Most employers require that you complete some type of educational training to be considered for an executive assistant position. A college degree from an accredited institution is the recommended educational requirement for executive assistants.
At a minimum, you need to have a high school diploma or proof of receiving an education equivalent to a high school education. An employer may also require that you have work experience as an administrative assistant, secretary, or similar role.
You usually need the following knowledge and skills to become an executive assistant:
- business knowledge
- administrative skills
- communication skills
- computer skills
- problem-solving skills
Find out more about the educational requirements for executive assistants below.
High School Requirements
You will need a high school diploma, to have successfully passed a general educational development test, or have proof of completing a similar education to start your career as an executive assistant.
Almost every employer requires you to complete high school. A high school diploma qualifies you for administrative and secretary positions that can lead to an executive assistant position.
There are some employers that will allow you to work as an executive assistant with just a high school diploma, but you can expect to receive the lowest annual salary and executive assistant position if you decide not to go any further in your education.
Pursue a certification or a college degree from an accredited institution to enhance your knowledge and skills and advance your career.
Certification Requirements
An executive assistant certification can significantly increase your chances of starting or advancing your career. If you have a high school diploma, find a certificate program to benefit your educational needs.
There are several different certificate programs that are available online that are great opportunities for gaining skills in leadership, management, business, technology, and more.
You can earn your certificate from a community college, technical school, university, or another organization.
College Certificate Options
There are several opportunities offered by accredited institutions to earn an online certificate that demonstrates your ability to successfully carry out executive assistant duties.
For example, you can earn a certificate in leadership and communication from the University of Pennsylvania or enroll into a certificate program in marketing, leadership, or technology at Cornell University.
Cornell University offers certificate programs such as the executive leadership certificate or business ethics certificate to prepare you for success in your executive assistant role.
Charter College offers a certificate in business office administration program that focuses on business communication, principles of business law, report preparation, and word processing and data entry.
Certifications are great opportunities if you are not interested in committing to the time it takes to receive an associate or bachelor's degree.
Other Certificate Options
You do not have to enroll in college to earn a certificate. Many certificate programs require several years of related work experience.
You are eligible to take the certified administrative professional exam by the International Association of Administrative Professionals with four years of relevant work experience.
If you have an associate degree or bachelor's degree, you are eligible for the same certification in two to three years of relevant work experience.
There are also many Microsoft Office certifications that show employers you can demonstrate skills in key Office programs that are used in most businesses around the world.
Degree Requirements
Many employers require you to hold an associate or bachelor's degree to be considered for a position as an executive assistant. A degree in a specific field is usually not required.
The Bureau Labor of Statistics suggests a degree in business, communications, or education to gain interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, writing skills, and organizational skills.
A college education provides opportunities such as clubs, certifications, and internships that give you professional work experience and enhance your degree to meet your career goals.
You can expect to receive a higher position and annual salary as an executive assistant with a college degree.
On-the-Job Training
A lot of your educational experience as an executive assistant will come from on-the-job training. The duties of an executive assistant are different for each employer and many skills must be taught in the work environment.
You may be required to attend meetings, company classes, conferences, or other mandatory sessions through your employer to achieve educational requirements as an executive assistant.
Meet Educational Requirements for Becoming an Executive Assistant
Educational requirements for executive assistants vary depending on the job opportunity. If you a pursuing a career as an executive assistant, you can look forward to several months to four years of education and several years of work experience.
