Administrative Assistant Certificate
In this program students learn a variety of skills from word processing, spreadsheets, database, desktop publishing, computerized accounting, and presentation software.
As a graduate of this program, you will be equipped with the business, communication, and technical skills required by today’s employers.
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Campus
- Kelowna
- Vernon
- Distance
Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
Credential
Certificate
Delivery options
Full-Time
Tuition and fees
2024-25: $5,311.204(Kelowna, Penticton, and Salmon Arm), $5,214.82 (Vernon)
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Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.
- Only the in-class program is student loan eligible.
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All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Program details
The Administrative Assistant Certificate program is a 1,098 hour (36.6 week) certificate program which includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, computerized accounting, and presentation software. Students also learn business communications, business math, office procedures, effective job search techniques, accounting, and self-management skills. There is a three-week practicum component to this certificate.
The Administrative Assistant Certificate program is offered on campus as well as online. On-site students are normally enrolled full time; students wishing to take courses on campus on a part-time basis should consult with the department chair. Online students may complete the program part time.
Graduates may be employed as receptionists, general clerks, administrative or executive assistants, and other similar careers.
Graduates may also continue their education as the Administrative Assistant Certificate program is recognized by other programs such as the òòò½ÎÑ Legal Administrative and Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate programs. As well, select courses transfer to the òòò½ÎÑ Business Administration.
In-class delivery (37 weeks):
- uses class management software
- runs on a Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. schedule
- instructor led by fully qualified, experienced post-secondary instructors
- are interactive and engaging
- hi-flex delivery: students can attend class in person on campus (scheduled days), and online
- MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, contact oadm@okanagan.bc.ca for more detail
Distance Education online delivery (1,110 hours):
- flexible program that allows you to choose when you study and work on your course materials
- student-led and self-paced
- ability to contact your instructor for any course assistance or questions
- MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, contact oadm@okanagan.bc.ca for more detail
| Campus | Start date | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Flexible | You may start this program the first Monday of the month, every month except August and December. |
| Kelowna | Sep. 03, 2025 | |
| Vernon | Sep. 03, 2025 |
Admission requirements
- B.C. Secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
- English 11 with minimum 50% or ; or a minimum score of 70% on an òòò½ÎÑ Office Administration English entrance test.
Prior Learning Assessment:
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows adults with considerable life and work experience to verify that they possess the skills and/or knowledge required in some university/college level courses and receive credit for those courses.
PLA is available in the following courses:
- Word Processing I
- Communications I
- Business Math and Calculators
- Records Management
- Office Procedures
- Accounting I
- Computer Essentials and the Internet
- Database
- Spreadsheets
- Job Search Techniques
- Students who are in the Administrative Assistant program and pass OADM 165, 167, 169 and 128/129 may apply for equivalence for BUAD 128 Computer Applications I.
- Students who are in the Administrative Assistant or Accounting/Bookkeeping programs and pass OADM 143 and 142 may apply for equivalence for BUAD 111 Financial Accounting I.
- Students who are in the Administrative Assistant program and pass OADM 110, 111 and 181 may apply for equivalence for CMNS 112 Business Communication I.
- Students who are in the Accounting/Bookkeeping program and pass OADM 145, 169A and 169B may apply for equivalence for BUAD 128 Computer Applications I.
- Students who are in the Accounting/Bookkeeping program and pass OADM 144 may apply for equivalence for BUAD 121 Financial Accounting II.
Program outline
Minimum passing grade per course is 70%.
Additional information
View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page
Experience
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