Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Civil Service administrative officer
Civil Service administrative officers work in government departments to implement policy and run services for the public.
Average salary (a year)
£15,000 Starter
to£24,500 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38 to 40 a week
You could work
between 8am and 6pm
How to become a Civil Service administrative officer
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in business and administration.
Work
You could enter the Civil Service as an administrative assistant and then apply for promotion to administrative officer, as you get more experience.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. Depending on the role, you may need:
- 2 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for an administrative assistant role
- 5 GCSEs and 2 A levels (or equivalent qualifications) for an administrative officer post
You may also find it useful to have experience in a related area of work like office administration or customer service.
As part of the application process, you may be tested on your ability to:
- work well in a team
- communicate with others
- work with numbers
More information
Career tips
Although not essential, some people start this job after doing a course at university. The most relevant courses are in subjects like administration or public administration.
Movement to Work offers work experience opportunities in the Civil Service for unemployed young people.
Further information
You can find out more about working as an administrative officer from Civil Service Careers.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- administration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work on your own
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- customer service skills
- you will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
- be a UK national with no restrictions on your stay
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day work will depend on the department or agency you work for, but may include:
- handling enquiries from the public in person, by telephone or email
- giving information to deal with customer queries
- researching information
- contacting customers to follow up enquiries
- dealing with complaints
- processing benefit payments
- updating computerised and paper-based records
- filing, photocopying and other administrative tasks
- referring any complex queries or cases to an executive officer
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience, you’ll deal with complex enquiries or complaints, or take on more specialist work related to your department.
With further qualifications you could be promoted from administrative officer to Civil Service executive officer.Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Business Administrator
- Wage : £111.00 Weekly
- Location: Lancaster LA1 4XQ
Apprentice Business Administrator
- Wage : £157.50 Weekly
- Location: Scarborough YO13 9HD
Courses In England
AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Government and Politics
- Provider: Christ The King College
- Start date: 03 September 2019
- Location: Newport
Government and Politics A Level
- Provider: Shenley Brook End School
- Start date: 04 September 2019
- Location: Milton Keynes