# Office Administration - Office Assistant Certificate

The Office Assistant Certificate prepares students for entry-level roles in business, government, and industry, with a strong emphasis on emerging AI competencies in the modern workplace. In the program students learn to effectively use current AI-powered tools and applications to enhance productivity, streamline administrative tasks, and support data-informed decision-making. This is complemented by training in core administrative skills, including word processing, keyboarding, and spreadsheet use, as well as proficiency with up-to-date Microsoft Office applications. The program also emphasizes office procedures and the development of essential soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and professionalism. A one-week practicum placement provides students with the opportunity to apply their AI and administrative skills in a real-world office environment.

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 Assistant Certificate prepares students to work in entry- level 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

16 credits (250 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

abt@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student

Admission Requirements

English Requirements

1a. English requirement for applicants whose first language is English: official transcript showing successful completion of any BC Ministry-approved English Language Arts 11 course or ENGL 040 or higher or equivalent.

  OR

1b. English requirement for all other applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band less than 6.0.

   OR

1c. English requirement for applicants who have graduated from a Philippine post-secondary institution: completion of a four-year Bachelor's Degree that must include at least one baccalaureate-level English course in which a minimum grade of 'C' was obtained; alternatively, IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band less than 6.0.

Note:
Applicants should have a basic familiarity with computers

Note

Applicants should have a basic familiarity with computers and a minimum typing speed of 15 wpm to help ensure that they meet the 45 wpm requirement of the program upon completion.

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 151 Administrative Procedures & Records Management (3 credits)

OADM 165 Business English (3 credits) 

OADM 191 Office Assistant Practicum (1 credit)

Credential

Certificate in Office Administration - Office Assistant