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Office Administration & Technology

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  • Bookkeeping Advanced Certificate
  • Bookkeeping Certificate
  • Bookkeeping Skills Associate Certificate
  • Office Assistant Certificate
  • Word Processing Skills Associate Certificate
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Frequently Asked Questions: Office Administration & Technology

Not sure about the English or math Requirement?

School transcripts will help us determine whether you have the required English and math levels.

Students that do not meet all admission requirements may complete the Selkirk College Readiness Tool (CRT) to confirm required math and English levels.

Can I do this in my spare time?

The Office Administration & Technology Certificate is a full program of study consisting of 14 courses, just like a program in a classroom would be.

The Bookkeeping Certificate is a part-time program of study consisting of 14 courses. It gives you more time for other commitments, but you still need to devote at least 15 hours a week to study.
 

The Word Processing Skills Associate Certificate is more demanding in the first two months with three courses (including keyboarding) and lighter in the second two months, with just the second-level word processing course.

The Bookkeeping Skills Associate Certificate includes three manual bookkeeping courses running back-to-back (one at a time). During the last three months, the computerized accounting course is added simultaneously with the manual bookkeeping courses.

Can I take this program at my own pace?

No. You will be working in a structured course timeline and submitting assignments on a regular basis. You have the flexibility within each week to complete schoolwork when you want, but you will maintain a structured weekly class pace.

Can I take this program in a classroom at the college?

No, this program is online only.

Can everything in the program be done online?

All courses and exams are online. The Advanced Bookkeeping Certificate does include a two-week practicum placement in a business with a preceptor.

Do I have to come to the school at any time for this program or exams?

No, we use proctoring software for final exams. Students can complete all course requirements from home.

How long will it take for me to complete this program?

The Office Administration & Technology Certificate may be taken full-time or part-time. Full-time students complete the certificate in six months. Part-time students complete the program in two years or four semesters.

The Bookkeeping Certificate is part-time. Students complete the certificate in 9.5 months.
 
The Advanced Bookkeeping Certificate is full-time following the Office Administration & Technology Certificate. Students complete the certificate in 3.5 months. 
 

The Word Processing Skills Associate Certificate is part-time. Students complete the associate certificate in four months.

The Bookkeeping Skills Associate Certificate is part-time. Students complete this in six months.

Can I get credit for any of the courses in the OTEC program if I have an office certificate or similar courses?

Selkirk College will consider your previous education to determine whether courses are transferable into the program. Students who've previously taken courses may apply for transfer credit by filling out and submitting an Application for Transfer Credit form.

The following documentation may also be required: official course outlines from the school where you completed the courses, transcripts for courses showing grade in percentage and any post-secondary certificates or diplomas. The content of some courses requires current knowledge and skills; therefore, older courses may not be accepted for credit.

Do I have to pay for the entire program up front, or can I pay as I go?

Students register and pay for courses per semester, the same as you would if you were attending a class on campus. 

When can I start the program?

Applicants are accepted into the program as soon as their application file is completed (i.e., once Admissions has received appropriate documentation of all the admission requirements for the program). There are intakes (start dates) every September for the Office Administration Certificate, Bookkeeping Certificate and Word Processing Skills Associate Certificate. The Bookkeeping Skills Associate Certificate has intakes every November.

The Office Administration Certificate also has a part-time entry in January. Courses finish at the end of February and then resume in September. This is a perfect gradual start to determine whether the online classroom environment is right for you.

What type of computer set up do I need to complete this online program?

To complete this online program, students will need a personal computer (phones and tablets won’t support all functionalities), webcam, microphone, speakers, internet access, a current web browser and access to a printer. 

Students are provided with Office 365 software needed for the program, and bookkeeping students gain access to Sage Accounting through purchase of a textbook.

What kind of employment opportunities are there?

As a graduate, you’ll be able to apply for a range of positions including receptionist, administrative or executive assistant, financial assistant, office administrator, office supervisor, accounting assistant, accounts payable, receivable or payroll clerk, customer service representative, data processor, bookkeeper and more.

What are the differences between the certificates, associate certificates and advanced certificate?

Associate certificates consist of fewer courses and are highly focused on specific competencies. The Word Processing Associate Certificate emphasizes typing, electronic filing and creating word processing documents. The Bookkeeping Associate Certificate concentrates on manual and computerized financial record keeping.

The Office Assistant and Bookkeeping certificates are more extensive, comprising several additional courses beyond the associate certificates. In addition to word processing and bookkeeping skills, these comprehensive credentials include numeracy skills, communication skills and soft skills. Courses from the associate certificates can be transferred to these more extensive programs if a student chooses to continue their studies.

The Advanced Bookkeeping Certificate builds on the Office Assistant Certificate, enhancing students' administrative skills with additional bookkeeping expertise.

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