Short Certificate
You don’t always have to spend many months or years in school to get where you want to be. Check out Focus College’s short certificate programs
Get Working Quickly & Build a Career with the Short Certificate Courses at Focus College
We provide employment-focused career training that can be completed in 1 to 12 weeks. If your looking for a program delivered by experienced instructors, with small class sizes and a lot of one-to-one attention, you’ve come to the right place. At Focus College, our short certificate programs can get you set up to build a career in Office Administration or Bylaw Enforcement in a matter of weeks.
Learn More
To learn more, click on the program below that most interests you.
12 Week Hands-On Office Manager Training Program
Do people often tell you that you’re great with people? Are you really organized and good at managing your time? If you already possess these valuable qualities, you’re well on your way to being ready to enter a variety of career fields. All you need is some targeted training in specific administrative duties to be employment-ready. The Office Management certificate program from Focus College only takes 3 months to complete and provides you with all the knowledge you need to succeed as an administrator in many office environments. Read on to learn more about this rewarding program. Focus on your goal and we’ll get you the skills you need to make it a reality.
Career Opportunities
Students who complete this course will be able to secure positions as Office Managers, Office Administrators, Supervisors, Office Assistants, Human Resource & Marketing Personnel.
Who Will Benefit from the Program?
Actually, most people have a lot to gain from taking this program. Former students returning to school, adult learners with families, working individuals who wish to enhance their career prospects, and people who wish to start their own businesses.
Description
The Office Manager Certificate program will equip students with skills in the following:
- Office Administration
- Management
- Leadership
- Computers
- Technology
- Presentations
- Marketing
- human Resource Management
- Communication
- and more
Objectives
Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate knowledge of operating popular computer applications
- Work efficiently with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project
- Develop the skills to create powerful presentations with graphs, tables, and embedded graphics
- Develop an awareness of the skills needed to work in today’s workforce
- Develop interpersonal communications and management skills
- Write proper business letters and other documents
- Demonstrate modern office skills and managerial skills
- Develop skills for managing an office
- Understand marketing concepts, principles and application
- Discover and apply sales strategies
- Understand and apply skills in human resources management, planning, strategies and recruitment process
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years of age or out of school for a minimum of 1 year
- In the case of students from non-English-speaking countries/territories, students will have to demonstrate their English proficiency at a minimum IELTS Band level of 6.0 or equivalent. (In a case where a prospective student has no proof of English proficiency or an English proficiency level below IELTS Band 6.0, that student will be required to take the Focus College ESL “Crash Course”)
Courses
“Life Skills & Success Strategies”
This course covers the soft skills required to obtain and retain employment, including communication skills, emotional intelligence, goal setting, stress management, problem solving and teamwork.“Word Processing: Word Levels 1 & 2”
This course teaches students how to create different kinds of business documents using a variety of core and intermediate skills such as letters, memos, forms, newsletters, and reports“Spreadsheets: Excel”
Microsoft Excel teaches the student how to work with different types of documents using a variety of core and intermediate features to create and edit professional-looking spreadsheets for a variety of purposes and situations.“Presentations: PowerPoint”
The Microsoft PowerPoint course covers all the topics needed to create and manage presentations. Some topics included are charts & tables, slide masters, adding multimedia elements, and delivering the presentations.“Internet/Email/Scheduling: Outlook”
