Program Details Office Assistant Certificate

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 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 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!

Quarter 1 Course Information
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 (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) under the WorkFirst program to enroll in Life Skills (LS) classes.

WorkFirst students can use specific LS classes to complete the Office Assistant Certificate at no additional cost.

Office Assistant classes that match with ten Life Skills classes
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 Career Cluster Workplace Culture Cultivating Your Strengths

It's time to apply for your certificate!

Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!

Back to Program Map