Administrative Assistant Certification

Our exclusive distance learning programmes represent an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional administrative assistant classes.  Study for an advanced Level 5 PA and Secretarial Skills Diploma in your own time and at your own pace, over a series of 12 engaging modules as detailed below:

Module 1 - The Job Functions of a PA / Secretary

The primary job functions and responsibilities of personal assistants and secretaries are presented in the first module, which also examines the relationship between the PA and their employer.  Candidates consider the skills, knowledge and personal qualities of the effective PA, along with the role of the personal assistant in facilitating essential business processes.

Module 2 - Telephone Skills

An introduction to professional telephone manner follows in module two, in which candidates learn how to handle incoming and outgoing calls in an effective and efficient way.  Additional topics covered include leaving effective voice messages, transferring calls, screening calls, dealing with high call volumes, handling challenging calls and taking messages when the intended recipient is unavailable.

Module 3 - Mail Services and Shipping      

Module three explores the principles of effective mail and shipping processes, guiding candidates through the various different types of shipping and factors to consider when selecting appropriate forms of transportation.  The importance of ensuring all consignments reach their destinations promptly and safely is also discussed.           

Module 4 - Travel Arrangements

Candidates are then presented with a detailed breakdown of the process of making travel arrangements on behalf of others.  This includes evaluating and selecting methods of transportation, reserving hotels domestically and internationally, communicating special requests and generally ensuring everything is in place prior to departure.

Module 5 - Organising Meetings     

The art of effective meeting management is discussed in module five, in which candidates explore several common types of business meetings and related events.  The key differences between smaller meetings and larger conferences are also discussed, along with the logistics of organizing more advanced events and how to work effectively as part of an event management team.

Module 6 - Time Management

Module six examines the benefits of effective time management, along with the potential consequences of procrastination.  Candidates learn how to make better use of their time at work, create structured schedules to deal with everyday tasks more efficiently and proactively avoid timewasting and procrastination at all costs.

Module 7 – Keeping Accurate Records

The record keeping responsibilities of the PA or secretary are explored in module seven, which details the various types of records that must be kept and the importance of safe storage.  The benefits of backing up important records on a regular basis are discussed, along with the potential advantages and disadvantages of digital copies compared to conventional hard copies.

Module 8 - Writing Business Letters

An introduction to professional letter writing skills follows in module eight, in which candidates are presented with a series of standard business letters and their respective functions.  The importance of proofreading is discussed, along with page layout standards for important business communications and how to both begin and end business letters in an appropriate way.

Module 9 - Other Written Communication

Business communications are explored further in module nine, which brings additional written communications and email communications into discussion.  The functions of internal memorandums are examined, along with letter reports, bibliographies and more.

Module 10 - Presentation Skills

Module 10 provides a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in planning a successful presentation.  The use of visual aids to improve the effectiveness of a presentation are discussed, along with the various different types of presentation a PA may be expected to perform and the importance of getting every presentation off to a strong and engaging start.

Module 11 - Communication Skills

Learners are then presented with several reasons why it is essential for a professional PA or secretary to build advanced communication skills.  The use of both verbal and nonverbal communication in the workplace is discussed, along with the importance of providing constructive feedback and the art of effective questioning in an interview setting.

Module 12 - Office Management & Supervision

Concluding the course, module 12 explores the primary duties and responsibilities of office managers and supervisory personnel.  The potential advantages and disadvantages of virtual teams are discussed, along with the importance of ethical behaviour in the workplace and how to establish professional goals using the ‘SMART’ methodology.

Explore various free courses on our website. You can even take a start with one of our Free Administrative Skills courses today.

OHSC Certificate of Completion - Digital certificate

Digital certificate - Included.

Quality Licence Scheme Certificate of Completion - Hard copy certificate

Hard copy certificate - £85

Note: A nominal fee of £9.99 covers the delivery charge within the United Kingdom and a nominal fee of £19.99 covers the delivery charge outside the United Kingdom.

Make a name for yourself as an elite PA and even the sky isn’t the limit. Set your sights on a senior secretarial role with an established organization, or offer your services to an elite entrepreneur in any location worldwide. Public and private sector organizations alike are constantly on the lookout for talented PAs and secretaries. A position with limitless scope for advancement, experienced PAs can and anything from £20,000 to more than £50,000 per year. All with the added bonus of a dynamic and enjoyable career, where no two days are ever the same.