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.
Share this program
Email Print
Campus
- Kelowna
- Vernon
- Penticton
- Salmon Arm
- Distance
Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
Credential
Certificate
Delivery options
Full-Time, Part-Time
Tuition and fees
2024-25: $2,617.29 (Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm), $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.
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
| 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 | |
| Penticton | Sep. 04, 2024 | Online classroom delivery. |
| Salmon Arm | Sep. 04, 2024 | Online classroom delivery. |
| Vernon | Sep. 04, 2024 |
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 alternatives; or a minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration English entrance test.
Program outline
- 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
Experience
Join an info session or become a student for a day.
Ask
Have your questions answered by an advisor or recruiter.
Apply
Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at OC.