Essential Information
In a computer office assistant certificate program, students learn basic keyboarding and computer office applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet design and document formatting. Many programs utilize Microsoft Office Suite. Applicants must have high school diploma or a GED for admission.
Computer Office Assistant Certificate
Computer office assistant certificate coursework is often transferrable to an associate's degree program. Some topics covered may include:
- Excel basics
- Word basics
- Keyboarding for speed and accuracy
- Microsoft Office basic skills
- Presentation graphics
- Database applications
Popular Career Options
Graduates may find work in office settings, such as banks, legal firms, private industries, accounting firms, insurance companies or government agencies. Office assistants perform a wide variety of duties, including answering phones, typing and word processing, filing, spreadsheet design and stenography. Some job titles are:
- Administrative assistant
- Office clerk
- Office manager
- Customer service representative
- Office coordinator
Employment Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected that job opportunities for secretaries and administrative assistants will decrease by 9% from 2019 to 2029 (www.bls.gov). The mean annual salary of these professionals was $40,420 as of May 2020.
Continuing Education Information
Graduates of a computer office certificate program may find entry-level positions in secretarial work. Employers seeking administrative assistants may require a college degree closely related to the industry, according to the BLS. Associate's degree programs offer a higher level of training for these positions.
An associate's degree also trains individuals wishing to work in medical or law offices. The International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), International Association of Administrative Professionals, Legal Secretaries International Inc. and National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offer testing and certification for individuals who demonstrate competency in office work. These credentials may improve advancement and job opportunities.
Students in the computer office assistant certificate program learn basic computer skills, along with phone etiquette, computer graphics software and file organization. Graduates are eligible for several administrative positions and can voluntarily seek certification
