How to become an Administrative Assistant

To become an administrative assistant you may be required to:

Graduate from high school or obtain a GED.
Build your office management skills and computer software application knowledge through lower-level positions such as data entry.
Obtain any required industry-related certifications to learn industry-specific terminology and practices.
Consider completing an associate's degree in a business-related field.
Complete on-the-job training.

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What skills help Administrative Assistants find jobs?

Administrative Experience
QuickBooks
Data Entry
Office Experience
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office
10 Key Calculator
Filing
Microsoft Powerpoint
Typing

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Career progression for Administrative Assistant

Education levels for Administrative Assistants

Based on the requirements of Administrative Assistant job openings on Indeed in the United States within the last three years.

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Expected salary by experience

Based on resume data from Indeed users who reported working as an Administrative Assistant in the United States within the last three years.

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Common qualifications for Administrative Assistants

Driver's License
Certified Notary Public
RN
Real Estate License
Certified Administrative Professional
Non-CDL Class C
CPR Certification
Ford Certification
Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification
FINRA License
First Aid Certification
Certified Court Reporter

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What are the best soft skills for an administrative assistant to have?

Some of the most ideal skills for an administrative assistant include:

Organization: A quality secretary makes sure no one misses a meeting, files are easy to find and the office runs smoothly
Communication: You need to be able to speak clearly, communicate information accurately and write well
Attention to detail: Your writing, data entry and reporting have to be error-free to present information accurately and professionally
Time management: You may work for multiple people, perhaps within multiple departments, which makes your own time management very important

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Are there certifications which administrative assistants can take to improve the career prospects?

While you don't need any certifications to become an administrative assistant, you can gain a competitive advantage in the job market by becoming a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). To take the CAP exam, you must have particular work experience qualifications depending on your education level.

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What career paths are available for administrative assistants?

Administrative assistants can advance to become executive administrative assistants. This normally requires having a bachelor's degree and may also require having CAP certification. You will need to have some years of experience and also, preferably, knowledge of the business. With the knowledge and experience you gain as an executive secretary, you could possibly move up to become a manager.

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