Personal Assistant Courses

Browse an extensive range of fully-endorsed personal assistant courses, now available for enrolment at Brentwood Open Learning College.  Find your ideal personal assistant course online and enjoy the freedom to study in your own time and at your own pace.  We provide affordable, accessible and enjoyable personal assistant training, suitable for newcomers and experienced PAs looking to improve their skills. This advanced Level 6 Diploma takes place over a series of 16 modules - each covering a key topic or knowledge area. All assignments are submitted online and there is no formal exam to sit at the end of the course.  Whether starting from scratch or ready to take your career to the next level, we’re standing by with the support you need to achieve your goals!

Why Study Executive PA Skills?

Executive PA skills are of universal value and relevance across a wide variety of professions. For some, the dream is to become a self-employed PA working on a contractual basis for VIPs at home and abroad.  For others, it’s about climbing the corporate ladder to an executive level and enjoying the perks of conventional employment. From experienced secretaries to office admin newcomers, this Level 6 Diploma could be just the thing to fast-track your progression.  Communication skills, administration skills, time management, leadership and supervision - essential knowledge and skills to assist you at all stages throughout your career.  Sign up online and get started today, or contact the team at Brentwood Open Learning College if you have any questions.

Each of the 16 modules in this advanced diploma concludes with an online assessment to gauge your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The topics covered in this Level 6 Executive PA skills course are as follows:

Module 1 - The Job Functions of a PA / Secretary

The fundamentals of the executive PA profession are detailed and discussed in the first module, which provides a comprehensive rundown of the everyday duties and responsibilities of PAs and secretarial staff. Personal qualities and attributes of importance in the field of PA services are also discussed.

Module 2 - Telephone Skills

An introduction to telephone manner and the value of good telephone etiquette follows in the second module, which also takes a look at the types of calls the executive PA makes and receives on behalf of their employer.

Module 3 - Mail Services and Shipping

Candidates then study the various types of shipping and courier services available, with guidelines on choosing the right service in accordance with the consignment being sent.  The basics of insuring valuable consignments and tracking shipments are also examined.

Module 4 - Travel Arrangements

The pros and cons of making travel arrangements with the help of a travel agent are assessed in the fourth module, in which candidates consider the challenges associated with booking transportation and accommodation on behalf of someone else.

Module 5 - Organising Meetings

Module Five takes a look at the various different types of meetings the professional PA may play a role in organising, from small-scale staff meetings to major business events and conferences. Tips for ensuring meetings are scheduled for convenient times and dates are also provided.

Module 6 - Time Management

Learners then consider how effective time management holds the key to success as a professional PA, with practical tips and guidelines for making more efficient use of time and balancing a busy workload. The potential benefits of working to a routine are also discussed.

Module 7 - Keeping Accurate Records

Module Eight examines the record-keeping responsibilities of the professional PA, along with the various types of records, files, documents and journals that fall within the PA’s supervision.  Several standardised approaches to filing are detailed and discussed, along with their pros and cons.

Module 8 - Writing Business Letters

Candidates are then guided through the process of writing several major types of business letters, including the importance of appropriate construction and how to sign off business communications the right way.  The correct use of sentences, paragraphs and signatures is also discussed.

Module 9 - Other Written Communication

The business writing theme continues into Module Nine, which along with further examples of internal and external communications takes a look at the pros and cons of emails.  Candidates also learn how to write memorandums and use them to communicate important information.

Module 10 - Presentation Skills

Module 10 provides a step-by-step guide to putting on a memorable and impactful presentation, highlighting the value of thorough planning and the importance of confidence.  Several different types of visual aids and how they can be used to enhance engagement are also discussed.

Module 11 - Communication Skills

Communication as the cornerstone of effective PA services follows in Module 11, providing actionable insights and practical pointers for becoming a more confident communicator.  The potential for nonverbal communication and body language to send a powerful message is also examined.

Module 12 - Active Listening

The factors that distinguish active listening from passive hearing are presented and discussed in Module 12, which emphasises the criticality of good listening skills as a professional PA. Tips and guidelines for becoming a better listener and a more confident communicator in general are provided.

Module 13 - Administrative Skills

Module 13 provides a detailed overview of the core administrative skills all PAs and secretaries must master, from basic everyday filing to more complex record-keeping, note taking and the management of financial documents.

Module 14 - Office Management & Supervision

Management and leadership responsibilities as a PA or secretary are discussed in Module 14, which examines the importance of balancing assertiveness with and approachable and personable persona. Tips and guidelines for becoming a more inspiring leadership figure are provided.

Module 15 - Dealing with Difficult People & Conflict Resolution

The inevitability of workplace conflict and how to diplomatically deal with disputes follows in Module 15, with an overview of the different types of difficult people the professional PA can expect to encounter on a regular basis.

Module 16 - Effective Planning and Scheduling

Concluding the course, Module 16 further emphasises the importance of strategic planning as the linchpin of successful PA services. Tips for more efficient scheduling and workload management are also provided, including an introduction to the concept of the ‘Work Breakdown Structure’. 

Paying in Installments: £900 (interest FREE Installments)

Deposit: £180

No of Installments: 12

Each Installment: £60

Pay in Full: (£200 Discount) £700

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

This course and/or training programme has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course and/or training programme is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Learner FAQs on the Quality Licence Scheme website.

An established background in PA and secretarial skills could pave the way for any number of rewarding careers. Typical job titles in the field of PA and secretarial skills include administrative assistant, administrative coordinator, secretary, executive assistant, support assistant, office manager, administrative officer, staff assistant and many more besides. The field of professional PA services is also wide open with incredible self-employment opportunities, for those who would prefer to work on a freelance or contractual basis.

Brentwood Open Learning College provides a wide range of endorsed online courses for self-paced home study. This Level 6 Executive PA course was created with the following applicants in mind:

• Confident, outgoing and personable individuals with good self-management skills
• Office admin and secretarial workers pursuing promotion
• Business owners and entrepreneurs considering setting up new businesses
• Experienced secretaries and professional PAs working on their skills and knowledge
• Candidates interested in self-employment opportunities at home and abroad
• Anyone looking to catch the eyes of employers with an endorsed diploma

Take the first big step towards a career as an executive PA today, or contact a member of the team at Brentwood Open Learning College to learn more.