The best personal assistant courses

There is no single starting point on a personal assistant career path, and successful PAs can find their way into the role in very diverse ways. However, for those people with a clear desire to pursue a PA career, there are several organisations that offer learning and development opportunities tailored to the profession.

Employers should take note of these higher education institutes, both as a marker of experience and initiative in a PA candidate, and as potential partners for their internal learning and development programmes.

In this blog we’ll look at some of the best personal assistant courses. If you’re an aspiring personal assistant and wondering how to become a PA, you may well be nervous about being underqualified for the job. We’re here to put your mind at ease, and show you exactly what actions you can take to secure your dream PA job. For employers, this is designed to give you an idea of what to look for on candidate CVs, and what to offer in .

Do you need a degree to be a personal assistant?

Before we delve into some fantastic options for PA education, let’s first address a common question: do you need a degree to be a personal assistant?

The short answer is no – many PA roles will require education up to A-level only. The long answer is: it depends on the particular PA job. In more formal and high-pressure workplaces such as corporate finance, private equity, or family offices, an undergraduate degree may be a prerequisite, while the more interesting and higher-paid PA positions will of course be more suitable to a candidate with a degree.

However, there are alternatives to a degree that can be just as powerful when it comes to PA jobs. This is why we advise you to consider the below personal assistant courses: someone with these under their belt is more likely to be successful and see long-term career progression.

London Business School (Dubai courses)

The prestigious London Business School runs a group of courses in Dubai, specialising in management and leadership. These are a fantastic choice for PAs looking to advance into positions of greater responsibility, such as Senior PA, OM, and EA.

Zabeel International Institute

Zabeel International Institute’s executive secretary training course is an excellent primer course for PAs, EAs, office managers, and secretaries. Their qualifications focus on administrative skills and employability, helping to produce graduates with the right mindset for a long and successful career.

Capital

Capital run an online executive secretary course for graduates looking to gain further qualifications for senior administrative positions. The Executive Secretary Diploma is approved by the Knowledge And Human Development Authority, making it a desirable employee benefit for career-minded personal assistants.

Looking to become a PA?

Personal assistant courses should be a consideration at any point in your career as a PA, due to the ever-changing nature of the role. However, at the outset of your PA journey, you should draw on any qualifications you have when aiming to impress a hiring manager. Read our guides to personal assistant CVs, PA personal statements and PA cover letters for insider tips on how to make your experience shine!

When you’re ready to apply for your next PA job, head to our job search page.

Looking to hire a PA?

If you are looking for the best way to hire a personal assistant, read our ultimate guide to hiring a PA. When you are ready to start the hiring process, get in touch with your requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Which course is best for personal assistant?

The best personal assistant course depends on the level of experience a prospective student has of the personal assistant role, and their level of education. For example, A-level leavers considering a career as a PA may wish to take a degree such as business studies in order to improve their chances of a higher-level position. Others may prefer a diploma or online course to help them onto the first step of the career ladder in a more junior admin position.

How do you train to be a personal assistant?

There are several higher education options for people wishing to become a personal assistant, including degrees, diplomas, and online certificates. These courses will train students in the skills and knowledge required for a PA role.

How do I become a good personal assistant?

Improving your personal assistant expertise can be achieved through higher education courses, learning and development programmes within a company, mentoring, and through the experience gained while on the job.

How do I become a well-paid personal assistant?

You can increase your chances of a higher salary as a personal assistant by gaining appropriate academic qualifications, as well as through internal promotion while in the job.