If you're interested in working as an administrative assistant, it's usually pretty easy to find a job right out of high school.
If you want a leg up on the competition, however, a clerical certificate is a great way to make sure you stand out.
Even better, there are lots of certificate programs that you can complete 100% online without neglecting your other responsibilities.
Top Online Clerical Certification Programs
Read on for more details about some of the best online clerical certification programs in the country.
1. Ashworth College
Ashworth College offers an administrative assistant certification program online that you can complete on your own terms.
The asynchronous program includes courses on everything from calendar management to basic accounting.
Through this program, you'll develop the essential professional office skills you need to be a valuable member of any office staff.
The program starts at just $649 if you pay in full, or $749 total with monthly payments as low as $50 a month.
2. Delgado Community College
Become a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) online through Delgado Community College.
The 100% online, asynchronous curriculum includes courses in:
- organizational communication
- business writing and document production
- technology and information distribution
- office and records management
- event and project management
- organizational finance and budgeting
The program has open enrollment, so you can start at any time and proceed at your own pace, studying when it's convenient for you.
Tuition starts at $1,795 for 100 course hours and includes a voucher for the CAP certification exam. Monthly payment plans are available.
3. Lone Star College
Lone Star College offers a non-credit CAP program that allows you to gain industry certification without applying to college.
Since the program is non-credit and open-enrollment, you can start any time. The self-paced program can be completed in six months.
Lone Star College's fast-track online program includes courses in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- administrative office procedures
Tuition for the program starts at $2,123. Affordable monthly payment plans are available.
4. Nashville State Community College
With Nashville State Community College's technical certificate program, you can learn all the skills you need in less than one year online.
Even better, the credits you earn through this program can be transferred into an associate degree program.
Courses in the program cover skills such as:
- software applications
- electronic and routine office procedures
- document preparation
- management protocol for office files and records
- effective office communication
- decision-making and problem-solving skills
Total tuition and fees start at $5,639. Since you earn college credit, this program is eligible for scholarships and financial aid if you qualify.
5. University of North Georgia
The University of North Georgia has an online administrative assistant certificate program consisting of five courses lasting six weeks each.
Courses in the program, which must be taken in sequential order, are:
- Administrative Assistant Fundamentals
- Administrative Assistant Applications
- Interpersonal Communication
- Writing Essentials
- Building Teams That Work
Each course consists of two asynchronous classes a week. Each week's quiz and assignment must be completed within 10 days.
Total cost for the certificate program is $765, or $149 per course, with new courses starting every month.
6. San Joaquin Valley College
San Joaquin Valley College offers an online business office administration course to prepare you for an administrative career.
The program includes courses in:
- accounting cycle concepts
- principles of management
- principles of human resources
- principles of marketing
The certificate program can be completed in eight months, or you can apply your credits toward an associate degree in as few as 15 months.
Total tuition cost for the program starts at $17,359. Scholarships and federal financial aid are available for qualifying students.
7. Virginia Community College System
The Virginia Community College System offers a clerical studies certificate program through Central Virginia Community College.
The 100% online program consists of eight courses totaling 24 credit hours of asynchronous learning.
Through this program, you'll gain training in basic office processes and technology that's sufficient for an entry-level office clerk position.
Tuition starts at $154 per credit hour, with financial aid available. Credits earned can be transferred to an associate degree program.
FAQs About Online Clerical Certification Programs
Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about online clerical certification programs.
Is a Clerical Certificate Worth It?
It's absolutely worth it in the sense that you'll learn the skills you need in a relatively short amount of time.
Having the certificate provides proof to employers that you know how to complete administrative assistant tasks efficiently.
Can I Get a Clerical Certificate Fully Online?
Yes, there are lots of programs that allow you to get a clerical certificate 100% online, most of which are asynchronous.
With an asynchronous program, you can study when it's convenient for you without having to disrupt your already busy schedule.
Do Clerical Certificate Programs Earn College Credit?
Many certificate programs, especially the least expensive ones, are not for college credit, meaning you can't apply them toward a future degree.
The ones that do earn credit tend to be a little more expensive, but you also have the possibility of getting federal financial aid.
Find the Right School for Clerical Certification Today
Jumpstart your administrative assistant career with a clerical certificate from a great college or university online program.
