Some employers require the use of shorthand for dictation and require the Secretary to take from 80 to 100 words per minute. Secretaries should also have some hands-on experience with computer hardware and software. Secretaries should be able to use software ranging from spreadsheets to word processing programs. Those Secretaries with experience using computer hardware and software have a better chance to get a job and to promote. Secretaries can take classes and examinations leading to certification as a professional Secretary.
Certification is gotten by passing a six part test and meeting the experience requirement.
Information about these classes and tests can be gotten by writing or calling the office of Professional Secretaries International. All applicants should be prepared to take written tests of their ability to do clerical work and performance tests for typing and stenography skills. Advancement Secretaries often get their first jobs as clerks or stenographers, then advance to secretarial jobs as they get the necessary skills and experience. They can, in time, promote to be administrative or executive secretaries or supervisors. Some employers promote Secretaries into management positions.