This course teaches the students how to use the various elements such as mail, calendar or contacts to coordinate communications and collaborations with others. The user will acquire fundamental concepts and skills, building on this foundation as they increase their productivity in communication and sharing information with others.“Business Writing (Business Letters/Memos/Reports)”
This course is filled with insights into improving one’s written business communications. From everyday letters, emails, and reports to Web site content, proposals, and new media, students will discover what it takes to make every written word and document.“Project Management: Microsoft Project”
In this course, students will get an increased awareness of project management concepts. They will learn to apply planning and organizing techniques for good time management, demonstrate a logical approach to project planning, prepare and evaluate projects, use project management software to effectively manage projects for better decision making and develop skills to evaluate projects.“Leadership & Management Skills”
This course explores different models, conceptualizations, and measures of leader interpersonal and influence “soft skills” that are so necessary for effective leadership. These include the communication skills, persuasion skills, political savvy, and emotional abilities used by leaders to inspire, motivate, and move followers toward the accomplishment of goals.“Marketing & Sales Strategies”
This course focuses on marketing, strategic planning, and digital or online marketing. Social media marketing enables students to study how and when they want – including on a smartphone! Whatever you sell, wherever you compete, this course will help you build leads, traffic, sales, market share – and profits!“Marketing: Branding & Pricing”
This is a continuation of Marketing & Sales Strategies. This course focuses on branding, pricing, and marketing channels.“Human Resource Management: Role & Strategies”
This course uniquely provides a strategic explanation of how established Human Resource policies can be adapted to meet new challenges. In addition to a thorough exposition of the main policy areas, this course offers an introduction to organizational behaviour studies, incorporates relevant aspects of employee relations, and presents an overview of employment law.“Human Resource Management: Recruitment & Selection”
This course focuses on Recruitment and Selection, Job Analysis-Defining Performance, Sourcing, Selecting Employees, Developing People, Performance Appraisal, Talent Management, and Learning and Development.“Human Resource Management: Employee Relationships & Awards”
This course focuses on Employee Relations, Evaluation, Pay Systems, Total Rewards, Corporate Governance and HRM, Disputes and Ways of Resolving Conflict, Consultation, Participation and Employee Engagement, and Well-being at Work.“Employment Strategies”
This course gives an overview of the skills required for self-employment. Instruction covers orientation of job skills, training required in the new millennium, job interview skills, resume writing, cover letters, and references.Fees
Review our program pricing for full details. Scholarships and other financing options are available for qualified candidates.
Details
- On campus delivery in Kelowna or Surrey through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on training
- Students are required to maintain 80% attendance throughout the program
- In order to graduate, students must pass all units through the program with a grade of 70% or higher
- Students progress is monitored weekly through assignments, quizzes, projects and tests. A final assessment is conducted at the end of the course for each program
- IBM compatible computer with a minimum of 8 GB hard drive, 1 GB Ram
- Windows 10
- Office 2016
12 Week Hands-On Accounting Assistant Training Program
If you’re someone who cares about details and likes working with numbers, this 3-month course might be a great fit for you. The ideal person for this career is a strong communicator who can be trusted to keep information confidential and perform all duties with a lot of accuracy. If this sounds like you, or if you feel you could get there with our high-quality training program, read on to find out how you can be ready to jump into an Accounting Assistant program in 12 weeks! Focus on your goal and we’ll get you the skills you need to make it a reality.
Career Opportunities
Students may find employment in many accounting and office positions, such as Clerks, Bookkeepers, Accounting Assistants, Accounts Receivable Clerks, Accounts Payable Clerks, Payroll Clerks, and Office Assistants.
Who Will Benefit from the Program?
