Executive Assistant Professional Certification
Executive Assistants do more than support. You Drive Success.
It’s time for your expertise, judgement and impact to be recognised.
The Executive Assistant Professional Certification (EAPC) is the global standard for the profession that drives business success.
See the Standard
Download the brochure to understand; what the core covers, which electives are available, how certification works and what you receive when certified
Designed for real work
This program is built around you; flexible, practical and focused on the capabilities that matter most in today’s executive environment. See how it works…
1. The Core
Build the essential skills of executive-level support through The Core capability modules, aligned to The High Performing EA Standard. This is the foundational part of the course, completed by all participants.
Available self-paced or live online.
Two full days duration.
2. Electives
Choose three elective capability units. Build depth where it matters most to your role, online and at your own pace around your work. You can add more electives if you want to go further.
Online, self-paced video modules.
Each elective 2 -3 hours duration.
3. Certification
Complete The Core and three electives to become certified, then maintain your certification with an annual online exam. This is more than a credential, it helps you build your career and gain the recognition you deserve.
Stand out in a crowded market.
Earn a digital certificate and LinkedIn badge.
EAPC Scholarships Now Open
To mark Admin Professionals Day, we’re offering a limited number of EAPC Sponsorships. These are for Executive Assistants currently facing financial pressure, redundancy, or limited access to development.
If you’re ready to keep growing, but need support to do so, we encourage you to apply, find out more here.
Why This Certification Exists
For Executive Assistants
The EA role is poorly defined, inconsistently valued, and frequently misunderstood so capability is assumed rather than recognised. Many EAs are relied on heavily but denied progression, authority, or meaningful development. There is growing pressure to adapt to AI without clear guidance or standards and existing EA training is often dismissed as soft or non-essential.
For Organisations
There is no shared benchmark for EA capability so hiring decisions rely on gut feel rather than evidence. Executives expect high-level support without articulating what that means and HR and recruiters lack a trusted signal that an EA is ready to operate at executive level. This certification solves for clarity, credibility, and consistency – it defines the standard, validates it through the market, and gives both EAs and employers a shared reference point.
Who This Is For
This certification is for:
Executive Assistants supporting senior leaders
Senior EAs seeking formal recognition
EAs wanting confidence and progression
Organisations investing in EA capability
Aspiring EAs taking the first step in their career
What you receive
Most Executive Assistants are already operating at a high level, but without a clear standard, shared language, or external recognition to back it up. That gap is what creates self-doubt, over-explaining, and being overlooked.
This certification is designed to close that gap.
You walk away with:
Executive Assistant Professional Certification
A recognised certification that reflects how you think, judge, and contribute, not just how busy you are. Something you can confidently stand behind.
A clear, industry-defined professional standard
No more guessing what “good” looks like. You’ll understand the expectations of high-level EA practice and where you sit against them.
Stronger judgement under pressure
Confidence in your decisions, language, and priorities, especially when things are unclear, fast-moving, or politically complex.
Credibility you don’t have to explain
External recognition that supports your role internally, so you’re not constantly justifying your value or translating your impact.
A professional credential you can use
A digital certificate and credential you can share with your organisation, recruiters, and network.
Connection to a global EA community
Access to a community of EAs who are operating at a similar level and taking their profession seriously.
An Investment In Your Future
Flexible payment options available
Interest free payment plans
Tax deductable
Claimable through your organisation (check eligability)
Corporate rates available
Have a question about pricing, payment options or corporate rates? Chat to our team.
What others say
I came to the realisation that I've instinctively been doing many of these things, but it's nice to have frameworks to refer back to to make sure I haven't miss any important steps and… and so on, and particularly if I'm planning a conversation. If it's on the fly, obviously, you kind of, you know, you're… you're in the moment and so on, but And I loved… just the created context, and just spending more time there, and I guess planning for possibility, really. Like, it's just spend less time in the, you know, in the actual, you know, the descriptive, kind of, language and so on, and get people out of that, and… which is what I have been doing, but it's just, yeah, it's having the language and the framework to put to things that I've kind of innately done.
I found the course really powerful because it challenged me to challenge myself in terms of my capabilities. Listening to the facilitator, hearing everyone else, and having the one-on-one conversations helped me realise that I am capable and I do have the ability, I just need to step up and believe in myself.
