The Assistant Essentials Online Course

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Sharpen those essential Assistant skills

Develop the essential skills and competencies to confidently work in the Assistant role. No matter what your level or experience, this course will help equip you with everything needed for navigating executive tasks like an absolute pro.

The most comprehensive course for new and aspiring Assistant

Our course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for Assistants at any stage of their career, from those just starting to experienced professionals who want to refresh their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices.


Whether you want to improve your time management, communication, or project management skills or learn how to handle more complex responsibilities such as event planning and project-based work, our course has everything you need to succeed as an Assistant. With world-class trainers and real-life scenarios, our Assistant Essentials course is the perfect investment in your career development.

More than 1000 Assistants and businesses worldwide have enrolled in The Assistant Essentials Online Course

What is the Assistant Essentials Online Course?

To succeed as an Assistant, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the role’s varied tasks and be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle them efficiently. The Assistant Essentials online course covers all the essential skills, from mastering communication and building effective relationships to managing travel arrangements and event planning. This course gives you the confidence and capability to tackle the most challenging tasks and add significant value to your organisation.

  • Workbooks included with every module

  • Video-based lectures with world-leading tutors

  • Copy-and-paste swipe files, checklists, resources & templates

  • Questionnaires and surveys you can work through with your Executive

  • Certificate delivered on completion of the course

Unlock and accelerate your potential

Whether you are starting your career or want to refresh your training, our Assistant Essentials course is a fantastic way to cover all those essential skills and tasks required to thrive in this role. Our in-depth curriculum provides new Assistants with all they need to settle quickly into their role while giving more experienced Assistants who want career progress a necessary refresher.

Do you want to have a high-level understanding of the Assistant role?

As an Assistant, a thorough understanding of your role and how to effectively support your Executive and organisation is crucial. Whether you are a recent hire or have been in this position for a few years, possessing strong skills is essential for handling complex tasks with ease.

Do you want to build fulfilling and meaningful relationships?

Learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships that extend beyond merely completing tasks. Discover how to build relationships that positively impact everyone involved, leading to unparalleled career satisfaction.

Do you want to gain knowledge and skills that will set you apart?

Learn how to demonstrate value by delivering results that positively impact your organisation. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and use our templates to help you speak more confidently when discussing your work and impact.

Do you want to get more done in less time?

The course will teach you how to streamline your daily tasks, manage your time effectively, and develop new skills that will make you an asset to any organisation. Hit the ground running every day

Don’t let budget approval stop you from enrolling

If you want to take the course but are unsure how to ask your Executive or L&D department to cover the cost of the course, don’t worry, we have you covered. Download our business case. The document has helped 100s of Assistants ask their organisations to cover the course fees and enrol in the Assistant Essentials Online Course.

    Words of praise from past students

    They did it. So can you.

    I’ve undertaken the Assistant Essentials course, learned new strategies, and had the information reinforce some of my current approaches to the role. This was a big confidence builder for me.

    Rowan Goodwin, Executive Assistant

    Everyone is welcome. You always feel inspired and ready for action after you take a course. It brings out the best in you and reminds you why you love the job in the first place.

    Amy Philips, Executive Assistant

    How well put together the courses are. How accessible Nicky is to everyone and talking from a similar background really helps the content resonate.

    Sophie Page, Personal Assistant

    The content is valuable, with many different options for gaining further knowledge. The course is informative and a rare and useful tool for PAs and EAs.

    Kate Hannan, Executive Assistant

    What will you learn in The Assistant Essentials Online Course

    Through each stage of the course, you will receive all of the tools and training you need to become a highly effective and successful Assistant. Our expert and professional trainers have designed our curriculum to ensure that every student walks away from this program with a deep understanding of the key skills, knowledge, and strategies required for success in this role.

    Discover key techniques to elevate your performance

    Our course teaches you how to develop effective relationships with your Executive, colleagues, key stakeholders, and clients, as well as key strategies and techniques to elevate your performance and stand out from the crowd.

    You will have the skills necessary to handle strategic, advanced project-based work and add significant value to any organisation.

    • Develop strong communication skills to build effective relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
    • Learn to handle complex, strategic projects and tasks that will help you stand out as a valuable asset to your organization.
    Assistant Essentials Online COurse

    Set yourself apart as a top-performing Assistant

    Learn everything you need to know, from the traditional aspects of the Assistant role to the ever-increasing responsibilities like event management.