Actually, most people have a lot to gain from taking this course. Former students returning to school, adult learners with families, working individuals who wish to enhance their career prospects, and people who wish to start their own businesses.Description
In the Accounting Assistant program students will specialize in accounting and office skills. The Accounting Assistant program will equip students with knowledge in the following:
- Manual Accounting
- Computerized Accounting and Payroll
- Office Administration
- Office Programs
Accounting Details Covered
- Analyzing & journalizing
- Preparing financial statements
- Completing accounting cycle
- Month-end and year-end preparations & adjustments
- Banking & Bank Reconciliations
- Handling Accounts Receivable/Payable duties
- Inventory control duties
- Payroll duties
Objectives
Upon completion of the accounting assistant program, the successful student will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Work efficiently in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Email, Sage 50 Accounting and QuickBooks
- Develop the skills to create powerful presentations with graphs, tables, and embedded graphics
- Gain an awareness of the skills needed to work in today’s workforce
- Learn interpersonal communications and office skills
- Set up books for small businesses
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years of age or out of school for a minimum of 1 year
- In the case of students from non-English-speaking countries/territories, students will have to demonstrate their English proficiency at a minimum IELTS Band level of 6.0 or equivalent. (In a case where a prospective student has no proof of English proficiency or an English proficiency level below IELTS Band 6.0, that student will be required to take the Focus College ESL “Crash Course”)
Year One
“Life Skills & Success Strategies”
This course covers the soft skills required to obtain and retain employment, including communication skills, emotional intelligence, goal setting, stress management, problem solving and teamwork.“Word Processing: Word Levels 1 & 2”
This course teaches how to create different kinds of business documents using a variety of core and intermediate skills such as letters, memos, forms, newsletters, and reports.“Spreadsheets: Excel”
Microsoft Excel teaches the candidate how to work with different types of documents using a variety of core and intermediate features to create and edit professional-looking spreadsheets for a variety of purposes and situations.“Presentations: PowerPoint”
This Microsoft PowerPoint course covers all the topics needed to create and manage presentations. Some topics included are charts and tables, slide masters, adding multimedia elements, and delivering presentations.“Internet/Email/Scheduling: Outlook”
This course teaches the candidate how to use various elements such as Mail, Calendar or Contacts to coordinate communications and collaborations with others. The user will acquire fundamental concepts and skills. They will build on this foundation as they increase their productivity in communication and sharing information with others.“Business Writing (Business Letters/Memos/Reports)”
This course is filled with insights into improving one’s written business communications. From everyday letters, emails, and reports to website content, proposals, and new media. Students will discover what it takes to make every type of written document.[/accordion]“College Accounting 1”
College Accounting provides a solid coverage of accounting concepts and principles. It establishes a foundation of accounting procedures within the traditional framework of a proprietorship accounting cycle, then builds on the framework as it examines additional methods of accounting for asset, liability and equity accounts. It also focuses on payroll procedures, tax responsibilities, special journals, banking procedures, financial statements, GST/HST payment, bad debts and completing the Accounting cycle for a merchandising company.“Sage 50 Accounting Levels 1 & 2”
Sage 50 software will be used to complete the accounting cycle using all modules (General, Payable, Receivable, Inventory, and Payroll) and Project Costing. Students will learn how to analyze, journalize, and post the daily financial transactions using Sage. They will be able to produce the financial statements, do the month-end and year-end procedures.“QuickBooks Levels 1 & 2”
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have learned accounting basics, introduction to QuickBooks, setting up chart of accounts, creating items, entering transactions for incoming funds, entering transactions for outgoing funds, maintaining financial information and working with reports. Students will complete an accounting cycle using QuickBooks, do adjustments, month-end and yearend procedures for small businesses.“Payroll Principles”
This course is designed to educate the students with the basic rules and procedures for calculating payroll and payroll deductions. The course is focusing on both manual and computerized payroll calculations.“Employment Strategies”
This course gives an overview of the skills required for self-employment. Instruction covers orientation of job skills, training required in the new millennium, job interview skills, resume writing, cover letters, and references.Fees
Review our program pricing for full details. Scholarships and other financing options are available for qualified candidates.
