Certification

Certification

THE CAREER ADVANTAGE

If you are looking for ways to help you get ahead in the workplace, stop here. IAAP offer two professionals ratings for office professionals. The Certified Professional Secretary and Certified Administrative Professional ratings are the industry recognized standards of proficiency.

You will 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 seven percent increase in salary.

The Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional (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.

Why wait? Do something for yourself and your career today. Get certified!

CPS
Certified Professional Secretary
The CPS Examination is a three-part exam, covering the areas of office technology, office systems and administration, and management 



CAP
Certified Administrative Professional
The advanced CAP Examination is a four-part exam, covering the areas of office technology, office systems and administrative management and advanced organizational management



Future Exam Dates and Deadlines

Effective November 1, 2011 the certification will have new designations.  All of those holding the CPS (Certified Professional Secretary) designation will be converted to CAP (Certified Administrative Professional).  Those that have the CPS/CAP designation will be converted to CAP-OM (Certified Administrative Professional - Office Management).  Beginning in November 2011 there will be one test administered encompassing all four sections.  This change is to better support the other types of certifications that will be offered in the near future (example:  MA (Medical Assistant).

Following are the dates and deadlines for future CPS and CAP exam administrations:

Exam Dates Deadline Dates
  November 5-6, 2010     August 15, 2010
  May 6-7, 2011    February 15, 2011
  November 4-5, 2011    August 15, 2011

The CPS and CAP exams are administered on the first consecutive Friday and Saturday every May and November.

Part 4 of the CAP exam is administered on Friday afternoon. Parts 1-3 of the CPS and CAP exams are administered on Saturday.

Note: Certain international centers have been approved to administer the CPS and CAP exams on days other than Friday and Saturday. Refer to the Exam Centers Listing for exam days.

Below are links for applying to take the exams, forms to be submitted and information for review materials and courses.

Certification Application Packet (PDF)

Certification Review Guide (PDF)

Exam Centers Listing (PDF)

Job Function & Employer's Statement (PDF)

Review Materials and Courses

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