Coming into the course the second time, I expected a refresher—and it was—but it also gave me extra clarity and insight. The first time around it took a few sessions before the ‘pennies dropped’ and I realised how big it was, especially the internal reflection on why things haven’t progressed. This time, everything felt a lot clearer, and that added direction has been really beneficial.
I printed the leadership distinctions and put them up at my desk, and I’ve had quite a number of people stop and really take them in. It’s been great to see colleagues reflect on what they’re doing and then work it into their conversations and project work. Coming back to the course also reminded me how valuable it is to connect with other EAs—especially hearing experiences outside my organisation—and it’s already got me thinking about how I can keep changing how I work.
Meet Our Founder
Amanda Vinci
Amanda is on a mission to elevate the next generation of leaders, globally and holistically.
A former EA herself, Amanda rose from entry-level to supporting senior executives, ultimately establishing Australia’s premier training hub for Executive Assistants. With her flagship High Performing EA course and subsequent specialised courses, she has transformed the careers of hundreds of EAs by teaching them strategic mindset, leadership, and visibility skills essential for modern business.
An internationally accredited coach and keynote speaker, Amanda brings over a decade of experience in leadership, behavioural studies, and burnout prevention. She believes in empowering assistants to achieve their full potential and is dedicated to redefining the administration profession. Under Amanda’s leadership, The EA Institute continues to empower assistants to secure their voice and impact in business.
Follow Amanda on LinkedIn
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to complete the core?
Yes. The Core High Performing EA Standard is compulsory for all participants.
The Core establishes the shared professional standard that underpins the certification. It focuses on judgement, responsibility, language, and professional integrity, the capabilities that sit underneath strong EA performance, regardless of role or industry.
Without the Core, there is no common benchmark, which is why it’s required for certification. Upcoming Core sessions run regularly. You’ll select your session after enrolment
How many electives do I need to complete?
To become certified, you must complete three elective capability units in addition to the Core.
Electives allow you to build depth in areas most relevant to your role, strengths, or career direction. Many participants choose electives that reflect where they are now, while others select electives that support where they want to go next.
You’re welcome to complete more than three electives if you’d like to continue building capability beyond certification.
Is this suitable for international participants? (Outside AU)
Yes. The Executive Assistant Professional Certification is designed to be completed by Executive Assistants globally.
The Core High Performing EA Standard is available in a self-paced online format, which allows you to complete it in your own time, regardless of timezone. Elective capability units are also available online, so you can progress through the certification from anywhere.
Many participants choose the self-paced pathway to fit around work commitments and location, while still completing the same standard and certification outcome.
Is the certification accredited or certified?
While our courses are not formally accredited, they are recognised by industry leaders and designed to provide real-world skills that can significantly impact your career. Participants receive a certificate of completion.
Is the certification self-paced or live?
The Core High Performing EA Standard can be completed in:
1. Self-paced online format
2. Live online format
All formats cover the same standard and lead to the same certification outcome. Upcoming live Core sessions run regularly. You’ll select your session after enrolment
Do I need formal qualifications to enrol?
No. This certification is not based on academic qualifications.
It’s designed for Executive Assistants who are already operating in real roles and want a recognised professional standard that reflects how they think, judge, and contribute.
Experience, responsibility, and readiness matter more than formal study.
Is this suitable for organisations?
Yes. Many organisations use certification as part of their EA development strategy.
The certification provides:
1. A clear, externally defined professional standard
2. Confidence in EA capability beyond task execution
3. A shared language for performance and development
4. We offer discounted rates for group enrolments and can support organisations enrolling multiple EAs.
To enquire about organisational options and group rates, email: info@theeainstitute.com.au
How do I explain this to my manager?
You’re not expected to sell this internally.
The brochure is designed to clearly explain:
1. Why the certification exists
2. What capability it builds
3. How it supports executives and organisations
4. Why it’s a credible professional investment
Many participants share the brochure as a starting point for discussion, download the brochure above to share internally.
What happens after I’m certified?
Once you’ve completed the Core and three electives, you’ll receive:
1. Executive Assistant Professional Certification
2. A digital certificate and professional credential
3. Recognition against an industry-defined EA standard
From there, you can continue building capability through additional electives or advanced learning options as they become available. To maintain your certification, you must complete an annual exam.
Find out more here.
