Business Information WorkerCertificate of AchievementAS Degree

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Community of interest
Business, Cosmetology, Arts & Design
Award
Certificate of Achievement
Program code
01313.02CA
Department
Bus/Legal/Medical/BIW
CIP code
52.0401: Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.
TOP code
0514.00 - Office Technology/Office Computer Applications*
This is the second tier of the Business Information Worker (BIW) career pathway. Students completing this next level of certificate will take courses that are designed to build on their BIW solid foundation and allow students an opportunity to become proficient in the in-demand knowledge and skills sought out by employers. Career related fields include office and administrative support workers, administrative assistants, receptionists, office specialists, customer service representatives, general office and information clerks, and file clerks. This certificate of achievement can be completed in one year.
Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Program Snapshot

Community of interest
BCAD Business, Cosmetology, Arts & Design
Award
Certificate of Achievement
Program code
01313.02CA
Department
Bus/Legal/Medical/BIW
CIP code
52.0401: Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.
TOP code
0514.00 - Office Technology/Office Computer Applications*

Next Steps

Map Class Schedule

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

Program Schedule ReportMeet with a counselor
Business Information Worker
Certificate of Achievement — expand to learn about this award

A career-aligned credential built around a specific field of study or area of emphasis. Faster to complete than a degree, and the coursework typically stacks into a related AS or AA later if you choose to continue.

See the 2026-27 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

13.5 units
BCIS 13
Business Communication
3 units
course details

This course applies the principles of ethical, effective, and accessible communication to the creation of letters, memos, emails, and written and oral reports for a variety of business situations. The course emphasizes planning, organizing, composing, and revising business documents using word processing software for written documents and presentation-graphics software to create and deliver professional-level oral reports. This course is designed for students who already have college-level writing skills.

View full course outline for BCIS 13

BCIS 18
Introduction to Business Technology
3 units
course details

This course is an examination of information and communication technologies used in today's businesses and the impact these technologies are having on today's workplaces. The course will include examination and application of a wide range of information and communication technology tools used to support and enhance business functions and processes. Focus will be placed on solving a variety of business problems, improving organizational productivity, and achieving the goals of business.

View full course outline for BCIS 18

BCIS 20
Beginning Keyboarding
1.5 units
course details

This course is designed for the student who has had little or no previous training in the operation of a keyboard. Students learn to type by touch, to use appropriate keyboarding techniques, and to develop speed and accuracy. Students learn to use common proofreader's marks in document editing.

View full course outline for BCIS 20

BCIS 28
Microsoft Word for Windows
3 units
course details

This course covers the most recent version of Microsoft Word for Windows (full desktop version) for students who have an understanding of computers and desire comprehensive knowledge of word processing. Course content includes creating, editing, and formatting documents; creating and modifying headers and footers; inserting objects such as images, SmartArt, and WordArt; creating, modifying, and customizing tables; merging documents to create letters, envelopes and labels; creating charts; proofing documents; creating and managing shared documents and online forms; and automating process using macros.

View full course outline for BCIS 28

BCIS 33
Skills for the Working Professional
1 units
course details

This course provides an exploration of essential soft skills necessary for working professionals, focusing on both external and internal communication, effective conflict management, and cultivating a positive attitude. Students will also learn to develop interpersonal and self-management skills for creating a professional image, preparing them for success in today’s workplace.

View full course outline for BCIS 33

BCIS 46
Business Math Calculations
2 units
course details

In this course, students use the features of a business ten-key calculator to solve business math problems including banking, payroll, invoicing, markups/markdowns, interest, present and future value, credit cards, student loans, types of insurance, installment buying, and mortgages. Students will develop ten-key speed and accuracy using the touch method.

View full course outline for BCIS 46

Term 2

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

16 units
BCIS 16
Project Management Tools
3 units
course details

This course introduces students to critical project management and personal information management (PIM) tools integral to today’s business operations: Microsoft Project and Outlook. Students will gain practical experience in utilizing Microsoft Outlook to manage professional e-mail communication, organize events, and create/manage contact groups. Additionally, the course will cover foundational project management skills using Microsoft Project, including planning, building, and tracking project schedules; creating and assigning tasks; managing resources; building Gantt charts, timelines, and reports; and monitoring project progress. Emphasis will be placed on skills that directly align with industry expectations and standards, including preparation for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification where relevant.

View full course outline for BCIS 16

BCIS 17
Artificial Intelligence Tools for Business
3 units
course details

This course provides students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, focusing on the use of AI in business practices. The curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of AI, from foundational concepts to practical applications, including advanced prompt engineering techniques. It looks at the use of generative and analytical AI tools for purposes of writing, researching, presenting, and marketing for business workers. It addresses ethical considerations and the broader societal impacts of AI.

