Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and/or benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year. The course title for Digital Information Technology (8207310) has been changed to Digital Business Foundations for the 2026-27 academic year.  This program is a replacement for Administrative Office Specialist 8212500 (0552040103).

Program Title:	Administrative Office Specialist
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Business Management and Administration

Secondary – Career Preparatory	
Program Number	8306300	
CIP Number	0552040102	
Grade Level	9-12	
Standard Length	4 credits 	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	FBLA, BPA, SkillsUSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable)	15-1151 – Computer User Support Specialists
43-1011 – First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
43-9031 – Desktop Publishers
43-6011 – Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose 

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Business Management and Administration career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Business Management and Administration career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to the use of technology to develop communications skills, higher level thinking skills, and decision-making skills; the performance of office procedures tasks; the production of quality work in an efficient manner using advanced features of business software applications; research of job opportunities; and the production of high-quality employment portfolios and job-seeking documents.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of four (4) credits.   

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the secondary program structure:

Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	SOC Code	Level	Graduation Requirement	
8207310	Digital Business Foundations	DBF Teacher Certifications	1 credit	15-1151	2	CT	
8306310	Administrative Office Specialist 1	BUS ED 1 @2
CLERICAL @7 7 G
MANAG SUPV 7 G
SECRETAR 7 G
TC COOP ED @7
VOE @7	1 credit	43-1011	2	CT	
8306320	Administrative Office Specialist 2		1 credit		2	CT	
8306330	Administrative Office Specialist 3		1 credit	43-6011	2	CT	
(Graduation Requirement Codes: CT= Career & Technical Education, EQ= Equally Rigorous Science, EC= Economics, MA= Mathematics, 
PL= Personal Financial Literacy)

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Career Exploration & Planning 	
10.0	Explain career opportunities aligned with the regional economy and personal aspirations.	
10.01	Describe regional occupations that are high-demand, high-growth, high-wage and/or high-skill.	
10.02	Describe careers aligned with his or her interests, skills and values based on career assessment, experiential learning, career informational interviews, research and/or reflection.	
11.0	Explain postsecondary pathways aligned with his or her career aspirations.	
11.01	Compare and contrast postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, entrepreneurship and enlistment (the “Four Es”). 	
11.02	Compare and contrast regional postsecondary training provider options, including apprenticeships, technical colleges, state colleges, universities and industry-recognized certification providers. 	
11.03	Define postsecondary credentialing and stacking options, including industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeship certificates of completion, career certificates, licenses and associate or baccalaureate degrees. 	
11.04	Compare postsecondary training data for training programs of interest, such as total costs, average student loan debt, and median earnings and job placement rates after program completion.	
12.0	Develop a personalized career and academic plan.	
12.01	Prioritize an occupation, credential and postsecondary training provider for plan formation.	
12.02	Self-assess progress toward meeting graduation requirements and skill-development goals.	
12.03	Develop and complete a chronological checklist of steps and deadlines prior to postsecondary training or national service application that includes any required documentation to gather, writing prompts and examinations.	
12.04	Identify a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, savings, work, work-study programs, private loans and federal loans.	
12.05	Develop a postsecondary training budget that is inclusive of living and school expenses.	
Job Attainment	
13.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
13.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
13.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
13.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
14.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
14.01	Develop a resume.	
14.02	Write a cover letter.	
14.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
14.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
15.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
15.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
15.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
15.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

Digital Business Foundations (8207310) is the first course in this and other programs within the Business Management & Administration Career Cluster.  Standards 01.0 – 9.0 are associated with this course.

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

Digital Business Foundations
01.0	Demonstrate responsible, ethical, and effective behavior when using digital tools, resources, and networks. 
02.0	Develop an awareness of personal and business computing systems.  
03.0	Enhance communication and productivity skills.  
04.0	Use word processing applications to enhance the effectiveness of various types of documents and communication. 
05.0	Use presentation applications to enhance communication skills.  
06.0	Use spreadsheet applications to enhance productivity and communication. 
07.0	Demonstrate an understanding of a content management system (CMS). 
08.0	Explore ways to research careers and plan for future goals. 
09.0	Demonstrate leadership and team-building skills to enhance workplace performance and achieve organizational goals. 

