Contract Administrator Classes and Training Programs

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>As a contract administrator, you manage the procurement of equipment and supplies for a company and ensure employees have a safe and comfortable work environment. Classes related to contract administration are widely available in business certificate programs and bachelor's programs, as well as programs in construction contract administration. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> A high school diploma or GED is enough to enter this profession, although many employers seek candidates with relevant bachelor's degrees</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Classes</b></td><td> Contract law, economics, business, project management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2018)*</b> </td><td> $85,864 per year for administrative services managers</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: International Facility Management Association, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, *Salary.com</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfEducationDoINeed">What Type of Education Do I Need?</h3> <p>There is not one specific education path required to become a contract administrator, but the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some positions do require you to have a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree program in business can give you a background that prepares you for this profession. Relevant coursework includes: </p> <ul><li>Contracts law </li><li>Economics </li><li>Project management </li><li>Administrative duties </li><li>Management principles </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAboutCertificatePrograms">What About Certificate Programs?</h3> <p>Certificate programs related to contract administration are also available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. They typically cover the various aspects of contract management and procurement. In the program, you often become familiar with the following topics for your courses: </p> <ul><li>Life cycle of a contract </li><li>Risk management </li><li>Contract administration </li><li>Contract negotiation </li><li>Outsourcing </li><li>Subcontracting </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatOtherTrainingProgramsAreAvailable">What Other Training Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>You can also find training programs that specialize in construction contract administration. Programs that focus on government contracts management may also be beneficial. A program like this can teach you about the following areas of interest: </p> <ul><li>Training on interpreting specifications </li><li>Bidding </li><li>Construction law </li><li>Contract guidelines </li><li>Government contracts </li></ul><h3 id="section---IsCertificationAvailable">Is Certification Available?</h3> <p>The National Contract Management Association offers voluntary certification for contract administrators to demonstrate knowledge of contracts and ensure management skills. They offer three different certifications for those who work with government, commercial or professional contracts. To earn certification, you must have a bachelor's degree, complete a specific amount of work experience and pass an exam.</p>