General Office Associate Certificate - Career Certificate

Up your office game

Level up your office skills—from computer basics to the Microsoft Office suite of products—with this 15-hour certificate from College of Lake County. Upon completion, you’re ready to conquer your busy desk with new knowledge and renewed vigor.

What can you do with a General Office Certificate?

You’re a vital member of the team keeping a busy operation moving forward. You can succeed in roles such as:

administrative assistant
office manager
business analyst

Highlights

Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,269
  
  Median
  
  $45,385
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62,230
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.47
  
  Median
  
  $21.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.91
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  20.7%
  
  Certificate
  
  16.61%
  
  Some college
  
  51.49%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.24%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  1.96%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,978
  
  Median
  
  $50,333
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83,580
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.33
  
  Median
  
  $24.19
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.18
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  47.24%
  
  Certificate
  
  20.79%
  
  Some college
  
  4.72%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.54%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  12.19%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  6.52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,475
  
  Median
  
  $37,683
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48,874
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.13
  
  Median
  
  $18.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $23.49
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.91%
  
  Some college
  
  17.41%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  28.07%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  11.61%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,793
  
  Median
  
  $35,071
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61,342
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.32
  
  Median
  
  $16.86
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.48
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  56.64%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.43%
  
  Some college
  
  13.21%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.47%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.25%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,499
  
  Median
  
  $55,618
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $96,807
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.58
  
  Median
  
  $26.73
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $46.54
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  52.49%
  
  Certificate
  
  2.44%
  
  Some college
  
  17.69%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  13.12%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.86%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.4%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,497
  
  Median
  
  $41,701
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $66,827
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.14
  
  Median
  
  $20.04
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $32.12
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  54.76%
  
  Some college
  
  17.36%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  13.67%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  14.22%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27,712
  
  Median
  
  $38,884
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59,691
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.32
  
  Median
  
  $18.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $28.69
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  58.68%
  
  Some college
  
  30.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.14%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
AMT 112	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.	3
AMT 113	AMT 113 Comprehensive Word Processing Using Microsoft Word Class Description This is a comprehensive course in the use of word processing software on a computer. Topics include entering, editing, formatting, saving, retrieving, using writing tools, and printing. Advanced and specialized topics to be covered include tables, merge, macros, outlining, templates, styles, themes, footnotes/endnotes, headers/footers, and graphics. Several projects will be completed during the semester.	3
AMT 117	AMT 117 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Excel software. Topics covered include creating, editing, and formatting worksheets and workbooks; managing data cells and ranges; creating and formatting tables and table data; performing operations by using formulas and functions; and creating charts.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 112
Course Title	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 113
Course Title	AMT 113 Comprehensive Word Processing Using Microsoft Word Class Description This is a comprehensive course in the use of word processing software on a computer. Topics include entering, editing, formatting, saving, retrieving, using writing tools, and printing. Advanced and specialized topics to be covered include tables, merge, macros, outlining, templates, styles, themes, footnotes/endnotes, headers/footers, and graphics. Several projects will be completed during the semester.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 117
Course Title	AMT 117 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Excel software. Topics covered include creating, editing, and formatting worksheets and workbooks; managing data cells and ranges; creating and formatting tables and table data; performing operations by using formulas and functions; and creating charts.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
AMT 114	AMT 114 Outlook Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Outlook software. Topics covered include using Outlook for e-mail, using the Calendar feature to schedule events and appointments, entering and editing contacts, and creating and updating tasks and notes. Several projects will be completed during the semester.	3
AMT 115	AMT 115 Presentation Software Using Microsoft PowerPoint Class Description In this course students will learn to design, create, and present dynamic presentations using Microsoft's PowerPoint software. Topics include adding media, custom animation, and web posting.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 114
Course Title	AMT 114 Outlook Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Outlook software. Topics covered include using Outlook for e-mail, using the Calendar feature to schedule events and appointments, entering and editing contacts, and creating and updating tasks and notes. Several projects will be completed during the semester.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 115
Course Title	AMT 115 Presentation Software Using Microsoft PowerPoint Class Description In this course students will learn to design, create, and present dynamic presentations using Microsoft's PowerPoint software. Topics include adding media, custom animation, and web posting.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

15

Administrative Management and Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A certificate is just one possible way to study Administrative Management and Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials, and extra options.

View the Administrative Management and Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

You learn practical skills to help you manage a busy workplace. Classes focus on applications like Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint and Word). You also develop excellent verbal and written communication skills. With these abilities, you become the office’s central connector—talking to the public and keeping information flowing smoothly.
With the solid education and skills foundation built through this program, the sky’s the limit. You can excel at jobs like administrative assistant or office manager. You may even decide to continue your education and pursue a 4-year (bachelor’s) degree. With additional education and on-the-job training, you’re ready to move up the management ladder.
Your professors are there for you each step of the way. You learn in small class sizes, which allows you to connect with your classmates and professors in engaging and rewarding ways. You can use those connections to find jobs and build a robust professional network.

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Explore Career Coach

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!

General Office Associate

Up your office game

What can you do with a General Office Certificate?

Highlights

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Billing and Posting Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Correspondence Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Counter and Rental Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Customer Service Representatives

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Data Entry Keyers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Administrative Management and Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

What can I do with this certificate?

What’s special about this program?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started