A chief administrative officer needs a combination of educational and professional experience that can inform their work in the field. In terms of education, a chief administrative officer typically holds a bachelor's degree, or sometimes a master's degree, in a subject like business administration. This can ensure that any CAO learns the fundamentals of business practices and procedures that they oversee during their job. Chief administrative officers also usually have a few years of professional experience in a managerial position to show that they can lead other employees effectively.