Launch your professional journey with our comprehensive certificate program.
Ready to build a solid foundation in administrative excellence? Our Administrative Professional Certificate program equips students with the essential skills that employers value most. Whether you’re entering the workforce or changing careers, this program sets you up for success.
Full Certificate: $2,900 | Individual Courses Available.
If you’re looking for financial assistance to enroll in the Administrative Professional Certificate program, the Justamere Foundation offers a scholarship opportunity to help make it more accessible.
Click here for scholarship details.
What You’ll Master
Core Administrative Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite mastery (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Professional communication and customer service
- Office procedures and records management
- Project management fundamentals
Modern Workplace Essentials:
- AI tools and digital collaboration (Zoom, Teams)
- Multicultural workplace dynamics
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Safety protocols and emergency preparedness
Program Schedule
A new session is coming in Spring 2026!
- Morning Sessions: 8:30 am – 10:30 am (except 11/18, 12/9, & 12/11, which are 1 – 3 pm)
- Location: Penn Highlands Richland Campus
- Flexible individual course options available.
Course Breakdown
- Introduction to Admin Role (4 sessions): $450
- Office Technology (4 sessions): $450
- Office Procedures (2 sessions): $275
- Project Management (4 sessions): $450
- Communication & Customer Service (4 sessions): $450
- Resolving Conflict (4 sessions): $450
- Specialized Topics (3 courses): $175 each
Ready to begin? Register for the complete program or start with individual courses. Your administrative career begins here.
Individual Courses
Introduction to Administrative Professional Role
- Understanding the Role of an Administrative Professional
- Career Advancement Opportunities for Administrative Professionals
- Overview of Administrative Tasks and Responsibilities
- Professional Etiquette
- Ethical Standards
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $450 per person
Office Technology
- Essential Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Shared Drives, Converting Documents (PDF, Goggle Docs)
- Introduction to Zoom and Microsoft Teams
- File Management, Organization and Data Security
- Basic IT Scanning and Copying
- Email Etiquette and Management
- Basic AI in the Workplace
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $450 per person
Office Procedures
- Office Procedures and Protocols
- Understanding Company Policies and Organizational Structure
- Filing Systems and Records Management
- How to Write Effective Meeting Minutes
- Managing Incoming and Outgoing Correspondence
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $275 per person
Project Management Basics
- Planning and organizing
- Communication and collaboration.
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Time management and prioritization
- Attention to detail and quality
- Basics Steps for Event Planning and Budgeting
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am | 11/18 session will be from 1 – 3 pm)
Cost: $450 per person
Communication Skills and Customer Service
- Effective Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Written Communication: Business Correspondence and Reports
- Active Listening and Interpersonal Skills
- Customer Service Best Practices
- Understanding Cross-Functional Teams
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am | 12/9 & 12/11 session will be from 1 – 3 pm)
Cost: $450 per person
Multicultural Work Environment
- Understanding how people with diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, races, genders, sexuality, religions, physical conditions, political views, and beliefs can work together in unity.
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $175 per person
Employee Benefits
- Understanding company benefit packages, health care plans, salary, sick leave, paid time off, retirement plans and other incentives that the employer provides.
- Tips for Effective Personal Finances
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $175 per person
Resolving Conflict and Dealing with Difficult People
- Address conflict by first knowing its source.
- Apply strategies to constructively manage conflict.
- Use an initiative-taking process to resolve conflict.
- Effectively identify the characteristics of difficult people and how to deal with them.
- Understand how change affects people and how to deal effectively with change.
- Use of the Simulator for Real Life Case Studies
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $450 per person
Safety Tips for Office and Administrative Professional Employees
- Understanding Front Line Employees Role for Safety Protocols and Procedures
- Threats and Emergency Preparedness
- Situational Awareness
- Handling Phone and Social Media Threats in the Workplace
Dates and Time: (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
Cost: $175 per person
Scholarship Opportunity
Scholarships are available to individuals aged 18 and older, generously funded by the Justamere Foundation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Must be a PA resident who resides in one of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College service areas (Blair, Cambria, Somerset, Huntingdon, or Centre Counties).
- Individual must demonstrate the financial need based on one of the following criteria: low income, disadvantaged, unemployed or underemployed.
- Classes will be held in person at the Richland Campus, Johnstown. Applicants must commit to completing the full 50-hour program.
- If the recipient is a no-show or exhibits chronic absenteeism, they will be required to reimburse the scholarship funds.
Applications will be accepted and awarded on an ongoing basis or until funds are depleted. The scholarship funds will be sent directly to Penn Highlands Community College.