Requirements to Become...
Job Search
job title, keywords, company, location jobs by job search
Accountant
Air Traffic Controller
Anesthesiologist
Archaeologist
Art Teacher
Astronomer
Athletic Trainer
Attorney
Author
Bail Bondsman
Baker
Barber
Bartender
Bounty Hunter
Cardiologist
Carpenter
Casting Director
CEO
Certified Personal Trainer
CFP
Chaplain
Chef
Chemist
Chiropractor
CNA
Computer Programmer
Coroner
Cosmetologist
Counselor
Court Reporter
CPA
Crime Scene Investigator
Deacon
Dentist
Dermatologist
Detective
Dietician
Director
Doctor
Dog Trainer
Editor
Electrician
EMT
Fashion Designer
Film Director
Financial Advisor
Firefighter
Flight Attendant
Forensic Scientist
Funeral Director
Game Designer
Game Tester
Game Warden
Gym Teacher
Hair Stylist
Health Inspector
Homicide Detective
Journalist
Judge
Kindergarten Teacher
Lawyer
Legal Assistant
Librarian
Life Coach
Loan Officer
LPN

What are the Requirements to Become a Secretary?

As a secretary, you help keep offices running smoothly by managing communication and information, scheduling meetings and appointments, maintaining files, managing projects, conducting research, disseminating information, and training new staff members. Secretaries work in all kinds of settings, from schools to government agencies, and most enjoy a typical 40-hour work week. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects secretarial work to offer many new jobs in the coming years, so if you're an organized self-starter with excellent communication skills looking for steady employment, you may want to consider becoming a secretary.

Requirements to Become a Secretary

The BLS observes that the traditional skills of writing, word processing, and communication still make up the basic requirements to become a secretary, despite the evolving role of the position. However, aspiring secretaries also want to make sure they meet the more concrete qualifications demanded of them, such as:

1. Formal education. Options include:
  • A college degree, preferably related to the industry in which the candidate is seeking employment
  • High school vocational programs that teach basic office skills
  • One to two year programs offered by businesses, technical schools, and community colleges
  • Specialized training programs geared towards medical and legal secretaries
2. Extensive software knowledge, such as desktop publishing, project management, spreadsheets, and database management.

3. Certification. Testing and certification for proficiency in office skills are available through several organizations. Prestigious designations include the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). While elective, certification can open up increased employment and advancement opportunities.

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer

Makeup Artist
Manager
Marine Biologist
Math Teacher
Medical Examiner
Meteorologist
Midwife
Minister
Mortgage Broker
Mortician
Motor Vehicle Inspector
Neurologist
Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist
Nutritionist
Obstetrician
Paralegal
Paramedic
Parole Officer
Pastor
Pediatrician
Personal Trainer
Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
Pharmacist
Photographer
Physical Therapist
Pilot
Plumber
Police Officer
Preschool Teacher
Priest
Principal
Private Investigator
Probation Officer
Professor
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Radio DJ
Radiologist
Realtor
Referee
Registered Nurse
Scientist
Secret Service Agent
Secretary
Security Guard
Sheriff
Sniper
Speech Therapist
Stock Broker
Substitute Teacher
Surgeon
SWAT
Tax Preparer
Teacher
Therapist
Tour Guide
Translator
Travel Agent
Truck Driver
Veternarian
Video Game Tester
Web Designer
Welder
Writer
Zoologist