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Office Assistant Certificate

This entry-level program is for students interested in working business offices. Learn about business communications, computer essentials, office procedures, business math, word processing, spreadsheets and database software. Graduates are able to start a career as a receptionist or office assistant and can take further courses to specialize in areas of interest.

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Campus

  • Kelowna
  • Vernon
  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Full-Time, Part-Time

Tuition and fees

2024-25: $2,617.29 (Kelowna) / $2,655.60 (Vernon)

  • 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.

  • All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

  • Detailed domestic tuition and fees information

Program details

The 510-hour (17 weeks) Office Assistant Certificate program is an entry-level program for students interested in working in business offices. Students in this program learn essential business skills such as business communications, computer essentials, office procedures, business math, word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Graduates may be employed as receptionists, file clerks, and office assistants. Graduates of this program may also choose to continue their education by enrolling in more advanced Office Administration programs such as the Accounting Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, or Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate programs.

In-class delivery (17 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
  • 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 (510 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

Explore online delivery

Program quick facts

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. 04, 2024
Vernon Sep. 04, 2024
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 º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Office Administration English entrance test.

Program outline

OADM 167 - Computer Essentials
OADM 174 - Keyboarding
OADM 110 - Business Communications
OADM 128 - Word Processing I
OADM 180 - Self-Management Skills
OADM 130 - Business Math and Calculators
OADM 136 - Office Procedures
OADM 132 - Organizational Software
OADM 135 - Records Management
OADM 165 - Presentation Graphics
OADM 169A - Spreadsheet I
OADM 181 - Job Search Techniques
  • Graduation from the Office Assistant Certificate program requires successful completion of all courses in the program with a minimum final grade of 70 per cent in each.
Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

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