Certification

The Certified Professional Secretary® and Certified Administrative Professional® ratings are the industry recognized standards of proficiency.

If you're looking for ways to help you get ahead in the workplace, getting certified can help. You'll improve your professional qualifications, increase your skills and knowledge and raise your self-esteem by taking and passing the exams. You may also obtain college credit and, according the latest survey from OfficeTeam, get up to a 7 percent increase in salary.

The CPS and CAP exams are based on the premise that an administrative professional should have basic knowledge of office systems, technology, office administration, and management, and know how to apply the principles of good human relations and communications. Some of the examinations are based on knowledge acquired by the office professional through formal education and informal reading. Employers also expect their admin to be thoroughly familiar with current techniques in office practice and procedures and aware of developments in office systems and technology.

Certification Exam Dates


  Certified Administrative Professional®
(CAP)

      

Certified Professional Secretary®  
(CPS)
 

May 7, 2010


  

May 8, 2010

Why Become Certified?

IAAP encourages members to attain the ratings for the Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional® (CAP). These ratings are industry-recognized marks of excellence.
These professional certifications will augment your resume' as well as enhance your career.

Commitment
Attaining certification demonstrates to your employer and yourself that you are committed as a professional.

Career Advancement
Certification provides you with a competitive edge for hiring and promotion.

Professional Confidence
Passing the exams for the CPS and/or CAP proves you have valuable knowledge in the business topics covered.

Salary
An IAAP Membership Profile Study shows that CPS/CAP holders earn an average of $2,228 more per year than other administrative professionals who do not have certification.

College Credit
Many colleges and universities offer course credit after studying for an passing the CPS and/or CAP examinations.

How Do I Attain the CPS or CAP Rating?

To attain the CPS or CAP rating, an administrative professional must meet certain education and work experience requirements. They must also pass a one-day, three-part examination for the CPS and a 3.5 hour examination for the fourth part of the CAP.

You can opt to strive for the CPS certification first by taking only the first three parts. At a later examination period, you may go back and take the fourth exam and attain the CAP, thus having a dual certification of CPS/CAP. However, if you choose to bypass the CPS rating and strive to attain only the CAP certification, you must pass all four parts during one examination period.

The CPS and/or CAP examination consists of the following:
Part 1 - Office Systems and Technology
Part 2 - Office Administration
Part 3 - Management

The CAP examination consists of the first three exams mentioned above as well as the following:

Part 4 - Advanced Organizational Management


Click Here to Download the
Certification Application

  

How Do I Prepare for the Exams?

The Certification Review Guide is available from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP®) to help you prepare for the exams. The review guide contains the examination outline, bibliography, sample questions and other tips. Review materials can also be purchased from Pearson Education directly or through IAAP® with a members-only discount. Formal college courses in each of the topics can be helpful. When review courses are not scheduled, Chapter members often form informal study groups.



Click Here to Download the
Certification Review Guide

  


Future Exam Dates and Deadlines

The following are dates and deadlines for future CPS and CAP exam administrations.

Exam Dates

   

Exam
Application Deadline  

May 7-8, 2010
November 5-6, 2010
May 6-7, 2011

         

February 15, 2010
August 15, 2010
February 15, 2011
 
Part 4 of the CAP exam is administered on Friday afternoon. Parts 1 - 3 of the CPS and CAP exams are administered on Saturday.

Recertification of the CPS and/or CAP

Congratulations on successfully attaining the prestigious CPS and/or CAP designation! Professional development doesn't end with this achievement. A total of 90 points is necessary to maintain an active professional certification with recertification every five (5) years. Links have been provided to assist in tracking your progress. The following brochure will provide you with a helpful Q&A, eligible categories to acquire these essential points as well as the recertification application.

Sample Recertification Tracking Sheet

         

Blank Recertification Tracking Sheet


Click Here to Download the
Recertification Brochure

  


For more information regarding certification programs,
e-mail Certification Chairperson, Melinda Chappell, CPS/CAP.





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