Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. You will prepare for the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) exam, as well as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert certification exams in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

What is the average salary for an executive assistant?

The average salary for an executive assistant in the U.S. is roughly $72,000–$74,000 per year, based on data from sources like Indeed ($72,500) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ($73,680). Actual salaries vary depending on experience, industry, and location, with higher earnings typically seen in senior roles and major metropolitan areas.

What is an executive assistant? What does an executive assistant do?

An executive assistant is a professional who provides high-level administrative support to senior leaders like CEOs or executives. They manage calendars, schedule meetings, coordinate travel, handle communications, and often assist with projects or confidential tasks to help executives stay organized and focused. Unlike general administrative roles, executive assistants typically work closely with leadership, requiring strong organization, discretion, and problem-solving skills.

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.

How many exam vouchers will I receive with this course?

You will receive six exam vouchers, one voucher for the CAP exam and five vouchers for the Microsoft MOS exams. This course fully prepares you to sit for the Word, Excel, and Access expert level exam. To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert Certification, you must earn the Associate certification by completing the MO-100 (Word), MO-200 (Excel), and MO-300 (PowerPoint) exams, and also complete two of the following expert exams: MO-101 (Word), MO-202 (Excel), or MO-500 (Access).

When can I start this course?

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

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 18 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

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

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

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 successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. 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."