Administrative Skills
Overview
This comprehensive certificate program equips students with the skills required to excel in administrative support roles across a range of professional settings. Through applied learning and practical training, students develop expertise in office procedures, professional communication, business writing, and workplace technology.
The curriculum also includes financial processes, client service, and job readiness to prepare graduates for immediate employment and practicum placements.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
- English 40G/40S or equivalent
- Consumer/Essential Mathematics 40S or equivalent
If you received your education outside of Manitoba, please review the equivalent admission requirements: Interprovincial or International.
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Don't meet admission requirements?
If you don’t meet admission requirements, visit our Centre for Adult Learning to upgrade courses.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Administrative Skills program are prepared to take on key roles that keep workplaces running smoothly and efficiently. With strong organizational, communication, and technology skills, administrative professionals are essential members of any team.
Administrative assistants are in demand across a wide range of industries in both the public and private sectors. Possible job titles include:
- Administrative Assistant
- Executive Secretary
- Office Administrative Assistant
- Private Secretary
- Technical Secretary
Connections
Our program is designed in consultation with industry partners to ensure the skills you learn align with current workplace needs. Whether you’re supporting executives, coordinating office operations, or managing information flow, a career as an administrative professional opens the door to diverse workplaces and advancement opportunities.
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
Tools & Supplies
Technology Requirements
All of our programs require the use of a computer with internet access. Some resources may be available on campus. For more details, see At-Home Computing.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Tuition, fees, Students' Association fees and supplies total approximately $9,500. All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice.
Courses
To graduate with an Administrative Skills certificate, students must successfully complete 66 academic credits.
Office Procedures 1 (OFAD-0029) | 6 Credits
This course introduces students to core office procedures and organizational systems used in administrative support roles. Students develop skills in scheduling, resource coordination, record management, supply tracking, and reception duties. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, confidentiality, and following organizational procedures.
- Schedule meetings and book rooms using manual or digital calendars in line with organizational procedures.
- Track and manage office supplies using inventory templates or software.
- Perform front-line reception duties in simulated scenarios with professional etiquette.
- Maintain paper and electronic filing systems according to workflow procedures.
- Demonstrate adaptability by responding to simulated interruptions or task switching.
Workplace Communication (COMM-0444) | 6 Credits
Students learn how to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, clients, and supervisors. The course covers verbal, written, and non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, and building strong workplace relationships. Professional etiquette and client service skills are emphasized.
- Apply active listening and professional speaking techniques in face-to-face and digital workplace interactions.
- Draft concise internal and external emails using appropriate tone, etiquette, and structure.
- Resolve workplace communication issues using conflict resolution frameworks.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness in case-based scenarios.
- Apply feedback to improve communication style and customer service skills.
Workplace Technology 1 (COMP-0675) | 6 Credits
This foundational course develops students’ confidence with office technology including Microsoft Suite and cloud-based tools. Students learn digital file management, keyboarding accuracy, document security, and collaborative tools used in modern office environments.
- Use word processing software to create and format professional business documents
- Manage cloud-based files and folders using naming conventions and access controls.
- Apply keyboarding techniques to improve typing speed and accuracy.
- Format spreadsheets for data entry and basic calculation tasks.
- Apply accessibility tools or settings in document creation.
Business Writing & Documents 1 (COMM-0442) | 6 Credits
Students learn to draft, format, and produce routine business documents including memos, emails, letters, and forms. The course emphasizes grammar, tone, proofreading, and formatting aligned to professional workplace standards.
- Draft routine workplace documents (emails, letters, memos) using correct grammar, structure, and tone.
- Format professional business letters using industry standards.
- Proofread documents to identify and correct spelling, grammar, and clarity errors.
- Apply workplace branding and formatting conventions in all outgoing communication.
- Organize information clearly in correspondence to support reader understanding.
Workplace Success Skills (WRKP-0095) | 6 Credits
This course focuses on essential employability skills such as time management, adaptability, initiative, ethics, and collaboration. Students explore workplace scenarios that develop self-regulation, decision-making, and professional accountability.
- Apply time management tools (calendars, task lists) to prioritize and complete multiple administrative tasks.
- Demonstrate initiative by identifying areas for improvement in workflow simulations.
- Collaborate with peers using appropriate verbal, digital, and written professional communication strategies.
- Analyze ethical scenarios to demonstrate understanding of confidentiality, integrity, and workplace ethics.
- Reflect on personal learning approaches to develop a plan for self-regulation and workplace wellness.
Office Procedures 2 (OFAD-0030) | 6 Credits
Pre-requisite: Administrative & Office Procedures (6 Credits)
Building on Procedures 1, students develop advanced office management skills including task tracking, event coordination, applying procedural guides, and managing shifting priorities. Students work with mock office scenarios to apply procedural thinking and resource management.
- Coordinate travel arrangements using booking tools and organizational guidelines.
- Follow office procedure checklists and guides.
- Apply prioritization techniques to manage a simulated workload with shifting deadlines.
- Track administrative tasks using workflow or project management tools.
- Prioritize administrative tasks based on urgency, deadlines, and shifting workplace needs.
Workplace Technology 2 (COMP-0676) | 6 Credits
Pre-requisite: Workplace Technology 1 (6 credits)
This course explores advanced office software, cloud-based tools, digital collaboration systems, and data management. Students learn to troubleshoot basic technology issues, apply accessibility standards, and follow cybersecurity protocols. The course also introduces the use of social media platforms for basic workplace communication and brand-consistent messaging.
- Troubleshoot basic office software issues in email, calendar, and file-sharing platforms.
- Apply cybersecurity and data protection protocols in document management.
