Clerical Officer: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Clerical Officer
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Practice Now »What is a Clerical Officer?
A clerical officer in the UK government handles various administrative and clerical tasks in national government departments or local offices. This role involves duties such as managing paperwork, organizing files, and assisting with everyday office operations.
Skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in computer software and data entry
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and policies
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload effectively
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines
- Confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information
- Customer service orientation and problem-solving skills
Qualifications & Education
- Junior grades entry: GCSEs/S grades and/or relevant practical experience
- Higher grades entry: A levels/H grades or equivalent, although many entrants are graduates
- NVQs/SVQs available for certain areas of work
- Apprenticeships available for certain areas of work
- Professional qualifications available for certain areas of work
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To be a clerical officer in the UK, you need up to five GCSEs grades A to C including English and Maths or NVQ Level 2 Administration or equivalent qualifications. Posts in specialised areas may require additional criteria such as GCSEs in particular subjects, typing skills or qualifications.
A NHS clerical officer is a person who works in the administrative department of the National Health Service in the UK. They are responsible for managing patient records, providing information to patients, and supporting healthcare professionals.
A clerical officer is a type of administrative job that involves entry-level tasks such as sorting mail, filing documents, greeting customers, and answering phones. The term "office" is more general and can refer to any type of workplace, while "clerical officer" specifically refers to a job title within an office setting.
A clerical officer and a clerk are similar in their duties of performing administrative tasks such as filing and organizing. However, a clerical officer may have more specialized knowledge in multiple fields, while a clerk does not require any special subject expertise and is not monitored by others.
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