Details
- On campus delivery in Kelowna or Surrey through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on training
- Students are required to maintain 80% attendance throughout the program
- Student progress is monitored weekly through assignments, quizzes, projects and tests
- Students are required to spend approximately 304 hours of self-study time
- In order to graduate, students must pass all units through the program with a grade of 70% or higher
- IBM compatible computer with a minimum of 8 Gigabyte hard drive, 1 Gig Ram
- Windows 10
- Office 2016
- Sage 50 Accounting software
- QuickBooks software
40 Hour Hands-On Bylaw Enforcement Officer 1 Training Program
Few training programs can offer you a pathway to a career in just 1 week. That’s exactly what the Bylaw Enforcement Officer 1 program can do for you. If you’re good with people, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and are a problem solver with a desire to peacefully find resolutions to potential conflicts, this may be just the program for you. You don’t always have to pay a lot and invest years of your time to get a good job. This is the route for people who want a quicker, more affordable way to build a career. You’ll feel confident about your career opportunities when you have Kelowna’s top Bylaw Officer as your instructor and connection to the industry. Focus on your goal and we’ll get you the skills you need to make it a reality.
Career Opportunities
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is usually an employee of a municipality or regional district that performs administrative, inspectional and regulatory work to enforce bylaws relating to property use, buildings, parking, business regulations, animal control, zoning, noise, sign, etc. Candidates can expect to earn $25+ per hour and enjoy working both inside and outside of the office.
Who Will Benefit from the Program?
Anyone who is hoping to jump right into a career with minimal investment of time and money.
Description
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer Level 1 course will teach students about the court system in British Columbia and Canada. Students will learn about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, privacy legislation, human rights, the rules of evidence, civil/criminal liability, the Criminal Code of Canada, and federal, provincial and municipal legislation, including various local government statutes. Students will also learn note taking, report writing, statement taking and interviewing skills, as well as relevant communication and active listening skills.
Objectives
Upon completion of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer Level 1 course, the successful student will develop and demonstrate the ability to:
- Complete concise, accurate notes in a notebook
- Interview witnesses/accused and complete a statement
- Apply active listening skills when taking a statement or diffuse a tense situation
- Apply the relevant law during their course of duty at a municipal level
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years of age or out of school for a minimum of 1 year
- In the case of students from non-English-speaking countries/territories, students will have to demonstrate their English proficiency at a minimum IELTS Band level of 6.0 or equivalent. (In a case where a prospective student has no proof of English proficiency or an English proficiency level below IELTS Band 6.0, that student will be required to take the Focus College ESL “Crash Course”)
Courses
- Communication and Active Listening
- Investigational Procedures
- Interviewing and Statement Taking
- Notes and Notebooks
- Report Writing
- The Court Systems in BC and Canada
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Privacy Legislation
- Human Rights
- Rules of Evidence
- Civil and Criminal Liability
- Due Diligence
- Federal, Provincial and Municipal Legislation
- Various Statutes, Including the Local Government Act, Municipal Act, Police Act, and Community Charter
Fees
Review our program pricing for full details.
Details
- On campus delivery in Kelowna or Surrey
- Students must obtain 70% or higher on the quizzes and reviews and must also demonstrate to the instructor that the concepts have been understood.
40 Hour Hands-On Bylaw Enforcement Officer 2 Training Program
Ready to build on the skills you developed in your Bylaw Enforcement Officer 1 program? In just 1 week of full-time training, you can improve your career chances and build confidence in your abilities by completing the Bylaw Enforcement Officer 2 course. You’ll feel confident about your career opportunities with Kelowna’s top Bylaw Officer guiding you as the course instructor and serving as your connection to the industry. Focus on your goal and we’ll get you the skills you need to make it a reality.
Career Opportunities
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is usually an employee of a municipality or regional district that performs administrative, inspectional and regulatory work to enforce bylaws relating to property use, buildings, parking, business regulations, animal control, zoning, noise, signs, etc. Candidates can expect to earn $25+ per hour and enjoy working both inside and outside of the office.
Who Will Benefit from the Program?
Anyone who has completed Bylaw Enforcement Officer 1 and hoping to jump right into a career with minimal investment of time and money.