Administrative Office Specialist 1
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance by applying ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.  
11.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.  
12.0	Apply professional oral and written communication skills in a courteous, concise, and correct manner.  
13.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation and by interpreting information and ideas.  
14.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  
15.0	Perform introductory administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  
16.0	Incorporate knowledge gained from individual assessment and job/career exploration to design an individual career plan that reflects the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.  
17.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  

Administrative Office Specialist 2
18.0	Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.  
19.0	Use information technology tools.  
20.0	Practice quality performance incorporating customer service strategies in the learning environment and the workplace 
21.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, acknowledge the importance of ethics, legal responsibilities, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance. 
22.0	Develop an awareness of emerging technologies.

Administrative Office Specialist 3
23.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information.  
24.0	Apply communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing) in a courteous, concise, and correct manner on personal and professional levels. 
25.0	Use information to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.
26.0	Practice appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives. 
27.0	Perform intermediate to advanced administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  
28.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.
29.0	Participate in advanced simulated work-based learning experiences.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Digital Business Foundations 
Course Number: 	8207310
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This core course is designed to provide a basic overview of current business and information systems and trends, and to introduce students to fundamental skills required for today's business and academic environments.  Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental computer skills.  The intention of this course is to prepare students to be successful both personally and professionally in an information-based society.  Digital Business Foundations includes the exploration and use of databases, the internet, spreadsheets, presentation applications, management of personal information and email, word processing and document manipulation, HTML, web page design, and the integration of these programs using software that meets industry standards.  

Digital Business Foundations (8207310) is part of several programs across the various CTE career clusters.  To ensure consistency, the standards and benchmarks for this course (01.0 – 9.0) have been placed in a separate document.   To access this document, visit Digital Business Foundations (8207310).

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Administrative Office Specialist 1
Course Number: 	8306310
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide an introduction to administrative and general office duties in a support capacity.  This course explores and expands the core competencies in the areas of personal and professional development and promotes the application of office procedures tasks and communications skills through the use of technology. The use of computers and appropriate software is required.  

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance by applying ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.  The student will be able to:	10.01	Enhance proficiency with touch keyboarding skills (speed and accuracy) to enter and manipulate data. 	10.02	Use communications, networking and cross-team collaboration to complete tasks and solve problems in business environments.  	10.03	Apply knowledge of ergonomic principles to the configuration of work areas to enhance workplace performance. 	10.04	Perform proofreading skills including electronic reference tools.	10.05	Create documents using intermediate and advanced features in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, electronic mail, and multimedia software.	10.06	Access, process, and transmit information through all mediums.	10.07	Perform basic care of workstations, computers, and peripherals.	11.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.  The student will be able to:	11.01	Locate, synthesize, and evaluate key elements of oral and written information. 	11.02	Apply knowledge of editing to drafts and revise written documents using correct grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.	12.0	Apply professional oral and written communication skills in a courteous, concise, and correct manner.  The student will be able to:	12.01	Select and employ appropriate communication concepts and strategies to enhance oral and written communication in the workplace.	12.02	Locate, organize, and reference written information from various sources.	12.03	Design, develop and deliver formal and informal presentations using appropriate media to engage and inform diverse audiences.	12.04	Apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information.	12.05	Exhibit public relations skills that aid in achieving stakeholder satisfaction. 	12.06	Integrate all forms of communication.	12.07	Discuss the need to use professional demeanor, tone, and vocabulary in all business communications.	12.08	Discuss the importance of universally understood methods of verbal communication.	13.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation and by interpreting information and ideas.  The student will be able to:	13.01	Employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems and make informed decisions.	13.02	Conduct technical research to gather information necessary for decision-making. 	13.03	Interpret verbal and nonverbal cues/behaviors that enhance communication.	13.04	Develop and interpret tables, charts, and presentations.	13.05	Identify the benefits of working as a team for a client.	14.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  The student will be able to:	14.01	Develop professional workplace relationship skills both internally and externally to include team building and group dynamics.	14.02	Understand how individual personalities fit in a team.  	14.03	Develop initiative and problem-solving skills to effectively deal with conflict resolution. 	15.0	Perform introductory administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	15.01	Apply the use of information and project management tools to develop and coordinate the distribution of work. 	15.02	Maintain equipment and supplies.	15.03	Perform financial functions. 	15.04	Determine the most efficient method of sending business documents and materials.	15.05	Produce a variety of design layouts (e.g., flyers, postcards, brochures, business cards, and letterhead).	15.06	Incorporate clip art, images, borders, and other special effects into a layout.	16.0	Incorporate knowledge gained from individual assessment and job/career exploration to design an individual career plan that reflects the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.  The student will be able to.  	16.01	Conduct research on career pathways that include strategies and goals towards career advancement in a desired field.	16.02	Discuss the use of technology in the administrative field. 	16.03	Create a professional portfolio (digital and/or paper).	16.04	Discuss the role and use of professional networking resources, including web-based resources.	17.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	17.01	Compare and contrast the software applications used in the administrative field. 	17.02	Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of brick and mortar versus remote work environments from both the business and employer and employee perspectives. 	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 		Administrative Office Specialist 2
Course Number: 	8306320
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This course explores and expands the competencies learned in Administrative Office Specialist 1 to perform office-related tasks. The use of computers and appropriate software is required.  

