How Do I Become an Office Specialist?

The steps you will have to take to become an office specialist will typically depend on what this title means to you. If, for example, it means you want to become a specialist in Microsoft® Office programs, you may do well to choose a suite of Office software in which you want to become a specialist, become proficient with its use, and then study for and pass certification exams based on the programs you chose. If, instead, you mean you want to develop skills important for working in or running an office, you may then choose to build skills in working with word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs; scheduling appointments; handling phone calls; and possibly even bookkeeping.

If you decide you want to become an Microsoft® Office specialist, you may do well to start by visiting Microsoft's® website to learn about the various programs in which you can become certified. For example, you might decide to seek certification in Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, or you may seek certification in the whole suite of Microsoft® Office software. Once you have settled on the certifications you want, you will typically have to build skills with using them, which you can do on your own or by taking a class that covers the program. Then, when you feel you are ready, you can move on to taking the examinations required to earn the Microsoft® certification you seek.

The steps you'll take to become a specialist in performing office work might start with learning how to use the programs that are typically used in offices, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. You might also benefit from learning to use email and presentation programs. Likewise, you can prepare to become an office specialist by developing your oral and written communication skills and learning how to answer phones professionally. Additionally, some companies may want you to have basic bookkeeping skills and the ability to schedule and monitor appointments if you want to become an office specialist.

It is important to note that an employer may be willing to train a candidate who wants to become an office specialist, even if the job requires the use of Microsoft® Office software. As such, certification may not always prove to be a requirement. Still, you may benefit from learning to use these programs and building these skills on your own. Many employers, however, consider applicants more favorably if they already have office skills or certifications.