Description
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer Level 2 course builds upon the skills taught in the Bylaw Enforcement Officer Level 1 course. It will refresh the student’s memory in proper note taking, report writing, and investigational procedures skills. This course will explore the challenges of dealing with people with mental health issues and the best practices for dealing in high risk situations. It will also discuss the cultural diversity, multiculturalism and the Canadian mosaic. Students will learn how to use digital cameras to produce photographs for evidence. They will also learn the framework of local government, building bylaws and compliance, personal safety skills, credibility and cross-examination, the powers of arrest and stress management Students will also attend court and put court packages together and participate in a mock trial.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section]
Objectives
Upon completion of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer 2 course, the successful student will develop and demonstrate the ability to:
- Enhance the skills learned in Bylaw Enforcement Officer 1
- Complete concise, accurate notes in a notebook
- Interview witnesses/accused and complete a statement
- Apply active listening skills when taking a statement or diffuse a tense situation
- Apply the relevant law during their course of duty at a municipal level
- Learn how to deal with people with mental health issues
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years of age or out of school for a minimum of 1 year
- In the case of students from non-English-speaking countries/territories, students will have to demonstrate their English proficiency at a minimum IELTS Band level of 6.0 or equivalent. (In a case where a prospective student has no proof of English proficiency or an English proficiency level below IELTS Band 6.0, that student will be required to take the Focus College ESL “Crash Course”)
Courses
- Refresher – Notes and Notebooks
- Using Digital Cameras to Produce Photographs for Evidence
- Framework of Local Government
- Building Bylaw and Compliance
- Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills
- Personal Safety Skills
- Credibility and Cross Examination
- Powers of Arrest
- Tour of the Kelowna Courthouse and Court Attendance
- Swear an Information
- Putting Court Packages Together and Presenting a Case in a Mock Trial
- Traffic Direction and Control
Fees
Review our program pricing for full details.
Details
- On campus delivery in Kelowna or Surrey
- Students must obtain 70% or higher on the quizzes and reviews and must also demonstrate to the instructor that the concepts have been understood.
Is Training for a Business, IT, or Travel and Tourism Career Right for You?
If you’re interested in learning more about Focus College’s training programs and a career in Business, IT, or Travel and Tourism and exploring whether online distance education is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
More Information
Accreditations
12 Week Hands-On Office Manager Training Program
Do people often tell you that you’re great with people? Are you really organized and good at managing your time? If you already possess these valuable qualities, you’re well on your way to being ready to enter a variety of career fields. All you need is some targeted training in specific administrative duties to be employment-ready.
The Office Management certificate program from Focus College only takes 3 months to complete and provides you with all the knowledge you need to succeed as an administrator in many office environments. Read on to learn more about this rewarding program.
Focus on your goal and we’ll get you the skills you need to make it a reality.
Career Opportunities
Students who complete this course will be able to secure positions as Office Managers, Office Administrators, Supervisors, Office Assistants, Human Resource & Marketing Personnel.
Who Will Benefit from the Program?
Actually, most people have a lot to gain from taking this program. Former students returning to school, adult learners with families, working individuals who wish to enhance their career prospects, and people who wish to start their own businesses.
Description
The Office Manager Certificate program will equip students with skills in the following:
- Office Administration
- Management
- Leadership
- Computers
- Technology
- Presentations
- Marketing
- human Resource Management
- Communication
- and more
Objectives
Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate knowledge of operating popular computer applications
- Work efficiently with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project
- Develop the skills to create powerful presentations with graphs, tables, and embedded graphics
- Develop an awareness of the skills needed to work in today’s workforce
- Develop interpersonal communications and management skills
- Write proper business letters and other documents
- Demonstrate modern office skills and managerial skills
- Develop skills for managing an office
- Understand marketing concepts, principles and application
- Discover and apply sales strategies
- Understand and apply skills in human resources management, planning, strategies and recruitment process
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years of age or out of school for a minimum of 1 year
- In the case of students from non-English-speaking countries/territories, students will have to demonstrate their English proficiency at a minimum IELTS Band level of 6.0 or equivalent. (In a case where a prospective student has no proof of English proficiency or an English proficiency level below IELTS Band 6.0, that student will be required to take the Focus College ESL “Crash Course”)
Courses
“Life Skills & Success Strategies”
This course covers the soft skills required to obtain and retain employment, including communication skills, emotional intelligence, goal setting, stress management, problem solving and teamwork.
