An administrative specialist provides communication, business, hospitality, and clerical support to an organization. What education and certification is required to become an administrative specialist? Keep reading to find out.
Career Defined
An administrative specialist is a job title commonly associated with a secretary or an administrative assistant, but specialists often have additional responsibilities, such as managing events and administrative projects. As an administrative specialist, your job duties will depend on the type of company or business you work for. You'll use computers, answer phones, organize records, and manage other office-related tasks; you may also handle substantive administrative projects as they arise. In addition to computer skills, you'll need good communication and customer service skills, along with knowledge of office equipment and basic accounting. Making travel arrangements and drafting office correspondence may also be part of your job.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAdministrativeSpecialists">Important Facts About Administrative Specialists</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Administrative assistant, office clerks, receptionists</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Most admin specialists work in an office setting; virtual admins may work from a home office</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Integrity, interpersonal skills, organizational ability, writing skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> On-the-job Training </td><td> Administrative specialists usually require some on-the-job training to learn the more detailed aspects of their jobs</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3><p>Certificate and two-year degree programs that provide the education needed to be an administrative specialist can be found at community and technical colleges. These programs often target office professionals who want to expand their knowledge in computer applications, general office procedures, business math, communication, and customer service. Such programs are designed to prepare you for employment as an administrative specialist in any type of business. You can expect to take courses in keyboarding, communications, and accounting. There may also be courses in Microsoft program applications, such as Access, Word, and Excel.
</p><h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3><p>The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offers the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential, which is designed to demonstrate your proficiency in computer systems and technology, office procedures, communications, and office management. You'll need to pass an exam to become certified, and recertification is required every five years.
</p><h3 id="section---SalaryAndJobOutlook">Salary and Job Outlook</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for administrative assistants and secretaries was expected to decrease by 10% between 2021 and 2031. Technology continues to increase and change the way businesses operate, due to the rise of these innovations, other people in the workforce can manage their work without the assistance of secretaries. According to the BLS in May 2021, the mean annual wage for these professionals was $41,080 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).</p>