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
18.0	Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Access, process, and transmit information through all mediums.	
18.02	Create documents using advanced features in word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, and multimedia software. 	
18.03	Discuss how to install/ download and update software for current office use.	
18.04	Use technology to research, compile, create, and deliver an oral presentation. 	
18.05	Key with speed and accuracy to meet industry standards for employment as a secretary or administrative assistant.	
18.06	Perform integrated functions using various software applications. 	
18.07	Perform proofreading skills including electronic reference tools. 	
18.08	Demonstrate and explain various means to scan, store and manage electronic documents.	
18.09	Articulate ways to hold a meeting through web conferencing.	
19.0	Use information technology tools.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Employ digital tools to expedite workflow.	
19.02	Employ computer operations applications to access, create, manage, integrate, and store information.	
19.03	Employ collaborative/groupware applications to facilitate group work.	
20.0	Practice quality performance incorporating customer service strategies in the learning environment and the workplace.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Discuss performance evaluation methods and instruments used to assess workplace progress and performance.	
20.02	Define, identify, and document key performance indicators and monitor progress towards these goals.	
20.03	Analyze the integral value of a customer and/or client and practice skills to provide excellent customer/client service.	
20.04	Develop and implement a plan for maintaining quality service and production in a workplace, business, or learning environment.	
21.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, acknowledge the importance of ethics, legal responsibilities, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Facilitate discussions regarding service, supervision, and ethical considerations that impact the workplace.	
21.02	Identify the main causes of accidents in the office and their preventive measures.	
21.03	Discuss the responsibilities organizations have to their employees.	
21.04	Describe the role of confidentiality in business.	
21.05	Identify the importance of making decisions that are based on ethical reasoning.	
21.06	Identify and discuss personal and long-term consequences of unethical choices in the workplace.	
21.07	Understand and explain written organizational policies and procedures.	
21.08	Evaluate alternative responses to workplace situations based on personal, professional, ethical, legal responsibilities, and employer policies.	
21.09	Identify ways companies can help their communities.	
22.0	Develop an awareness of emerging technologies. The student will be able to:	
22.01	Describe social media as a form of digital design.	
22.02	Compare and contrast emerging technologies relative to their role in the workplace.	
22.03	Explain how the use of advanced image sensing devices have altered how communication takes place, especially those utilizing Quick Response (QR) Codes and other forms of two-dimensional barcoding techniques.	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Administrative Office Specialist 3
Course Number: 	8306330
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This course explores and expands the competencies learned in Administrative Office Specialist 2 and promotes the application of higher-level office procedures tasks and communication skills. The use of computers and appropriate software is required.  

