It is generally not necessary for an individual to seek employment as an administrative assistant. Most entry-level positions require an applicant to have a minimum of a high school diploma and knowledge in clerical procedures and software applications that include word processing, spreadsheet and database management.
It is also important for individuals seeking a career as an administrative assistant to be a proficient typist with good spelling, punctuation, and grammar and oral communication skills. Many employers also seek to hire those who are good at customer service and interaction with the public. In order to obtain more responsibilities and a higher-level position, it is also important for candidates to excel at organizational and managerial skills; they need to take initiative and be able to work independently.
Training of administrative assistants varies in many ways. Many assistants acquire the necessary skills through high school training programs that teach basic office skills and keyboarding. There are also 1-to-2-year programs offered by business schools, vocational and technical institutes and community colleges that specialize in the training of office administration. Individuals, who choose this career and are hired through temporary agencies, also receive additional training in the computer and office skills they may be lacking in. In most instances, the necessary skills are often taught while on the job.
Students who decide to become a medical or legal secretary need additional training and education to become knowledgeable if the specific subjects. In most cases it is necessary for individuals to have a bachelor’s degree and professional certification.
There are a few organizations that offer testing and certification to those candidates who are proven competent at the specific tasks. They are the International Association of Administrative Professionals; National Association of Legal Secretaries, Inc and Legal Secretaries International, Inc. With these certifications, secretaries and administrative assistants are able to build a resume that includes more prestige’s titles. Some of the titles include the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). These titles are earned by increases in education or passing of certification examinations. Those who become educated as a legal secretary are often designated as an Accredited Legal Secretary (ALS). With the increase in experience and certification; administrative assistants are able to earn more responsibilities in more advanced positions.
