To study Office Administration, you need to meet certain requirements. These depend on the course level you choose. Each course has different rules, so you must check which one fits you best.
What Requirements Are Needed to Study Office Administration?
The requirements for Office Administration courses are different for each level. Here’s what you need:
Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
- What you need: A Matric certificate (Grade 12) or something equal to it.
- Other ways to qualify if you don’t have Matric:
- Adult Matric
- ICB Financial Accounting Programme (Grade 10)
- ICB Public Sector Accounting Programme (Grade 11)
- ICB Business Management Programme (Grade 11)
- ICB Entrepreneurship Programme (Grade 11)
Once you finish one of these, you can apply for the Junior Office Administration course.
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
- What you need: Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate.
- Extra rule: You must complete all subjects from the National Certificate course.
Office Administration: Certified Office Manager ICB Diploma
- What you need: Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate.
- Language rule: You must be able to read and write in English because all the coursework is in English.
Can I Do Office Administration Without Maths?
Yes, you don’t need Maths to study Office Administration. But some subjects, like Bookkeeping and Financial Statements, include simple calculations. You will learn what you need during the course.
Can I Study Office Administration With Matric?
Yes, if you have a Matric certificate, you can apply for the Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate. This is the first step in Office Administration studies. If you don’t have Matric, there are other ways to qualify for the course.
What Subjects Are Needed for Office Administration?
If you want to work in an office, you need to know how to organise tasks, talk to people, and handle business work. Office administration courses teach you the skills to do this job well.
What Subjects Are Needed for Office Administration in High School?
If you’re in high school and thinking about office administration, some subjects can help you prepare. You don’t need specific ones, but these can be useful:
- Business Studies – Teaches how companies work and what happens in an office.
- Accounting – Helps you understand money, budgeting, and keeping track of finances.
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT) – Shows you how to use software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which are common in offices.
- English – Good reading, writing, and speaking skills help you communicate better at work.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy – Helps with problem-solving and working with numbers.
These subjects can make studying office administration easier after school.
How Many Subjects Are There in Office Administration?
The number of subjects you study depends on the level of the course. Here’s a breakdown:
Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate
This course teaches the basics of office administration. It includes seven subjects:
- Introduction to Business English – Helps you write and speak better at work.
- Business and Office Administration 1 – Teaches daily office tasks for secretaries, receptionists, and administrators.
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance – Explains basic money management and record-keeping.
- Business Literacy – Improves business communication and work skills.
- Marketing Management and Public Relations – Teaches how businesses keep a good reputation.
- Business Law and Administrative Practice – Covers the basic rules and laws of running a business.
- Cost and Management Accounting – Shows how to budget and manage business finances.
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
This course builds on the Junior Office Administration course. It has ten subjects:
- All seven subjects from the Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate.
- Business and Office Administration 2 – Goes deeper into office management.
- Human Resources Management and Labour Relations – Teaches how to work with employees and solve workplace problems.
- Economics – Explains how businesses make money decisions.
Office Administration: Certified Office Manager ICB Diploma
This is the most advanced course. It includes thirteen subjects:
- All ten subjects from the Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate.
- Business and Office Administration 3 – Covers advanced office management and business laws.
- Financial Statements – Teaches how to handle cash flow and financial reports.
- Management – Explains how to lead and make good business decisions.
Each course level teaches you more skills, helping you grow in your career. Whether you start with a National Certificate or study further for a Diploma, these subjects prepare you for office jobs in different industries.
What Is an Office Administration Course?
An Office Administration course teaches you how to handle daily office tasks. You learn how to organise paperwork, answer calls, and keep things running smoothly.
This course helps you get ready for jobs in different workplaces, like small businesses or big companies. You’ll gain useful skills in bookkeeping, customer service, and office management.
In South Africa, you can study Office Administration at recognised colleges. The ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) offers courses that give you official qualifications.
What Is Office Administration Subject?
Office Administration subjects teach the skills you need for office work. These subjects cover communication, business management, and finance
. Some of the main subjects include:
- Introduction to Business English – Helps you improve your writing and speaking skills.
- Business and Office Administration – Teaches you how to do office tasks well.
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance – Introduces you to basic accounting.
- Marketing and Public Relations – Shows you how to build a company’s image.
- Business Law and Administrative Practice – Explains legal rules for office work.
- Human Resources Management and Labour Relations – Teaches you about workplace rights and labour laws.
These subjects help you get the knowledge needed for different office jobs.