    We also teach you how to master meetings, manage travel planning, and optimise email and calendar management, which is the foundation of the assistant role.

    • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Assistant role and the latest best practices and tools to succeed in this ever-evolving field.
    • Learn advanced techniques for managing complex travel itineraries, event planning, and communication with high-level stakeholders.

    Discover the fundamental aspects of partnership

    We understand that the central part of the role is working with your Executive and creating a fantastic partnership while optimising their time.

    Our course covers everything you need to set your partnership on the right course.

    • Learn how to communicate effectively with your Executive, anticipate their needs, and become a trusted partner in achieving their goals.

    • Develop strategies for optimising your Executive’s time, managing priorities, and coordinating multiple projects, all while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

    BONUS: On-going support inside The EA Campus Community

    As an Assistant Essentials student, you can access our weekly private mentorship call with Nicky Christmas, which is only open to course students. You can also access The EA Campus Community, our private online community for Assistants. Ask questions, get feedback, and meet fellow Assistants. Usually priced at £175 | $210 | €205 | AUD230 per year, The EA Campus is free for one year when you purchase The Assistant Essentials Online Course.

    Get Started Now

    One-time purchase

    The Full Assistant Essentials Curriculum

    Upon completion of the Assistant Essentials online course, you will have a high-level understanding of the essential executive assistant skills and expertise required for the role. 

    MODULE ONE: Introduction to the Assistant Essentials Online Course

    Welcome to The Assistant Essentials Online Course (2:07)

    Student Community

    The Assistant Essentials Online Course Workbook

    MODULE TWO: Advice for a new Assistant

    Advice for a first-time Assistant

    Five things to do when starting a new Assistant Role

    Case Study: Starting a new Assistant role and what you need to know

    How to thrive, not just survive as an Assistant (3:05)

    CHECKLIST: First 30 days in the Assistant role

    MODULE THREE: Essential Characteristics and Competencies

    Confidence is key for Assistants (4:16)

    Stepping out of your comfort zone (3:46)

    Discretion at work for Assistants

    Improving your attention to detail

    How to add value as an Assistant (4:33)

    Working on your own initiative and being proactive as an Assistant

    CHECKLIST: What are your key competencies?

    CHECKLIST: Are you using these soft skills to enhance your work?

    BONUS: Anticipating needs (24:09)

    BONUS: Effective communication (31:32)

    MODULE FOUR: Time Management and Organisational Skills

    10 habits of a highly organised Assistant

    Filing systems for the organised Assistant

    Managing the flow of information (6:08)

    TEMPLATE: Standard daily routine for an Assistant

    BONUS: Dealing with and remembering requests (34:29)

    MODULE FIVE: Core Administrative Tasks

    What tasks should Assistants manage?

    Greeting guests and making a great first impression

    How to sign off correspondence on behalf of your Executive

    Managing expenses

    Managing vacation records

    Working with suppliers

    Questions to ask your Executive before conducting research

    TEMPLATE: Capturing messages

    TEMPLATE: Vacation records

    QUESTIONNAIRE: Initial Questions to ask a new supplier

    MODULE SIX: Managing Meetings and Writing Minutes

    What to think about before organising a meeting

    Effective Committee meeting management

    WORKFLOW: Managing board packs and supporting papers

    Taking minutes - the essential requirements

    The five questions to ask before you take minutes at a meeting

    CHECKLIST: Setting up the meeting space

    TEMPLATE: Meeting email templates

    TEMPLATE: Meeting agenda

    TEMPLATE: Minute-Taking

    CHEAT SHEET: 100 descriptive words to incorporate into your minutes

    CHECKLIST Are you prepared to attend this meeting?

    BONUS: Managing effective meetings (19:53)

    MODULE SEVEN: Travel Planning

    Managing travel plans for your Executive

    Get the best hotel rates for your Executive

    Booking a hire car for your Executive's trip

    Managing your Executive while they are on the road

    Managing travel delays

    Questionnaire: How does your Executive like to fly?

