Office Assistant Certificate
This program is not accepting new enrollments after April.
We are no longer accepting new Office Assistant students after spring 2025. The program is being updated to Business Project Coordinator starting in fall 2025.
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To see what materials are needed for your courses, click this bookstore link Links to an external site. and enter the course information.
General Overview
When can I start? Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (April), or Summer (July)
How long is the program? 1 quarter (2 or 3 months) with 18 total credits
When do classes meet? Time varies but all options are open for in-person, hybrid, and online.
In this certificate program, you prepare for entry-level careers in office occupations. You will be provided hands-on training with computers on Microsoft Office applications, business math, business communication, career readiness, human relations, and general clerical skills.
Many students take Office Assistant classes to get ready for another program that uses computers frequently, like Cloud Network Technology, Computer Science, Construction Management, or Medical Office Programs.
You also can use ASST classes as electives for an AAS degree in Accounting, Contemporary Business, Engineering Design Technology, or Legal Assistant.
What does an office assistant do?
What is the average salary?
$47,530 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most office assistants in King County earn at least $35,640.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Office Assistant.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers in the RTC Library or Learning Resource Center)
- USB drive (thumb drive)
- Webcam (in case some courses require Zoom classes)
- Headset with microphone (in case some courses require Zoom classes)
- Working Internet Connection
Minimum grades or GPA
You need to earn a 2.0 in each class to complete your Office Assistant certificate.
Financial Aid Eligibility Warning
This specific program is not eligible for federal financial aid because it is only one quarter long. Please talk to your adviser about different ways to pay for tuition.
Program Classes
Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You practice using calculators, typing more quickly and correctly, and using Microsoft Office programs for business purposes like cover letters, resumes, and memos.
Note: You need to complete all four core classes with a 2.0 GPA or higher.
It's time to apply for your certificate!
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASST 105 | Business Math | NO | 3 |
| ASST 115 | Keyboarding and Document Processing | NO | 5 |
| ASST 144 | Introduction to Computer Applications | NO | 5 |
| ASST 181 | Career Prep and Human Relations | NO | 5 |
Grand Total Estimated Costs: $2,090
Life Skills Option
This is not available to every student. You must receive TANF cash assistance Links to an external site. (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) under the WorkFirst program Links to an external site. to enroll in Life Skills (LS) classes.
WorkFirst students can use specific LS classes to complete the Office Assistant Certificate at no additional cost.
| ASST Course ID | ASST Course Name | LS Course ID | LS Course Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASST 105 | Business Math | LS 106 LS 111 |
Business Math Basics Computer Basics I |
| ASST 115 | Keyboarding and Document Processing | LS 102 LS 112 LS 114 LS 115 |
Navigating the Online Classroom Computer Basics II Keyboarding Basics Document Processing |
| ASST 144 | Introduction to Computer Applications | LS 111 LS 112 LS 113 |
Computer Basics I Computer Basics II Computer Basics III |
| ASST 181 | Career Prep and Human Relations | LS 101 LS 105 LS 107 |
Communication in the Workplace |
Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!