How Professional Certifications Boost Executive Assistants' Salaries

Professional certifications continue to make a measurable difference in the career progression and earning potential of Executive Assistants (EAs) and Administrative Professionals (APs). According to the 2025 ASAP State of the Profession survey, those who hold professional credentials consistently earn more than their non-certified peers—a trend that has remained steady in recent years.

Certification Leads to Higher Salaries

In 2025, certified Executive Assistants / Administrative Professionals earned, on average, $4,000 more annually than those without any certifications. Those with advanced, industry-recognised certifications saw an even greater benefit, with average salary increases of $5,000 to $6,000 per year.

This salary advantage has held firm over the past four years. In 2025, those with certifications reported average salaries of $73,005, compared to $67,362 for those with general certifications and $65,224 for those with none. The data underscores the continued financial value of investing in professional development.

The Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant (ACEA®) stands out as the only independently certified credential for the administrative profession. Certified by Qualifi, a recognised UK awarding body, and accredited by the CPD Standards Office, ACEA® is uniquely positioned to prepare EAs / APs for high-level responsibilities. It goes far beyond basic skills validation—it equips participants with strategic insight, financial fluency, governance understanding, and leadership capability.

Employers are increasingly recognising the strategic value of Executive Assistants / Administrative Professionals, particularly those who hold qualifications aligned with executive-level thinking and operational execution. The 2025 data makes clear: certification isn’t just a milestone—it’s a catalyst for professional growth and salary advancement.

Upcoming ACEA® Events

For those ready to take the next step in their careers, the ACEA® programme offers several upcoming in-person and online events in 2025:

• Las Vegas, USA: May 12–16

• Sydney, Australia: June 2–6

• Frankfurt, Germany: June 23–27

• Kuala Lumpur: July 7-11

• Nairobi, Kenya: July 21–25

• Washington, D.C., USA: September 22–26

• Online (Americas & Evening EMEA): October 21–November 6

• London, UK: November 3–7

• Singapore: November 10–14

• Dubai, UAE: November 17–21

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: November 24–28

These sessions are ideal for Executive Assistants / Administrative Professionals who wish to develop strategic business skills, gain international certification, and future-proof their roles. For more information and to register, visit the official ACEA® Training website.

A Wise Investment

For Executive Assistants and Administrative Professionals looking to enhance their strategic influence and increase their earning potential, professional certification is a key advantage. The independently certified ACEA® credential sets the benchmark for excellence and leadership in the field, making it a smart investment for career growth.

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About the Author: Richard Arnott, BA, FInstAM, FIToL, is a Director of BMTG (UK) Ltd, and the author and lead presenter of the groundbreaking, globally recognised Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA® program. Richard also sits on the editorial board of Lucy Brazier OBE's Executive Support Magazine.

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Acknowledgement: This article references data from the 2025 ASAP State of the Profession survey. All rights to the original survey findings are reserved by ASAP and its authors.