View full course outline for BCIS 17

BCIS 51
Records Management
3 units
course details

This course introduces students to the increasingly complex field of records management. The class emphasizes the importance of effective records management for all types of documents from their creation or receipt, through their processing, distribution, organization, storage, and retrieval, to their ultimate disposition. Students will investigate the management functions necessary to operate a records management program effectively.

View full course outline for BCIS 51

BCIS 70
Adobe Acrobat Professional
1 units
course details

This course introduces students to the current version of Acrobat Pro DC software's major features. Coverage includes interacting with PDFs using multiple devices, creating, scanning, converting, editing, sharing, signing, protecting, & standardizing PDFs. Additionally, ensuring accessibility, applying Bates numbering, redacting sensitive information, and preparing fillable forms will also be covered. (C-ID BSOT 125X).

View full course outline for BCIS 70

BCIS 85
Microsoft Excel for Windows
3 units
course details

This course covers a recent version of Microsoft Excel (full desktop version) for students who have an understanding of computers and desire comprehensive knowledge of spreadsheets. Course content includes creating, formatting, and maintaining worksheets; using logical and financial formulas and functions; creating and modifying charts; using visual enhancements; working with tables and data tools; creating xlookup reference functions; and creating pivot tables.

View full course outline for BCIS 85

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

Example roles: 4

  • Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
  • Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
  • First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the 4-year pathway for this program.

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Local Job Market

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and ExecutiveSOC 43-601415 nearby openings

Search keyword used: administrative assistant · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $53,010/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Adventist Health Rideout 1
  • Aladdin Bail Bonds 1
  • Alliance For Workforce Development 1
  • Archon Business Group 1
  • Armed Guard Private Security 1

Where the postings are

  • Chico, Butte County 7
  • Chapmantown, Butte County 3
  • Linda, Yuba County 2
  • Las Plumas, Butte County 1
  • Oroville, Butte County 1

Sample current postings

  1. Sunday Admissions Nurse - RNPACS Inc · Chico, Butte County · today
  2. Executive Personal Assistant (Administration)Armed Guard Private Security · Chico, Butte County · today
  3. Safety CoordinatorK2 Staffing · Chico, Butte County · today
  4. Human Resources GeneralistKRC Corporation · Chapmantown, Butte County · 1 day ago
  5. Hotel Katerina - Assistant Food and Beverage ManagerOxford Suites & Hotels · Chapmantown, Butte County · 1 day ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and TimekeepingSOC 43-41611 nearby opening

Search keyword used: human resources assistant · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius

Top employers in sample

  • S&L Food Sales Company 1

Where the postings are

  • Chapmantown, Butte County 1

Sample current postings

  1. Assistant Controller and Human ResourcesS&L Food Sales Company · Chapmantown, Butte County · 9 days ago

See all openings on Adzuna

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support WorkersSOC 43-10113 nearby openings

Search keyword used: office supervisor · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $65,533/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Butte County 2
  • Ewald & Wasserman Research 1

Where the postings are

  • Thermalito, Butte County 2
  • Chico, Butte County 1

Sample current postings

  1. Revenue and Reimbursement Officer IButte County · Thermalito, Butte County · 4 days ago
  2. Field InterviewerEwald & Wasserman Research · Chico, Butte County · 2 weeks ago
  3. Deputy Probation Officer II/IIIButte County · Thermalito, Butte County · 3 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative AssistantsSOC 43-60115 nearby openings

Search keyword used: executive assistant · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $72,800/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Maximus 3
  • Armed Guard Private Security 1
  • WoodJobs 1

Where the postings are

  • Chico, Butte County 4
  • Chapmantown, Butte County 1

Sample current postings

  1. Executive Personal Assistant (Administration)Armed Guard Private Security · Chico, Butte County · today
  2. Junior BUR and Storage EngineerMaximus · Chico, Butte County · 2 weeks ago
  3. Project Engineer - Chico, CA (High-end Custom Millwork, cabinets, Moulding MFGWoodJobs · Chapmantown, Butte County · 3 weeks ago
  4. Junior CIC AnalystMaximus · Chico, Butte County · 3 weeks ago
  5. Junior Security EngineerMaximus · Chico, Butte County · 3 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Posting counts come from Adzuna's index of US job boards, covering the last 30 days within 25 miles of ZIP 95965. Coverage and salary visibility vary by employer. Empty searches expand the radius and posting window before the section gives up.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

Live wage data was not available from the BLS helper for the mapped occupations, so some pay fields may be blank.

Last generated 2026-07-05T16:50+00:00