How Long Is the Office Administration Course?
The time it takes to complete this course depends on the level you choose. It can take between 24 months and 36 months to finish.
- Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate – About 24 months.
- Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate – About 26 months.
- Certified Office Manager: ICB Diploma – Around 36 months.
These courses include study time, assignments, and exams.
How Many Years to Study Office Administration?
It takes two to three years to complete an Office Administration course. The time depends on the qualification level:
- National Certificate – About 2 years.
- Higher Certificate – A little over 2 years.
- Diploma – Up to 3 years.
You need to complete one level before moving on to the next.
What Is the Qualification for Office Administrator?
To work as an office administrator, you need a qualification in Office Administration. The ICB offers three options:
- ICB National Certificate in Junior Office Administration – Covers the basics of office work.
- ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration – Teaches advanced office and management skills.
- ICB Diploma in Office Administration (Certified Office Manager) – Prepares you for leadership roles.
These qualifications help you gain the skills needed to work in different office environments.
What Qualifies You as an Administrator?
To become an administrator, you need the right education and skills.
Education
You need an Office Administration qualification, like the ones offered by the ICB. These courses cover important topics such as bookkeeping, business law, and office management.
Skills
A good administrator should have:
- Good communication – Writing emails, answering calls, and helping clients.
- Organisation skills – Managing schedules, meetings, and documents.
- Problem-solving skills – Finding solutions to office challenges.
- Basic financial knowledge – Understanding payments, invoices, and budgets.
With the right training and skills, you can work in different office jobs.
Office Admin Course Fees
Knowing how much an Office Administration course costs helps you plan your studies. The price depends on the level of the course and where you study.
How Much Is an Office Administration Course?
The cost of an Office Administration course changes based on the qualification. Skills Academy offers three levels of ICB Office Administration courses.
- ICB National Certificate: Junior Office Administrator – This is the first level and has the lowest cost.
- ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration – This builds on the first level and costs a little more.
- ICB Diploma: Office Administration (Certified Office Manager) – This is the highest level and costs the most.
The total price may also include:
- Registration fees
- Study materials
- Exam fees
Skills Academy makes studying affordable with flexible payment plans. You can pay in small amounts each month instead of one big payment. The price includes your study materials, so you won’t have extra costs. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good education.
Where Can I Work if I Study Office Administration?
Office administrators are needed in many different places. Almost every company needs someone to handle office work.
Common Workplaces for Office Administrators
- Corporate Offices – Big businesses need office staff to keep things running smoothly.
- Small Businesses – Smaller companies depend on administrators to answer calls, organise paperwork, and send emails.
- Government Departments – Public offices need people to manage files and keep records.
- Schools and Colleges – Educational institutions need office staff to help with enrolments and records.
- Medical Offices – Hospitals and clinics need administrators to organise appointments and update patient files.
With this qualification, you can find a job in almost any office. Your skills will be useful in different industries.
What Job Can I Get if I Study Office Administration?
This course prepares you for many types of office jobs. The job you get depends on your qualification and experience.
Possible Careers in Office Administration
- Office Administrator – Handles office tasks like filing documents, answering emails, and scheduling meetings.
- Receptionist – Greets visitors, answers calls, and sets up appointments.
- Personal Assistant (PA) – Helps managers or business owners by keeping their schedule organised.
- Data Capturer – Updates and records company information.
- Accounts Clerk – Helps with bookkeeping and keeping track of money.
If you study further, you can become an Office Manager. With experience, you can also work in human resources or finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Office Administrator typically works at an entry to mid-level position. The qualification level depends on the course or experience they have. Some office administrators hold certificates, diplomas, or even degrees in office administration or related fields.
Yes, office administration is in high demand across various industries. Every business needs an efficient office administrator to keep operations running smoothly. The demand for skilled administrators is expected to grow as businesses expand.
An Office Administrator handles daily office operations such as managing schedules, handling communication, maintaining records, and ensuring the office runs efficiently. They may also assist with bookkeeping, customer service, and organizing office supplies.
No, an Office Administrator and a receptionist have different roles. A receptionist focuses on greeting visitors, answering calls, and handling front desk duties, while an Office Administrator has broader responsibilities, including managing office tasks, supervising staff, and handling administrative duties.
An Office Administrator can also be called an Administrative Coordinator, Office Manager, Executive Assistant, or Administrative Officer, depending on their responsibilities and the organization they work for.
Author : Kirsten Keet
