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Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Today's office is a dynamic place where global networking, communication, and workflows are becoming increasingly complex and challenging. To ensure the organization's efficiency, employers depend on office administrators to provide effective clerical support to all levels of management. They need staff with exceptional computer and organizational skills and specific business skills such as bookkeeping, customer service, and document processing.

In this certificate program, you will develop the necessary technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills to enhance your role as an effective office team member. Once you graduate, you will be prepared to apply to roles such as executive assistant, administrative assistant, records management technician, general office support worker, receptionist, data entry clerk, accounting and related clerk, payroll administrator, publication and regulatory clerk, and other customer and information services representative positions. With various hands-on practical experience and creative thinking skills, graduates are trained to meet the demands of today's challenging work environment.

This program is offered in full-time and part-time delivery.

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$5,200.00.

*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older
  • Grade 12 English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251)
  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading.

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Students in the Office Administration - General, Executive and Legal programs should demonstrate:

    • the physical ability to touch type to industry standards (Note: this is a graduation requirement).
    • a strong interest and aptitude in computer applications.
    • a solid base of written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
    • the ability to produce business-related documentation to time-sensitive deadlines.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates will find entry-level employment opportunities in a variety of office settings working as an administrative assistant. Opportunities might include receptionist, customer service representative, data entry clerk, bookkeeper, accounting clerk or office assistant.

Unsure of which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one to one advising for prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please reach out to SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
  • Schedule and coordinate tasks, within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
  • Receive, process and distribute communications in the workplace to assist the flow of information.
  • Operate and provide support related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
  • Locate, file and retrieve documents and records from a variety of electronic and paper sources to support daily office operations.
  • Record basic financial information using established document formats, procedures and accounting software.
  • Produce routine business documents using available technologies and established standards and formats.
  • Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the vision and mission of the organization.
  • Compile resources as well as services to prepare summary reports.
  • Select and use information technologies to support communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Assist in the organization and coordination of meetings and travel arrangements.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opened November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025