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Overview
Learn to communicate in an office setting, understand common office procedures and use technology to organize business information.
The one-year Office Professional certificate opens the door to a fast-paced office career.
You'll practice collaboration and teamwork to complete various business tasks and graduate with several Microsoft Office certifications, demonstrating your essential skills in word processing, spreadsheet, email and presentation software.
To achieve success in this program, you should:
- attend and actively participate in class
- spend approximately six hours per week on each course outside of regular class time
- be familiar with the use of a Windows-based computer and have basic skills in Microsoft Office
- be prepared to work in teams
- become familiar with and adhere to SAIT's academic policies.
Students who are engaged and take advantage of SAIT services and resources usually experience more success in SAIT's programs.
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.
Graduates of this program can apply for the Administrative Information Management program and complete one additional year of studies to earn a diploma.
Learn more about program and institution transfer options.
You'll have the opportunity to write up to four Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams in this program:
- Word 2013 Specialist
- Excel 2013 Specialist
- PowerPoint 2013 Specialist
- Outlook 2013 Specialist
Additional certifications can be earned in the second year of the Administrative Information Management diploma.
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Office Professional certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Office Professional certificate requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete.
The program spans one year, with two semesters.
Course | Credits |
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An introductory math course with applications in algebra, geometry, and finance. Amongst the applications will be measurements and measurement conversions, break-even analysis, pricing, and basic financial calculations. |
3 |
Tablets, smartphones, social media and other creative methods of accessing and controlling information are prevalent in today’s business world. You will apply social media tools in a business environment to increase productivity and contribute to the global, mobile and social environment, and gain experience using software that enables superior collaboration through cloud computing and virtualization. |
3 |
This software course will introduce you to essential concepts necessary for success in the business world. This will include e-mail, file management, keyboarding skill development, word processing, spreadsheet applications, presentations, and database applications. |
3 |
Skilled office professionals must manipulate information on a daily basis using Microsoft Word. Explore the power of this software when used to its full potential and find out how it can increase productivity in the workplace. Master high-quality and consistently formatted documents that include creative elements. This course contributes to certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
Business depends on accurate and organized information received in a timely manner. Knowing how to effectively use spreadsheets to keep information organized is essential to your career in the business world. You will study various techniques to organize, calculate, graph and present data in a professional manner. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
Presentation skills will be vital to your success and advancement in the business world. You will gain experience with the advanced features of major presentation software programs by developing your own presentation content and customizing the visual appearance of your presentations. You will also create and deliver a variety of speaker-led presentations and self-running presentations to a face-to-face audience. |
3 |
Communication and Presentation Skills provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn how to effectively communicate in a professional environment and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) in order to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings. Equivalents:
|
3 |
This course introduces learners to the strategies and skills required for effective professional communications: reports, group work, presentations, and team building in professional settings. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
Examine foundational business concepts as they relate to your profession. You will explore and apply topics such as the Canadian business system, ethics, social responsibility, the world marketplace, marketing, volunteering, and the art of networking. |
3 |
Performing basic administrative skills productively in fast-paced office environments can be challenging for even the most seasoned administrative professionals. Explore the theory behind common office procedures, to ensure you are ready to deliver the right solution at the right time. Apply the theory to business scenarios that build confidence and competence for every aspect of today’s office environment including everything from customer service to records management. |
3 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >

Explore your options!
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.
You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.
Available Open Studies coursesAdmission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.
At least 50% in the following courses:
- Math 10C or Math 20-3 AND,
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
Upgrade
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: May 29, 2024
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Costs
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
Domestic students
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $5,250 | $1,570 | $6,820 |
Total cost:
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$6,820 |
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn moreThis program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Admission process

Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Learn how to applyCommunication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:
School of Business Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8485
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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