    TEMPLATE: Travel profile for your Executive

    TEMPLATE: Travel intinerary

    BONUS: Keeping your Executive safe when they travel

    MODULE EIGHT: Event Management

    The event management process (15:02)

    Event objectives and the questions you should be asking

    Negotiating with a venue (14:58)

    EXAMPLE: Organising a team-building event

    TEMPLATE: Events management budget

    CHECKLIST: Managing an event from start to finish

    EXAMPLE: Organising a team-building event

    CHECKLIST: Conducting a venue visit

    MODULE NINE: Email Management

    The initial conversation with your Executive (2:44)

    Processing emails (2:49)

    Proactively managing emails

    TEMPLATE: Email templates for common requests

    CHEAT SHEET: 40 Outlook hacks and keyboard shortcuts

    CHEAT SHEET: 40 Gmail hacks and  keyboard shortcuts

    BONUS: Making the most of Microsoft Outlook (28:56)

    BONUS: Making the most of Gmail (26:47)

    MODULE TEN: Calendar and Task Management

    Managing an Executive schedule (19:49)

    What meetings should make it into your Executive's schedule

    Streamlining your Executive's recurring meetings

    These tasks should always be managed by an Assistant

    TEMPLATE: Standard replies to meeting requests

    BONUS: Managing momentum and moving tasks forward (20:47)

    MODULE ELEVEN: Building the partnership with your Executive

    Developing trust and rapport with your Executive (4:01)

    What meetings should you have with your Executive?

    Planning the one-to-one meeting with your Executive (11:04)

    Working remotely with your Executive (28:48)

    Working with multiple Executives (25:28)

    Case Study: The EA and CEO of Brewdog (30:12)

    Case Study: The EA and the CEO of Arm (31:48)

    TEMPLATE: Communication Protocols with your Executive

    TEMPLATE: One-to-one meeting agenda

    BONUS: Working in the inner circle and making your Executive successful (34:18)

    MODULE TWELVE: Common Projects for Assistants

    Project management basics (32:54)

    Preparing presentations (15:47)

    Managing the office move (23:12)

    Onboarding a new Executive (17:43)

    CHECKLIST: Managing an office move

    What sets The Assistant Essentials Online Course apart?

    The Assistant Essentials Online Course is designed to cover all the essential skills required by new and experienced Assistants to succeed in their roles. From best practices and the latest tools to high-level understanding, we teach you everything you need to know to become a C-suite Assistant to a Senior Executive.

    01

    Proven Track Record

    We have been training Assistants for ten years, with over 50,000 students from 80+ countries attending our training and enrolling on our courses. There’s a reason we’ve launched thousands of successful Assistant careers over the last decade.

    02

    An Action Plan

    We provide a blueprint proven for success in the Assistant role. Our online courses give our students key learnings, solutions, and how to reach their goals and ambitions. We teach practical techniques that make a difference.

    03

    Learn From the Best

    The Assistant Essentials Online Course contains lectures from world-leading authorities in the Assistant industry, high-performing Assistants and quality mentors and coaches.

    04

    Money Back Guaranteed

    We are confident that our online course will advance your career. However, if you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days, and we will give you a full refund.

    About the Head Coach

    I’m Nicky. I launched Practically Perfect PA in October 2011. It has since become the go-to resource for Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Office Managers and Administrative Professionals at all levels of business seeking support, information and guidance in their chosen profession.

    Practically Perfect PA offers practical tips, honest advice and career development support specifically for Assistants.

    Since 2015 we have organised events, virtual summits and online courses for over 50,000 assistants worldwide. So it is fair to say the Assistant role has changed significantly, and I am so proud that Practically Perfect PA has been part of the journey for over a decade.

    Get Started Now

    One-time purchase

    PAY WITH ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

    30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE 

    OVER 5,000 HAPPY STUDENTS

    OPTION TO PAY BY INVOICE

    Have Questions? We have answers.

    Get answers to make the best choice for you.

    When does the course start and finish?

    The course starts now and never ends! It is a self-paced online course – you decide when to start and finish.

    What’s the time commitment?

    The online course contains 12 modules with over 20 hours of video content. Therefore, we recommend that students study a module per week and complete the course over 12 weeks.

    What if I am unhappy with the course?

    We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days, and we will give you a full refund.

    Can my organisation pay by invoice?

    Yes, get in touch with us. We will send you an invoice for the course. We also offer discounts for teams of Assistants.

    How long do I have access to the course?

    When you sign up for the training, you’ll also gain lifetime access to all the downloadable resources and recorded video training. This way, you can revisit the course at your own pace and at your convenience.

    Will the course work for me if I am outside the UK?

    Absolutely! We have many Assistants from all over the world who have completed the course. The strategies you’ll learn in the course are universally applicable.