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How to Become A Personal Assistant

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What is a Personal Assistant

A Personal Assistant is the go-to support person for a busy manager or executive. You keep their day running by managing their diary, handling emails, and booking travel. Your job is to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

The role is busy and varied. One morning you might prepare a report. The next, you are booking a last-minute flight or taking meeting notes. No two days are the same, which is great if you get bored easily.

Personal Assistants work in offices, health services, schools, legal firms, and government. The skills you build in this role, including organisation, comms, and problem-solving, are valued in almost every field. Many PAs move into executive assistant, office manager, or project coordinator roles over time.

You do not need a degree to start. A Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) from a TAFE or RTO gives you a solid base. Strong people skills and a calm head under pressure matter as much as formal study. A love of getting things done is exactly what employers look for.

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Career Outlook for Personal Assistant

Personal Assistants play a big role in Australian workplaces. Around 50,900 people work in this role nationally (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Some 72% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week. The median age is 43, and 97% of the workforce is female. Median weekly pay is $1,832, or about $95,000 a year.

Demand is set to drop slightly over the next five years (Your Career, 2025). This is due to more digital tools taking over routine admin tasks. That said, top-level PA roles with strong discretion and people skills stay in demand. PAs who keep their digital skills sharp and take on more complex work tend to find stable work.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Personal Assistant

Step 1: Complete a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) at a TAFE or RTO. Pick the Business Admin stream. This takes 6 to 12 months full-time or up to 18 months part-time. It covers office skills, communication, and digital tools. It is the most common entry-level qualification for PA roles in Australia.

Step 2: Build Your Digital Skills

Personal Assistants need strong skills in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Many roles also use tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com. Take short online courses to sharpen these skills before you apply. Most RTOs cover these as part of the Certificate III.

Step 3: Gain Entry-Level Admin Experience

Look for a receptionist, office admin, or support role. Even 6 to 12 months in an entry role builds the skills employers want. You will practise diary management, phone screening, and filing. Temp work through an agency is another good way in.

Step 4: Upgrade to a Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120)

Once you are working, enrol in the Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) to move into more senior PA roles. This takes 12 to 18 months part-time online or through a TAFE. It covers project support, reporting, and higher-level business comms. Many employers prefer this for executive PA positions.

Step 5: Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP)

Sign up as a member of the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) at aiop.com.au. AIOP is Australia’s only national body for office and admin professionals. You get access to webinars, events, and career resources. It shows employers you are serious about your career.

What does a Personal Assistant do?

A Personal Assistant’s day moves fast. You start by checking your manager’s diary, spotting conflicts, and responding to urgent emails. From there, you might book travel, prepare a briefing pack, or set up a last-minute meeting. You keep files in order, screen calls, and follow up on action items from the day before. It is a busy role that rewards people who like to stay one step ahead.

Tasks

The day-to-day tasks of a Personal Assistant are varied and fast. You are the backbone of the office, making sure your manager stays organised and on top of their workload. Here is a snapshot of what the job involves:

  • Calendar – Organising your manager’s schedule, booking meetings, and avoiding clashes.
  • Emails and Calls – Handling inbound emails, drafting replies, and screening phone calls.
  • Travel – Booking flights, hotels, and transport for work trips.
  • Meeting Prep – Creating agendas, setting up rooms, and taking notes.
  • Documents – Creating, filing, and managing contracts and reports.
  • Task Prioritisation – Helping your manager focus on what matters most each day.
  • Office Admin – Keeping supplies stocked and equipment working.
  • Event Coordination – Helping plan and run internal events and client functions.
  • Research – Gathering facts and briefings when your manager needs them.
  • Confidentiality – Handling sensitive information with care and trust.

Skills for Success

Great Personal Assistants are well organised, quick to adapt, and calm under pressure. Organisation is the big one: you manage calendars, keep files in order, and track many tasks at once. Strong comms skills help you deal with everyone from the CEO to the courier.

You also need to be tech-savvy. Most PA roles use Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, plus tools like Asana or Teams. Attention to detail matters a lot, whether you are checking a report or booking flights. Discretion is key too: PAs often handle private data, so trust is a big part of the job. The average salary for a Personal Assistant in Australia is around $95,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
  • Problem-solving and resourcefulness
  • Discretion and confidentiality
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
  • Basic financial and expense management
  • Research and information gathering
  • Professional presentation and conduct

Average Salaries

The median weekly pay for a Personal Assistant in Australia is $1,832, or about $95,000 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Entry roles start near $55,000. Senior and executive PA roles can reach $120,000 or more.

min $55 K

max $120 K

av $95 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.