Administrative Certificate or License Facts
Certifications are available through reputable organizations for administrative assistants, legal secretaries and virtual assistants who seek professional recognition of their career skills and abilities. Find out why earning certification is beneficial, and learn about the types of administrative certification designations and how to obtain them.
Is Certification Required to Work as an Administrative Professional?
<p>A formal degree beyond a high school diploma may not be required initially, but potential employers may require a degree or formal training depending on the nature of the work. Software knowledge, excellent typing ability, strong communication skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are also important. In order to increase your marketability, you may want to earn certification to pair with your existing skills. Degree programs and continuing education classes are available in various specialties, such as legal administrative assistant, and certification is also available through reputable organizations.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Knowledge of software, good communication and typing skills, task prioritization</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Benefits of Certification</b></td><td>Better job prospects nationwide, improve your resume and demand for your services, remain competitive with millions seeking similar career options</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Organizations</b></td><td>International Association of Administrative Professionals, International Virtual Assistants Association, Legal Secretaries International Inc.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Programs</b></td><td>Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Certified Virtual Assistant, Certified Legal Secretary Specialist</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $40,990 (<i>for all secretaries and administrative assistants</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 9% decline (<i>for all secretaries and administrative assistants</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhoShouldBecomeCertified">Who Should Become Certified?</h3>
<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), secretarial and administrative positions are held by millions of professionals in the United States, and the positions continue to expand into other markets that even include virtual assisting (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Due to this fact, you may want to obtain additional administrative certification or training in order to increase your job prospects and remain competitive in your field.
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<h3 id="section---WhatProgramsCanIParticipateIn">What Programs Can I Participate In?</h3>
<p>There are multiple 2-year and 4-year accredited schools that offer degrees for administrative professionals. Professional organizations also offer administrative certification programs. For example, the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals and requires a passing score on an exam in order to gain certification (<i>www.iaap-hq.org</i>). Eligibility to take the exam is based on professional and educational experience. If you have no formal education, years of experience can be used in place of a degree.
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<p>The International Virtual Assistants Association offers certification to virtual assistants who demonstrate the necessary skills and pass an exam (<i>www.ivaa.org</i>). Legal assistants can earn the Certified Legal Secretary Specialist certification from Legal Secretaries International Inc. by meeting the experience requirements and passing an examination (<i>www.legalsecretaries.org</i>). Also, many organizations require recertification. For example, CAP certification can be maintained by completing continuing education courses every five years.</p>