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
23.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information.  The student will be able to:	
23.01	Identify and use web-related terminology.	
23.02	Define Universal Resource Locator (URL) and associated protocols.	
23.03	Compare and contrast the various types of Internet domains.	
23.04	Apply the rules for properly citing works or other information obtained from the Internet.	
23.05	Identify and apply Copyright Fair Use guidelines and copyright law.	
23.06	Evaluate web-based information for credibility and quality using basic guidelines and indicators.	
24.0	Apply communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing) in a courteous, concise, and correct manner on personal and professional levels.  The student will be able to:	
24.01	Deliver impromptu and planned speeches.	
24.02	Synthesize information from multiple speakers in a group and respond effectively.	
24.03	Communicate in a diverse environment.  	
24.04	Discuss various communication methods and explain how to overcome barriers to the communication process.	
25.0	Use information to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
25.01	Gather and compile data for supervisors and for company reports.	
25.02	Assemble information to use as a personal or shared resource to enhance workplace performance.	
26.0	Practice appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives.  The student will be able to:	
26.01	Serve as an interviewer, interviewee, and liaison in public relations, civic, media, community, and employment situations.	
26.02	Demonstrate leadership behavior to include delegation of duties.	
26.03	Train and assist others in appropriate business behavior, procedures, and skills. 	
27.0	Perform intermediate to advanced administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
27.01	Organize and conduct a meeting using parliamentary procedures.	
27.02	Discuss various ways to hold a meeting through web conferencing.	
27.03	Plan and arrange business functions.	
27.04	Analyze equipment specifications to meet required needs and make purchase recommendations.	
27.05	Manage and track office inventory using technology. 	
27.06	Access and maintain digital resources.	
27.07	Perform specialized office procedures.	
27.08	Maintain equipment and supplies.	
27.09	Perform specialized records management functions.	
27.10	Develop 10-key calculator skills.	
28.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.  The student will be able to:	
28.01	Describe the types of business organizations. 	
28.02	Explain the effect of key organizational systems on performance and excellent stakeholder relations. 	
28.03	List and describe common quality control systems and/or practices. 	
28.04	Discuss hierarchy charts or organizational networks and describe the relationships between positions and responsibilities. 	
29.0	Participate in advanced simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	
29.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in the administrative field.	
29.02	Discuss the use of technology in the administrative field.	
29.03	Compare and contrast the software applications used in the administrative field.	
29.04	Discuss hierarchy charts or organizational networks and describe the relationships between positions and responsibilities.	
29.05	Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of brick and mortar versus remote work environments from both the business and employer and employee perspectives.	
29.06	Create a professional portfolio (digital and/or paper).	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem-solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Florida Standards for English Language Development (ELD)

English language learners communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting. ELD.K12.ELL.SI.1 

English Language Development (ELD) Standards Special Notes:
Teachers are required to provide listening, speaking, reading and writing instruction that allows English language learners (ELL) to communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.   For the given level of English language proficiency and with visual, graphic, or interactive support, students will interact with grade level words, expressions, sentences and discourse to process or produce language necessary for academic success. The ELD standard should specify a relevant content area concept or topic of study chosen by curriculum developers and teachers that maximizes an ELL’s need for communication and social skills. For additional information on the development and implementation of the ELD standards, please contact the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition at sala@fldoe.org .

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

In addition to accommodations, some secondary students with disabilities (students with an IEP served in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)) will need modifications to meet their needs.  Modifications change the outcomes or what the student is expected to learn, e.g., modifying the curriculum of a secondary career and technical education course.  Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Some secondary students with disabilities (ESE) may need additional time (i.e., longer than the regular school year), to master the student performance standards associated with a regular course or a modified course.  If needed, a student may enroll in the same career and technical course more than once.  Documentation should be included in the IEP that clearly indicates that it is anticipated that the student may need an additional year to complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course.  The student should work on different competencies and new applications of competencies each year toward completion of the CTE course.  After achieving the competencies identified for the year, the student earns credit for the course.  It is important to ensure that credits earned by students are reported accurately.  The district’s information system must be designed to accept multiple credits for the same course number for eligible students with disabilities.