative certifications 
• The benefits to earning one 
• how to know which certification is right for you 

Let’s get to it! 

Benefits of an Administrative Certification 

Here are three examples of the many benefits to getting certified: 

• Increased opportunity for advancement: Certifications can allow you to improve and demonstrate your skills and abilities. This is going to be helpful for future career growth, whether you’re going after promotions or looking for new opportunities. 
• Higher pay: In many cases, earning an administrative certification can also lead to higher pay. The skills, knowledge, and abilities you’ll prove with a certification can majorly increase your earning potential. 
• Greater confidence in your abilities: As you deepen your expertise through the course of an administrative certification, you’ll likely feel more confident in your skills at work. Having credentials under your belt can help you feel better prepared when it’s time to take on new challenges or projects. 

What are the Best Administrative Certifications? 

There are many different administrative certifications available, depending on your area of interest or expertise.  

We’ve identified a few of the most lucrative and sought after administrative certifications, plus the benefits to earning them. 

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential is administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed for administrators who want to demonstrate their proficiency in key areas such as communication, organization, and problem-solving. 

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)  

The Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) certification is designed for secretaries and administrative assistants who want to demonstrate their proficiency in key areas such as word processing, transcription, and office management. 

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Microsoft administers the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) credential. It is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) 

Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) by The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) is a certification that recognizes the top administrative professionals in the country. 

How Do I Earn an Administrative Certification?

Each administrative certification will have its own specific guidelines, curriculum, and time commitment. So once you choose the right one for you, you’ll likely have some additional steps to take. However, if you’re wondering where to start, try following these four steps below: 

Step one: Choose a certification. 

The first step is to decide which certification most aligns with your industry or career goals. Take time to research each certification and weigh its specific benefits. Once you’ve found the right administrative certification, you can move on to step two. 

Step two: Review the requirements.  

Now that you have an administrative certification in mind, take some time to thoroughly review all of the requirements for completion. 

Step three: Plan.  

Once you’re aware of all the requirements, you can begin the planning phase! Review the requirements in the context of your unique situation to determine what you’ll need to successfully earn this certification. For example, if you work 40 hours a week, how will you build this certification into your schedule? 

Step four: Execute! 

After researching, deciding, and planning, you should have all you need to execute your plan and earn an administrative certification. 

Questions to Help You Choose an Administrative Certification

As we mentioned, the first step in earning a certification is choosing one! We’ve outlined some questions that can help you narrow down your options. Or, these questions may even help you determine whether pursuing a certification is right for you at this time.   

What skills would help you to excel in this field? 

The very first thing to consider is what skills would help you succeed, and whether you have have them. Certain certifications are geared more toward different skill sets—keep this in mind when selecting one. 

How much experience do you have? 

Another factor to consider is how much work experience you have. Most administrative certification programs require at least two to three years of relevant work experience. If you don’t have much experience yet, don’t worry—there are other ways to gain the skills and knowledge you need. For example, many certification programs offer prerequisite courses or modules that can help you build the foundation for a successful career in administration. 

Are you having trouble finding an administrative job? 

If you’re having trouble finding an administrative job, getting certified may be a good way to improve your chances. Certifications can demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job, which can make you a desirable candidate to employers. 

Do you have time to dedicate to getting an administrative certification? 

Another thing to consider is whether you have the time to dedicate to getting a certification. Certification programs can vary in length from a few months to a year or more, so it’s important to make sure you can commit the necessary time before enrolling.  

What are your goals? 

Finally, you need to reflect on your personal and professional goals. Do you want to move up the ladder in your current organization? Or do you want to transition into a new field altogether? If you have specific career aspirations, make sure the certification program you choose aligns with those goals. 

Ready to Get Certified? 

Now that you’ve considered the steps and many benefits to earning an administrative certification, it’s time to get started. And when you’re ready to take your administrative career to the next level, check out the Insight Global job board. We’re experts at connecting administrative professionals with exceptional companies.