Program Overview

Administrative Professional

Overview

The Administrative Professional program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in a variety of office-related tasks. Students will learn to use up-to-date software applications, manage information, events, and projects, and communicate effectively, while also developing essential interpersonal skills to ensure they become an effective and valuable member of any office environment.

Competency-Based Education

This program is developed using a Competency-Based Education (CBE) format. Competency-Based Education is an innovative form of curriculum development that aligns directly with industry. Our courses and assessments are structured around specific competencies (knowledge and skills) that match employer expectations for professionals in this field. These competencies are identified and developed in collaboration with industry experts and hiring managers. This ensures that what you learn is directly applicable and relevant to your future job. Not only will you gain the necessary skills, but you will also be able to articulate and demonstrate them effectively, preparing you for success in the workplace.

Time Commitment

This is a one-year (three-term) certificate program. A standard course load is 15 credits per term. Students can maintain full-time status with at least a 9 credit course load. Taking less than 15 credits per term will take longer to complete the program.

Course Delivery

Courses are delivered in a hyflex format, which allows students to participate either in person or virtually at scheduled times. If you're unable to attend a live session, you can access recorded sessions to review the material and stay on track with the course content. Students progress through the program by demonstrating competency or mastery of specific administrative tasks or skills. Our student-centered, competency-based approach provides students with opportunities to manage their pace through course tasks and learning pathways throughout the course term. This approach ensures they can apply what they’ve learned effectively in real-world situations. If you are an international student, please note that you are required to attend in-person sessions to comply with student visa regulations and maintain your full-time student status.

Field Placement (mandatory)

A mandatory field placement is a requirement of the program. Mandatory field placement is a 3-credit, unpaid, 4-week work experience that occurs at the end of your program. To be eligible for mandatory field placement, you need to finish your coursework and complete all pre-placement requirements.

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Credit in English Language Arts 30-1 or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent
• Credit in a Grade 10 Math (excluding Math 10-4 and Math 16 levels)

or

Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test that consists of five tests with a minimum score in the following sections:

• Language Arts: Reading and Writing: 520 minimum standard score
• Math Test: 450 minimum score

or

• Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test

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

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

You need one of the following options:

English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Academic Upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.

Available Intakes

• September 2025
• January 2026

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Students

International Students

*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only. Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.

Courses

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3