Bow Valley College

Administrative Professional Certificate

Calgary, Canada Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary provides a student-centered, career-focused education designed for practical outcomes. Founded in 1965, the college emphasizes small classes, applied learning and strong support services, serving a diverse community with programs aligned to local and global labour needs. Its compact urban location gives students access to Calgary’s business and cultural scene while benefiting from a close-knit campus atmosphere.

Programs at Bow Valley prioritize employability through practicum placements, industry-relevant curricula and active partnerships with employers. Faculty and staff bring real-world experience to the classroom, and the college’s high graduate employment rate reflects its commitment to career-ready training. Support services, language instruction and workshops ensure students develop both technical skills and the intercultural competencies needed to succeed in multicultural workplaces.

International students will find resources to help with transition, including advising, orientation and opportunities to engage in volunteer and campus activities that build networks and professional experience. The college’s focus on affordability and transfer pathways also makes it attractive for those planning further study in Canada. If you want a practical, supportive environment with direct links to employment, Bow Valley College offers a purposeful route to skills, credentials and local industry connections.

About the Program

The Administrative Professional Certificate is a non-degree program at Bow Valley College in Calgary, Canada, that helps students gain practical skills for an office role. It's perfect for those who want to take on many responsibilities in an administrative setting. The program lasts one year and is taught in English.

The curriculum includes courses like Introduction to Professional Keyboarding, Business Communication, and Administrative Procedures. Students also learn software applications and build interpersonal skills through classes like Excel for Administrative Professionals and Business Technology. A field placement in the final term gives students hands-on experience.

Graduates can pursue careers as Administrative Assistants, Office Managers, Executive Secretaries, or Receptionists. They can work in various industries, including business, healthcare, or education, and find employment with companies, non-profits, or government agencies.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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