“Word Processing: Word Levels 1 & 2”
This course teaches students how to create different kinds of business documents using a variety of core and intermediate skills such as letters, memos, forms, newsletters, and reports
“Spreadsheets: Excel”
Microsoft Excel teaches the student how to work with different types of documents using a variety of core and intermediate features to create and edit professional-looking spreadsheets for a variety of purposes and situations.
“Presentations: PowerPoint”
The Microsoft PowerPoint course covers all the topics needed to create and manage presentations. Some topics included are charts & tables, slide masters, adding multimedia elements, and delivering the presentations.
“Internet/Email/Scheduling: Outlook”
This course teaches the students how to use the various elements such as mail, calendar or contacts to coordinate communications and collaborations with others. The user will acquire fundamental concepts and skills, building on this foundation as they increase their productivity in communication and sharing information with others.
“Business Writing (Business Letters/Memos/Reports)”
This course is filled with insights into improving one’s written business communications. From everyday letters, emails, and reports to Web site content, proposals, and new media, students will discover what it takes to make every written word and document.
“Project Management: Microsoft Project”
In this course, students will get an increased awareness of project management concepts. They will learn to apply planning and organizing techniques for good time management, demonstrate a logical approach to project planning, prepare and evaluate projects, use project management software to effectively manage projects for better decision making and develop skills to evaluate projects.
“Leadership & Management Skills”
This course explores different models, conceptualizations, and measures of leader interpersonal and influence “soft skills” that are so necessary for effective leadership. These include the communication skills, persuasion skills, political savvy, and emotional abilities used by leaders to inspire, motivate, and move followers toward the accomplishment of goals.
“Marketing & Sales Strategies”
This course focuses on marketing, strategic planning, and digital or online marketing. Social media marketing enables students to study how and when they want – including on a smartphone! Whatever you sell, wherever you compete, this course will help you build leads, traffic, sales, market share – and profits!
“Marketing: Branding & Pricing”
This is a continuation of Marketing & Sales Strategies. This course focuses on branding, pricing, and marketing channels.
“Human Resource Management: Role & Strategies”
This course uniquely provides a strategic explanation of how established Human Resource policies can be adapted to meet new challenges. In addition to a thorough exposition of the main policy areas, this course offers an introduction to organizational behaviour studies, incorporates relevant aspects of employee relations, and presents an overview of employment law.
“Human Resource Management: Recruitment & Selection”
This course focuses on Recruitment and Selection, Job Analysis-Defining Performance, Sourcing, Selecting Employees, Developing People, Performance Appraisal, Talent Management, and Learning and Development.
“Human Resource Management: Employee Relationships & Awards”
This course focuses on Employee Relations, Evaluation, Pay Systems, Total Rewards, Corporate Governance and HRM, Disputes and Ways of Resolving Conflict, Consultation, Participation and Employee Engagement, and Well-being at Work.
“Employment Strategies”
This course gives an overview of the skills required for self-employment. Instruction covers orientation of job skills, training required in the new millennium, job interview skills, resume writing, cover letters, and references.
Fees
Review our program pricing for full details.
Scholarships and other financing options are available for qualified candidates.
Details
- On campus delivery in Kelowna or Surrey through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on training
- Students are required to maintain 80% attendance throughout the program
- In order to graduate, students must pass all units through the program with a grade of 70% or higher
- Students progress is monitored weekly through assignments, quizzes, projects and tests. A final assessment is conducted at the end of the course for each program
You will need the following supplies for this program:
- IBM compatible computer with a minimum of 8 GB hard drive, 1 GB Ram
- Windows 10
- Office 2016
