1. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: THE CAREER ADVANTAGE*
07/16/96
To insert your company logo on this slide
From the Insert Menu
Select “Picture”
Locate your logo file
Click OK
To resize the logo
Click anywhere inside the logo. The boxes that appear outside the logo are known as “resize handles.”
Use these to resize the object.
If you hold down the shift key before using the resize handles, you will maintain the proportions of the object you wish to resize.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: THE CAREER ADVANTAGE
Provided by the IAAP Certification Department and Institute for Certification, a department of IAAP Revised January 2009 *

2. WHY CERTIFICATION?
“Businesses value employees who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education. Employers know certified administrative professionals bring enhanced skill sets and new ideas to the organization, increasing productivity and positively impacting the bottom line.”
- Dave Wilmer, Executive Director, Office Team

3. BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION
Greater Opportunity for Advancement
Salary Increases/Bonuses
Possible College Credit
Pride in Accomplishment Increased Self-Esteem
Greater Respect from Employer/ Peers

4. IAAP CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS®)
Certified Administrative Professional® (CAP®)
What are they?
When were they developed?
Who is eligible?

5. QUALIFICATIONS 4 years experience with high school diploma
3 years experience with Associates Degree
2 years experience with Bachelors Degree

6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS All Experience Must:
meet the IAAP definition of an administrative professional;
be verified by employer(s);
be at least two-months continuous;
be within the past 15 years;
include 12 months with one employer in the past five years

7. ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL
IAAP defines administrative professionals as:
“Individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in
support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.”

8. AREAS TESTED CPS EXAM Office Systems and Technology
Office Administration
Management
CAP EXAM
Office Systems and Technology
Office Administration
Management
Advanced Organizational Management

9. Office Systems & Technology CPS and CAP Exams
60%
Software
12%
Computer Hardware, Systems & Configuration
16%
Document layout,
design & reproduction
Managing Physical Resources

10. Office Administration CPS and CAP Exams
28%
Records Management
72%
Communication

11. Management CPS and CAP Exams
48%
Human Resources
16%
Accounting Procedures
and Analysis
12%
Time Management
24%
Communication

12. Advanced Organizational Management CAP Exam Only
28%
Organizational
Planning
24%
Advanced Administration
Team Skills
Advanced
Communication

13. Exam Fees CPS EXAM CAP EXAM IAAP Members $ 50 processing fee
$160 for all three parts *
$ 60 per retake part *
Non-members
$ 75 processing fee
$210 for all three parts *
$ 85 per retake part *
IAAP Members
$ 50 processing fee
$210 for all four parts *
$ 60 per retake part *
Non-members
$ 75 processing fee
$260 for all four parts *
$ 85 per retake part *
* Applications submitted after the deadline date will be charged a late fee of $50.

14. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
New CAP candidates (taking all 4 parts) do not receive the CPS rating upon passing Parts of the CAP exam
Active CPS holders may take Part 4 only of the CAP exam to attain that rating.
Fees for active CPS holders taking only Part 4 of the CAP exam:
$120 – IAAP members
$145 – nonmembers

15. PREPARING FOR THE EXAM SELF STUDY REVIEW COURSE
COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES

16. AFTER CERTIFICATION
Plaque and Pin
Annual Conference
Recertification

17. RECERTIFICATION Required every five years 90 points Education
Experience
Leadership
Elective
Validates professionalism throughout a career
Must recertify to keep rating active

18. Questions/Comments
IAAP web site Professional Development > Certification
IAAP Headquarters Certification Department Phone x2225, 2227, 2248 –
Local Contact

19. IAAP