- Use spreadsheet formulas and formatting to organize and analyze data.
- Create professional documents using mail merge and templates.
- Assess document accessibility and compliance using digital accessibility checkers.
- Use workplace tools (e.g., social media, templates, calendars) to create basic event promotions or internal announcements.
Business Writing & Documents 2 (COMM-0443) | 6 Credits
Pre-requisite: Business Writing & Document Production 1 (6 credits)
Students build on foundational writing to create complex business documents such as reports, meeting minutes, agendas, and presentations. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, formatting standards, and accessibility best practices.
- Produce professional reports and proposals using clear formatting and structure.
- Prepare meeting agendas and accurate minutes from recordings or notes.
- Apply business writing strategies for tone, clarity, and audience appropriateness.
- Organize digital and physical filing systems for produced documents.
- Ensure confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive communications.
Financial Procedures & Records (BUSN-0271) | 6 Credits
This course introduces financial recordkeeping and transaction processing. Students learn to process invoices, manage petty cash, enter payroll data, and support basic bookkeeping using digital tools. Emphasis is placed on confidentiality and compliance.
- Process invoices using manual and software-based methods.
- Record payroll hours and assist with basic payroll data entry.
- Reconcile basic financial records for accuracy and compliance.
- Track office expenses using a budget spreadsheet or tool.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow financial handling protocols.
Client & Customer Service (WRKP-0094) | 6 Credits
Pre-requisite: Administrative & Office Procedures, Professional Communication & Workplace Relations, Workplace Technology 1, Business Writing & Document Production 1, Professional Skills for Workplace Success, Administrative & Office Procedures 2, Workplace Technology 2, Business Writing & Document Production 2, Financial Procedures & Records
This course prepares students to respond professionally to client inquiries, resolve service challenges, and manage difficult interactions with empathy and professionalism. Students practice active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
- Respond to customer inquiries using professional and courteous communication.
- Resolve simulated service issues using active listening and conflict resolution strategies.
- Communicate effectively with internal teams to coordinate client-facing tasks.
- Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and appropriate boundaries in customer interactions.
- Apply organizational policies in decision-making when addressing client concerns.
Career Prep Essentials (PEDV-1004) | 3 Credits
Pre-requisite: Administrative & Office Procedures, Professional Communication & Workplace Relations, Workplace Technology 1, Business Writing & Document Production 1, Professional Skills for Workplace Success, Administrative & Office Procedures 2, Workplace Technology 2, Business Writing & Document Production 2, Financial Procedures & Records, Client-Centered/Customer Service
This course supports students in preparing for practicum and career entry. Students build resumes, cover letters, and online profiles, practice interviews, and explore career pathways. Wellness strategies for stress, goal setting, and professional growth are emphasized.
- Develop a tailored resume and cover letter for administrative job applications.
- Practice interview responses in mock scenarios.
- Create or update a professional digital presence (e.g., LinkedIn profile).
- Apply strategies for managing workplace stress and maintaining well-being.
- Reflect on practicum and career goals to create a personal development plan.
Practicum (PRAC-0460) | 3 Credits
Pre-requisite: Administrative & Office Procedures, Professional Communication & Workplace Relations, Workplace Technology 1, Business Writing & Document Production 1, Professional Skills for Workplace Success, Administrative & Office Procedures 2, Workplace Technology 2, Business Writing & Document Production 2, Financial Procedures & Records, Client-Centered/Customer Service, Career Development & Job Readiness
Students complete a 3-week workplace practicum to apply learned skills in a real administrative environment. With reflective support, students demonstrate professionalism, document handling, technology use, and client interaction in alignment with all program learning outcomes.
- Apply administrative skills in a supervised work placement setting.
- Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and confidentiality in a real office environment.
- Produce workplace-ready documents and communications as assigned.
- Interact respectfully with clients, supervisors, and team members.
- Reflect on strengths, challenges, and career goals through structured practicum evaluation.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete the Administrative Skills program?
Students can complete the program in approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the course load.
How long is each course in the Administrative Skills program?
Students have up to four months to complete each course.
Is there a required course sequence for the Administrative Skills program?
Yes. Refer to the "Courses & Costs" tab for a full list of courses and pre-requisites.
How do I register for an Administrative Assistant course?
Please refer to the "Distance Education" tab for registration options.
I've successfully completed all the required courses. How do I receive my credential?
Students that have successfully completed all the program requirements can complete an Application to Graduate form and email to [email protected] to receive their credential.
Distance Education
The Administrative Skills certificate program is available for study through distance education.
Course are offered the 1st of every month. You have 4 months to complete the course from the start date of the course. The deadline to register is the 20th of the month prior to the specific course start date however, you can register at any time – you don’t need to wait for the deadline. For example, for October 1st courses, the deadline to register is September 20th.
Please note, payment is required at the time of registration.
Registration options
Active Student
- If you are an active Assiniboine student in the Administrative Skills program, you can register and pay online for your next course using Assiniboine Connect or complete the registration form below and email it to [email protected].
Not an Active Student
- If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Administrative Skills program but are interested in taking a course(s), you may do so up to a maximum of 12 credits. Complete the registration form and email it to [email protected].
Once you are registered for your course, you'll get information about your instructor and course delivery. We recommend that you start with one course to get a feel for the course load. After that, it's up to you how many courses you take.
Policies
Please ensure that you review our academic policies, including policy A20: Refunds, Registration, Adding and Dropping of Courses, which explains the refund policy for distance education courses; and A10: Maintaining Active Student Status, which details how often you need to complete a course to remain active in your program. You have five years to complete a program.