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
Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
Credential
Certificate
Delivery options
Full-Time, Part-Time
Tuition and fees
2025-26: $2,740 (Kelowna, Distance), $2,701 (Vernon)
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Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.
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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 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
- hi-flex delivery: students can attend classes online, with optional in-person days on campus
- classes run Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. schedule (all classes can be attended online)
- instructor-led by fully qualified, experienced post-secondary instructors
- this delivery is eligible for student loans
- MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, see additional program details below
If you want a classroom experience, need a set schedule, and are available for full-time course study, this option is for you. You will be registered for your courses by the registration office before the start of the semester.
Distance Education (DE) - Online delivery
- flexible program that allows you to choose when you study and work on your course materials
- student-led and self-directed
- ability to contact your instructor for any course assistance or questions
- this delivery is not eligible for student loans
- MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, see additional program details below
This option is for you if you want a flexible full-time or part-time study option, are working around a current job or busy lifestyle, and want to pay-as-you learn for your courses. Students register themselves in courses during open registration windows.
If you are a funded student (i.e. Work BC or other funding), it is strongly recommended that you work with an advisor before you apply to the distance education delivery to build a schedule that will meet the requirements of your funding. See more information below.
| 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 |
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
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