What can I do with this?
The BSOT Office Clerk Certificate
- Equips the student to perform basic competencies as an entry level office clerk whether or not the individual has previous office experience.
What can I do with this?
You can use this to enhance career opportunities in:
- Office Assistant
- Data Entry Operator
- Filing Clerk
- Inventory Clerk
- Clerk
- Administrative Assistant
- Receptionist
- Front Office Professional
The Office Clerk occupation is projected to add nearly half a million jobs by 2020.
Source: Employment Projections Program, US Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What will I learn?
- To display business standards for efficiency, time management, and quality of work while projecting a professional image including ethical standards with respect to privacy, confidentiality, and personal behavior both independently and in group situations.
- To demonstrate introductory skills in the use of software tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, to entry-level office related tasks such as letter and report creation, basic spreadsheet creation/edit, and data entry.
- To demonstrate accuracy and efficiency using a desktop calculator to perform business mathematics calculations appropriate for routine office tasks requiring calculation.
- To demonstrate active listening skills to accurately condense and record verbal information, instructions, and ideas.
Program Learning Outcome Assessments
While I was doing my job searching, I found that even with an entry-level, clerk position, many would have liked at least 6 months of office experience. Luckily for me I was accepted on the fact that I had been taking BSOT classes for a year prior to applying for the job.
—Theresa Guerrero, Student
What courses do I take?
Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding Prerequisite Challenge.
Complete all of the following courses:
54 hours lecture. This course introduces practical mathematical applications for business information students. Topics include solving business problems using an electronic calculator, banking, payroll, invoicing, markups/markdowns, interest, present and future value, credit cards, student loans, types of insurance, installment buying, and mortgages. Learners are required to access a printing calculator with features including round off/up key, decimal selector for 0 through 6 plus float memory keys and 10-12 digit keyboard.
9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory. This course is designed for those with little or no computer experience. Learners practice file management, email, instant messaging, and Internet browsing and searching. This course includes a brief introduction to industry standard word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation application programs. Computer terminology and identification of fundamental hardware and software applications are also introduced. (Formerly CSCI C070.)
Advisory: BSOT C075, ENGL C101
54 hours lecture. This course provides the learner with a survey of skills and topics covered in the Business Information Worker certificates and degree program. Business English, entry level office procedures, the role of a business information professional, the workplace environment, workplace communication, ethics, customer focus, and teamwork are covered. The focus is an introduction to skills that are relevant to success as an office clerk, administrative assistant, office manager, or other business information worker roles.
Advisory: ENGL C101
9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory. This course provides the learner with a basic understanding of word processing with Microsoft Word, including document creation, formatting, and editing. Learners create, edit, and format business letters, multiple-page reports, newsletters, and cover letters. This course begins preparation for the Microsoft Office User certification exam for Word.
Advisory: BSOT C075, ENGL C101
9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory. This course provides a basic understanding of Microsoft Excel beginning with spreadsheet design, creation, revision, formatting, and printing a workbook. Basic formulas, functions, and syntax are introduced along with an introduction to using charts and graphs. Problem solving for Excel solutions is also emphasized. This course begins preparation for the Microsoft Office User Certification exam for Excel.
Advisory: BSOT C075, ENGL C101
9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory. This hands-on computer course provides a beginning understanding of the Microsoft Access database management program. Topics include fundamental relational database design and management as well as building and editing basic tables, forms, queries, and reports. This course begins preparation for the core level Microsoft Access Office Specialist certification exam.
Advisory: BSOT C075, ENGL C101.
9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory. This course provides the learner with experience in planning, creating, editing, viewing, and printing PowerPoint presentations. Included is the opportunity to add and modify both text and graphics; insert and modify information graphics and multimedia; apply, modify, and create master pages; and apply, modify, and create templates. Integration with other Microsoft programs is included. It is designed for all individuals including professionals acquiring or updating basic skills in creating and editing professional presentations. This course prepares for the Microsoft Office User Certification in MS PowerPoint.
C-ID: BSOT 110X Keyboarding I
Advisory: BSOT C075, ENGL C101
9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory. This is a beginning-level keyboarding course designed to develop effective keyboarding skills with an emphasis on building correct touch-typing techniques for alphanumeric, symbol, and punctuation keys. A foundation in keyboarding speed and accuracy is developed and proofreader's marks are introduced. Successful completion of this class results in a minimum keyboarding speed of 15 net words per minute on a two-minute timed writing.
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this certificate are available at the following campuses: CC Online
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This certificate requires 12.0 units and will likely take 1 semester.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
12.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $552 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $720* for books and supplies
Total cost $1,272 for 1 semester
Non-residents
12.0 units
at $388 per unit
Equals $4,656 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $720* for books and supplies
Total cost $5,376 for 1 semester
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.
