Administrative Professional Certificate at Bow Valley College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-09

Program overview

Program Overview

The Administrative Professional Certificate program is designed to equip students with the essential technical and interpersonal skills required to thrive as effective administrative professionals. This program prepares you to meet the demands of various business offices, ensuring you are well-versed in the evolving role of an administrative assistant. With a focus on both software applications and effective communication, you will develop the competencies necessary to excel in a variety of office-related tasks. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, allowing you to gain practical experience that is directly applicable to your future career.

Program Structure

The Administrative Professional Certificate is a comprehensive program structured over three terms, culminating in a total of 15 credits per term. Here are some key details about the program:

Program Length: 3 Terms (1 Year)
Credits: 15 credits per term
Course Delivery: Hyflex format, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation
Field Placement: A mandatory 3-credit, unpaid, 4-week work experience at the end of the program
Competency-Based Education: Curriculum developed in collaboration with industry experts to align with employer expectations

This program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to manage their pace through course tasks and learning pathways. It is important to note that international students must attend in-person sessions to comply with visa regulations.

Featured Experiences

Mandatory Field Placement: Gain real-world experience through a required 4-week work placement at the end of the program.
Competency-Based Education: Focus on mastering specific skills and competencies that are directly relevant to the workplace.
Hyflex Course Delivery: Participate in classes either in person or virtually, with access to recorded sessions for review.
Student-Centered Approach: Tailored learning pathways that allow students to progress at their own pace.

Career Options

Graduates of the Administrative Professional Certificate program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada. Here are some potential job roles:

Administrative Assistant: Provide support to executives and teams by managing schedules, communications, and office tasks.
Office Manager: Oversee daily office operations, ensuring efficiency and organization within the workplace.
Executive Assistant: Assist high-level executives with administrative tasks, including scheduling, correspondence, and project management.
Receptionist: Serve as the first point of contact for visitors and clients, managing phone calls and inquiries.
Project Coordinator: Support project management efforts by organizing resources, timelines, and communications among team members.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Bow Valley College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-09

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Administrative Professional Certificate program, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Credit in English Language Arts 30-1 or a minimum of 65% in English Language Arts 30-2 or an equivalent qualification.
Credit in a Grade 10 Math (excluding Math 10-4 and Math 16 levels).
Alternatively, successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test is acceptable, which includes:
- Language Arts: Reading and Writing: minimum standard score of 520.
- Math Test: minimum score of 450.
Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test.

Note: A minimum keyboarding speed of 25 words per minute is strongly recommended.

Some practicum agencies and field placements may require a Police Information Check.

For international students, it is important to note that you are required to attend in-person sessions to comply with student visa regulations and maintain your full-time student status.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

We encourage all students to apply as soon as possible to ensure a smooth admission process. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Before you apply, make sure you meet the language proficiency requirements for your program.

Bow Valley College teaches courses in Canadian English. To be admitted, you must demonstrate English proficiency, usually through high school or college transcripts or an English language test, depending on your program.

English language test results are valid for two (2) years from the day of testing. Results that expire before the program start date cannot be accepted. Official results must be submitted.

The following English language tests are accepted:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing Service)
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
Duolingo
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
OET (Occupational English Test)

The English language requirements apply to all Bow Valley College programs except for specific programs which have their own requirements.

For the Administrative Professional Certificate program, the following scores are required:

Duolingo: 110
TOEFL: 83
IELTS Academic: 6.0 with a minimum band score of 6.0
Pearson Test of English (PTE) A: 59 - 64

Alternatively, you can meet the requirements by providing:

Transcript showing completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course that meets the program’s Academic Requirements.
Transcripts showing three years of full-time high school where English was the language of instruction.
Transcripts showing one year of full-time post-secondary education at an institution where English was the language of instruction.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview