How to Become an Administrative Assistant in Texas
Administrative assistants play a key role in making offices run smoothly across every industry. In Texas, experienced and certified professionals in this role can earn around $72,190 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether you are just starting out or want to level up with certification, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to launch your administrative career in Texas.
PACE Certification (Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence)
PACE is offered by the American Society of Administrative Professionals. It’s fully online and flexible.
To get certified through PACE:
- No work experience or degree is required
- Enroll anytime and study at your own pace
- You get 3 attempts to pass the exam
Exam details:
- 90 minutes long, 120 multiple-choice questions
- Must score at least 80 percent to pass
- Modules include communication, management, tech, and task coordination
- Costs $475 for PACE or $650 for PACE Plus
Recertification requirements:
- Renew every 2 years
- Log 2.4 CEUs, equal to 24 hours of approved training
- Pay a $75 recertification fee through the E-Learning Center
CAP vs PACE: What’s the Difference?
CAP is ideal for professionals with experience who want to move up into executive assistant or office manager roles. It requires passing a proctored exam and regular recertification based on points.
PACE is more flexible. It is 100 percent online, open to beginners, and based on a timed multiple-choice exam. Recertification is based on CEUs and can be managed entirely through an online portal.
Choose CAP if you are already working in the field and want to grow into a more advanced role. Choose PACE if you are starting out, want to build skills quickly, or need something that fits around a busy schedule.
Where to Find Administrative Assistant Programs in Texas
Dreambound helps you compare classes by cost, location, class format, certification options, and more. You can find schools that prepare you for CAP or PACE certification and connect with schools that are enrolling now.
Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming an Administrative Assistant
Certification opens the door to better-paying roles and leadership opportunities. With experience and training, administrative assistants can move into:
- Executive assistant positions
- Office or operations manager roles
- Human resources or payroll administration
- Project coordinator positions
- Virtual assistant or remote admin jobs
- Corporate training or team support roles
Many professionals use certification as a stepping stone toward other business careers, including marketing, project management, or small business ownership.
Frequenly Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need for an administrative assistant?
A high school diploma, computer skills, and strong organization. Certification boosts your job prospects and starting salary.
How much do admin assistants make in Texas?
Executive assistants in Texas earn about $72,190 per year or $34.71 per hour, based on BLS data from May 2024.
What degree should an administrative assistant have?
No degree is required. Some earn certificates or associate degrees in business, office administration, or management to improve their skills.
What qualifies you as an admin?
You qualify with basic office software skills, strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to support team operations and handle scheduling tasks.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an administrative assistant in Texas is a practical and rewarding career path. With short training programs and two trusted certification options, you can quickly build the skills and credibility needed to succeed. Whether you choose the structure of CAP or the flexibility of PACE, certification shows employers that you are serious about your professional growth.
Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:
Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.
