To work as an office manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have one to five years related work experience.

Education after high school

You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent to be an office manager. Many office managers have formal training beyond high school. An associate degree in office management is common. For some jobs you need a bachelor's degree in office administration.

You need basic office skills in accounting, word processing, and recordkeeping. In addition, you need to know how to manage an office as well as be familiar with database and spreadsheet software.

Work experience

Most office managers are promoted from within the company. You usually begin working in customer service or on the clerical staff. You usually need several years of experience before you can become a manager.

On-the-job training

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers may offer training in the newest office technologies and software. Some employers will offer short-term training, lasting about a month, to new hires to orient them to particular practices and policies.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be administrative support specialists. Training lasts from six to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.