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How to Become An Executive Personal Assistant

Career outcome icon – Executive Personal Assistant

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What is a Executive Personal Assistant

An Executive Personal Assistant keeps executives organised, informed, and on schedule. It is one of the most varied roles in business. No two days are the same.

You will manage calendars, book travel, handle correspondence, and prepare reports. You will also liaise with clients, suppliers, and teams across the organisation. The role requires sharp attention to detail and the ability to juggle competing priorities.

Discretion is a big part of the job. EPAs often deal with sensitive business and personal information. Trust is built over time and becomes one of the most valued assets in the role.

This career suits people who love being at the centre of things. If you are organised and enjoy supporting others, the EPA role is a great stepping stone. It can lead to senior administration, office management, or project work.

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Career Outlook for Executive Personal Assistant

Around 50,900 people work as Personal Assistants in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). Most are women, at 97% (JSA, ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). The median age is 43 years (ABS Census 2021, via JSA). About 72% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week (JSA, ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025).

Median full-time earnings are $1,832 per week, around $95,000 per year (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Employment growth is expected to be slightly negative, with an annual change of around -200 positions nationally (JSA, 2025). Automation is replacing some routine admin tasks. But skilled EPAs who support complex executive needs remain in demand.

The best opportunities are in professional services, public administration, and health care. New South Wales has the highest share of roles, at 33% of total employment (JSA, ABS Labour Force Survey, February 2026). For people who build strong skills and a professional network, this career still offers solid long-term prospects.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to become an Executive Personal Assistant

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

Enrol in the Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification takes 6 to 12 months and covers office administration, communication, and document management. It provides a solid foundation for entry-level administrative work. It is widely recognised by employers across Australia.

Step 2: Build core technology skills

Develop proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. These tools are used daily in EPA roles. Many RTOs and TAFEs offer short courses in Microsoft Office as stand-alone programs. Aim to gain skills in calendar tools and collaboration software too.

Step 3: Gain experience in administrative support roles

Work in entry-level administrative or receptionist roles to build practical experience. Aim for exposure to scheduling, correspondence, and stakeholder communication. After 1 to 2 years, seek a personal assistant role to develop executive-level support skills. Each role builds the confidence and judgement that EPAs need.

Step 4: Complete a Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120)

Advance your skills with the Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) at a TAFE or RTO. This qualification takes around 12 months and covers project support, business reporting, and higher-level administration. It is highly valued by employers seeking experienced personal assistants ready to step into executive support roles.

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

Become a member of the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP), the national professional body for administrative professionals. Membership connects you with a national network of peers, professional development events, and mentoring opportunities. Active involvement in AIOP strengthens your professional profile and career prospects.

Step 6: Consider a Diploma of Business (BSB50120) for senior roles

For senior EPA positions supporting C-suite executives, complete the Diploma of Business (BSB50120) via TAFE or an RTO. This course takes 12 to 18 months and covers leadership, financial oversight, and business operations at a higher level. It can open doors to office manager and project coordinator positions.

What does an Executive Personal Assistant do?

Executive Personal Assistants keep their executive’s work life running smoothly. Each day brings a mix of calendar management, inbox triage, travel bookings, and meeting prep. You will liaise with internal teams and external contacts on their behalf. You might also help track project progress or pull together a presentation at short notice. Every task requires focus, speed, and a calm approach under pressure.

Tasks

The EPA role is fast-paced and full of variety. Here are the core tasks you can expect in a typical week:

  • Calendar management: scheduling and prioritising meetings, appointments, and deadlines
  • Communication support: managing emails, phone calls, and written correspondence
  • Meeting coordination: preparing agendas, recording minutes, and chasing action items
  • Travel bookings: organising flights, hotels, and transport
  • Document preparation: drafting reports, presentations, and briefing notes
  • Project support: tracking tasks and providing admin assistance on live projects
  • Expense processing: submitting and monitoring expense claims
  • Office administration: ordering supplies and keeping the workspace running
  • Confidentiality: safeguarding sensitive business and personal information
  • Stakeholder relations: building and maintaining professional relationships for the executive

Skills for Success

To thrive as an Executive Personal Assistant, you need a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Organisation and time management are the basics. From there, strong communication, tech fluency, and the ability to stay calm under pressure will set you apart.

Discretion matters a lot in this role. You will often handle private information about the business and the executive’s personal schedule. Being proactive is what separates good EPAs from great ones. This means spotting what needs doing before you are asked.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Discretion and professional confidentiality
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Calendar and diary management
  • Problem-solving and initiative
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Multitasking across competing priorities
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Project coordination and administrative support
  • Research and report preparation
  • Travel and logistics coordination
  • Understanding of business etiquette
  • Digital fluency across productivity and collaboration tools

Average Salaries

The median yearly salary for an Executive Personal Assistant in Australia is around $95,000. This figure comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, via Jobs and Skills Australia. Entry-level roles start near $65,000. Senior positions can reach $120,000 or more.

min $65 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.