Since 2019, I’ve interviewed more successful assistants than I can count. We’re talking dream careers, impressive salaries, and enviable job satisfaction. I always ask them the same question:

“Did you take any specific courses, qualifications, or certifications to get here?”

And the answer? A unanimous no.

The 2025 Administrative Professionals Salary Reports came to a similar conclusion. There are good reasons to pursue education but an increase in salary isn't one of them  

Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t value in training. Continuous learning is undoubtedly important - but so is choosing where you spend your time and money because not all courses are created equal and frankly, some should be illegal.  

There are a lot of shiny “become an elite EA today" or "EA today CoS tomorrow” courses out there. For the most part, they’re about as useful as a chocolate teapot.   

You deserve better. So here’s a list of trusted providers. The people and organizations members of the EA How To community have recommended that deliver high-quality, relevant, and up-to-date learning for assistants.

In no particular order... 

Executive Assistant Training and Certifications 

Mini MBA by Your Excellency

If you're craving more than just admin skills — think commercial confidence, strategic savvy, and financial fluency — this is your jam. This blended-learning Mini MBA spans five months and includes nine carefully crafted modules, mixing live virtual instructor-led sessions and pre‑recorded webinars on everything from business strategy to stakeholder management, leadership, marketing, budgeting, and project management. 

Quote discount code - EAHOWTOYEL when you're booking!

International Association of Administrative Professionals

The CAP certification, offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), is a well-established credential for admins and executive assistants. The exam covers areas such as communication, business writing, project management, and office management, giving you a way to formally demonstrate your knowledge and skills. IAAP runs the exam twice a year and provides prep resources to help candidates feel ready.

National Board of Business Administrators

The Certified Administrative Specialist credential, offered by the National Board of Administrators (NBBA), formally acknowledges the training, business savvy, and skill set that help administrative professionals perform their best. It focuses on concrete competencies needed in day-to-day office operations and broader organizational support. NBBA provides this certification as a clear and structured way to showcase your readiness and capability in administrative roles.

The American Society of Administrative Professionals

If you want depth, variety, and community, ASAP delivers. Their PACE Certification is well-respected and a great choice if you want a structured credential that covers project management, tech, communication, and organisational skills. ASAP also has a range of guest presenters (including yours truly) and puts on world class annual conferences including APC and EA Ignite. 

Strategic Career Advice and Leadership Coaching 

Views PD by Trinity James

A former EA turned career coach, Trinity knows exactly what it’s like to sit in your chair—and how to help you step into the next stage of your career with confidence. Through her company, Views PD, she offers one-to-one coaching on everything from CV overhauls and LinkedIn glow-ups to interview prep and career strategy. Her style is warm, pragmatic, and action-oriented—you leave with clarity and a plan you can actually use.

Trinity also facilitates monthly group coaching sessions for EA How To, where members get her guidance in a collaborative setting. It’s the best of both worlds: personal insight from someone who’s walked the path, plus the energy and accountability of a supportive group.

Hoxton Hyde (EA Progression Program™) by Ruth Kilah

A transformative, 12‑month coaching program for high‑performing EAs ready to unlock promotions, drive pay increases, and expand influence. You’ll get twice‑monthly live coaching sessions, frameworks like the “6‑Figure Career Clarity™,” tools to communicate your value, and access to a premium peer community—all designed to raise your strategic voice and salary potential.

Executive Empress by Lisa Dean

More than coaching—Executive Empress is a concierge leadership‑development experience for EAs ready to fully own their power. Lisa—who brings 12 years of C‑suite experience and a record of multiple promotions—offers bespoke leadership and career coaching, recruitment support, and a growing Leadership Academy community. She helps you cultivate presence, influence, and the confidence to speak and lead from the front.

Whole Assistant by Annie Croner

With more than 20 years of EA experience, Annie has lived the highs and lows of the role and now coaches assistants on how to thrive without burning out. Through one-to-one coaching and group programmes, she focuses on building confidence, setting boundaries, and stepping into true strategic partnership. Annie’s approach is practical, supportive, and all about helping you grow your influence while staying true to yourself.

The Elite EA Academy by Rachael Bonetti 

A 12‑week high-impact program that moves you from reactive support to strategic leadership. Think of it as your EA career fast‑track: you get thoughtfully delivered modules on business acumen, executive presence, and leadership; live coaching calls; bespoke workflows and templates; and a final career blueprint you can actually use to map your next steps. After the course, learners report real changes—like 40% pay rises—because they're not just doing the work, they’re changing the game.

