What is an administrative professional?

Secretaries and administrative assistants help an organization run efficiently. They use computer software to create spreadsheets, manage databases, and prepare presentations, reports, and documents. They also may negotiate with vendors, buy supplies, and manage stockrooms or corporate libraries. Secretaries and administrative assistants also set up appointments and use videoconferencing and other office equipment. Specific job duties vary by experience, job title, and specialty, but they work in almost every sector of the economy, including schools, government, and private corporations.

How much can I earn with a CAP certification?

According to Zippia, the average salary for an administrative professional in the U.S. is $39,486. Administrative professional salaries typically range between $23,000 and $65,000 a year. The average hourly rate for administrative professionals is $18.98 per hour.

Does this course prepare for a certification?

Yes, you will be prepared for the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Please visit IAAP for more detailed information on eligibility and applying for the exam.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

What will I do as an administrative professional?

As an administrative professional, you will play an important role in keeping an office organized and functioning efficiently. You will perform routine clerical tasks such as answering phones and drafting messages. Administrative professionals will also organize files, schedule appointments, and support other employees within the office. As an administrative professional, you may also be responsible for greeting guests who visit your organization.

What education do I need to become an administrative professional?

For most administrative professional positions, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent as well as some training which can be obtained in an online course like this one. There is a lot of competition for good administrative professional jobs, so getting formal training and earning a certification will put you ahead of the competition and make you more desirable to employers.

What is the average salary of an administrative professional?

The median salary across all office and administrative support positions according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is nearly $35,000 per year. Your salary will vary depending on the type of administrative job you choose. For example, a financial clerk earns a median salary of $38,680 while a receptionist earns $28,390 and secretaries earn $37,870. According to a research study conducted by Microsoft, entry-level professionals who obtain a certification can earn almost $16,000 more per year than those without certification.

Are administrative professionals in demand?

Yes, administrative professionals are in demand, but there is expected to be little change in the total number of open positions in this field through 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technology is expected to play a major role in this profession, so your understanding of courses like those in the Microsoft Office Suite will help you land coveted positions.

Where do administrative professionals work?

Administrative professionals typically work full time hours, between 35- 40 hours per week in an office environment, though some do work part time. It is even possible to work from home depending on your duties and your employer. You will spend large amounts of time in front of a computer using various software courses. You will also interact with other people on a daily basis either in person or via the phone.

What qualities should a good administrative professional have?

In order to be a good administrative professional, you will need good communication skills as you will be responsible for working with people at many different levels within the organization. You will also need good organizational skills, a detail-oriented personality, and the ability to keep information you encounter private and confidential. In addition, you'll need to have good time management as well as the ability to prioritize tasks, and you will need to be dependable and reliable no matter what tasks you're assigned. Finally, you'll need to know how to provide good customer service.