# Office Administration – Office Administration Certificate

The Office Administration Certificate provides students with a strong foundation in essential office procedures while integrating modern digital competencies required in today’s workplace. In the program students develop proficiency in key administrative functions, including document preparation, records management, and professional communication, alongside training in AI-powered tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
The program also incorporates social media skills, preparing students to manage professional online communications and create engaging digital content. In addition, the program includes presentation software, enabling students to design and deliver clear, professional, and visually compelling presentations. Students will finish the program with a well-rounded skill set that combines traditional office administration expertise with emerging technologies and digital communication practices.

The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council.

Career Options 

The Office Administration program prepares students to work in roles that are widely available across sectors like business, government, healthcare, education, private businesses, and industry offices.

Intakes

LocationStartingTypeDawson CreekSeptember 2027Full-Time, Part-TimeFort St JohnSeptember 2027Full-Time, Part-TimeOnlineJanuary 2028Full-Time, Part-Time

Length

33 credits (510 hours), minimum

Estimated Program Fees

Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Books, instruments, supplies, and third-party fees are additional.

Domestic Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
FeesTotalYear 1$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
FeesInternational
Medical InsuranceTotalYear 1$ TBD$ TBD$ TBD$ 289.80*$ TBD

*Per four months

Still have questions?

Contact:

info@nlc.bc.ca if you are a domestic student

info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are an international student

academic-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student

Admission Requirements

*A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix A) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, ENGL 099 or Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher or graduation from Office Administration - Office Assistant Certificate. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement.

B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements)

Note that some course options have specific prerequisites. Meeting the program entrance requirements does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available courses

Students who complete the Bookkeeping Assistant Certificate can access learner pathways in the Accounting Diploma and Executive Assistant Diploma programs.

Important Notes

This program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.  Students enrolled in the slower-paced 16-month online version of this program are not eligible for government student loans.

Students are required to have a computer (PC or laptop) with minimum computer requirements as listed on the NLC website. NOTE: Apple (MAC) devices are NOT compatible with bookkeeping software

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement25% of courses must be completed at Northern Lights CollegeMinimum Grade RequirementsA cumulative grade point average of 2.00 ('C') or better must be obtained from all courses applied toward the certificate

All of: 

OADM 118 Human Relations and Job Search (3 credits)

OADM 119 Computers and Software (3 credits)

OADM 126 Microsoft Office Level 1 (3 credits)

OADM 127 Microsoft Office Level 2 (3 credits)

OADM 151 Administrative Procedures & Records Management (3 credits)

OADM 165 Business English (3 credits) 

OADM 179 Introduction to Social Media (3 credits)

OADM 192 Office Administration Practicum (3 credits) 

OADM 194 Presentation Software (3 credits)

Open elective: choose any 3 credit elective, 45 hours 

ENGL 110 Introduction to Workplace Communications (3 credits) 

Credential

Certificate in Office Administration - Office Administration