AI

Carve AI by Fiona Young

Fiona is all about making AI less intimidating and more “I’ve got this.” Her workshops cut through the hype and focus on practical ways assistants can use AI to save hours every week. Think ChatGPT prompts, automation tips, and smart workflows tailored to what we actually do. 

Why is no one else here? Because right now, Carve is in a league of its own. 

Quote Code EAHOWTO for 10% off Carve training.

Microlearning

The EA Campus by Nicky Christmas

The EA Campus is like Netflix for EA training — binge-worthy, on-demand, and you actually learn something. Nicky offers an online platform full of masterclasses, templates, and community discussions. Perfect if you want to dip into short, impactful sessions rather than commit to a long, expensive course. 

Double Gemini

Known for productivity and time-management training, Double Gemini is all about taming the chaos. Their programs help you master email, file management and more so you can stop firefighting and start feeling in control. If your inbox currently looks like a crime scene, this one’s for you.

Hot Tip: You can do the famous Stack Method inbox management training free of charge. I also highly recommend their file management training — it’s the system I use for EA How To.  

LinkedIn Learning

With thousands of short, practical courses at your fingertips, LinkedIn Learning is the ultimate dip-in, dip-out option. From Excel hacks to leadership skills, you can learn at your own pace (and on your company’s dime if they provide access). Start with the free trial and see what gaps you can fill.

Office Management

The Office Management Group by Hana Gray

For those juggling the EA/Office Manager hybrid role, OMG is a lifeline. Training, resources, and a community that understands the “chief everything officer” reality. Hannah’s sessions on compliance and facilities are practical, relevant, and will save your bacon more than once. 

Communities & Support

EA How To

This is my own community so of course it's on the list!

EA How To is where assistants come to grow, to share, and to finally feel understood.

Here’s what you actually get: a library of webinars and resources designed specifically for EAs, monthly live events where you can learn and connect, a buzzing Slack space full of peers who get it, and the kind of practical tips you can use the very next day at work. Add to that group coaching, expert guest speakers, and member-only perks that make professional development feel exciting (not like another thing on your to-do list).

But more than that, here’s why it matters: being an EA can be isolating. You’re often the only one in your company doing what you do. EA How To is the antidote to that — a place where you’ll never have to explain why Outlook calendar clashes drive you to tears, or why your exec’s “just a quick thing” can derail your whole afternoon. It’s a community of people who’ll cheer your wins, share their strategies, and remind you you’re not alone.

Not every community is for everyone. And that’s okay. But if you want the friendliest, smartest, most supportive group of assistants around — plus the tools to level up your career while having a laugh along the way — EA How To is your people.

The Officials by Lauren Bradley

The only membership community I would recommend that isn’t my own. Lauren makes learning feel like a fun conversation with your smartest friend. The Officials’ training covers everything from mastering AI tools to running your exec’s day like a well-oiled machine. There is also a heavy tech focus as Lauren is always on top of the latest tools. 

Networks & Training Providers

There are some incredible networks out there that run various training and events. Some of the most reputable are listed below.

The Strategic PA Network

If you’re in the UK, you’re lucky: The Strategic PA Network is one of the very best. They host online sessions, in-person meet-ups, and an annual L&D Summit that goes beyond surface-level training. Their events are beautifully run in stunning venues, and they have a well-earned reputation for making everyone feel welcome. If you’re outside the UK, use them as your benchmark—look for a community with the same mix of professionalism, warmth, and real value.

Executive Support Media by Lucy Brazier OBE

Lucy doesn’t just teach; she advocates for the profession on a global stage. Her Executive Support LIVE events are essentially the TED Talks of the EA world — the best speakers, the latest thinking, and truly global networking. Lucy’s passion for our profession is infectious, and the learning is second to none.

Office Dynamics by Joan Burge

An industry icon, Joan has been elevating the admin profession for decades. Office Dynamics offers deep-dive training on executive partnership, leadership, communication and more. If you want to step up your influence and be seen as a strategic business partner, her “World Class Assistant” course is the place to start.

The Takeaway

I’m a strong believer in microlearning. Our tech stack evolves daily, new AI tools appear before we’ve mastered the last, and the scope of the EA role is simply too broad for any single “magic-bullet” qualification.

That said, the right course at the right time can be career-changing. Whether you’re filling a skills gap, strengthening your CV, or refining what you already do brilliantly, training is only truly valuable if it comes from a trusted source.

There isn’t one “best” course for every assistant — your path should reflect your role, your goals, and the areas you want to grow. What matters most is choosing providers who are credible, current, and genuinely invested in helping you succeed. Your time and money are too valuable to waste on anything less.