Professional certification is the mark of excellence and can enhance your career growth.  The Certified Professional Secretary© (CPS) rating is the achievement of the internationally recognized standard of proficiency as an administrative professional.  The Certified Administrative Professional© (CAP) rating will go a step beyond.

The CPS and CAP are designations earned through a unique certification program for administrative support staff that goes beyond a simple evaluation of levels of knowledge and competency to:

• Provide a body of knowledge for future use

• Encourage professional development

• Provide a means to keep abreast of change

• Ensure a quality scope of knowledge and professionalism that gives a winning edge

Earning the CPS or CAP rating proves your willingness to go above and beyond in your position. It makes a statement that you view your role in business as a career--not just a job.

Certification provides opportunities to enhance your career success through:

• JOB ADVANCEMENT – Certification gives you a competitive edge for promotion and hiring.

• PROFESSIONAL SKILLS – You will learn more about office operations and build skills by studying for and taking the CPS or CAP exam.

• SALARY – A recent IAAP membership profile study shows that CPS holders earn an average of $2,228 more per year than those who do not have certification.

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

• COLLEGE CREDIT – Many colleges and universities offer course credit for studying for and passing the CPS and CAP exams.

• CERTIFICATION SEMINAR – Receive the benefit of annual state-of-the-art education and networking with other professionals in the administrative field.

Area Colleges offer course equivalency / credits for people passing the exam, which will apply to a certificate or degree:

• Seminole Community College – 18 credit hours

• Valencia Community College – 21 credit hours

The CPS examination is a one-day exam, with three parts.  The CAP is a one and one-half day exam, with four parts.  The exams are administered each May and November at over 250 locations across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Parts 1-3 of CPS and CAP exams:

• Office Systems and Technology

  • Computer Hardware, Systems, and Configuration
  • Document layout, design, and reproduction
  • Software
  • Managing Physical Resources
• Management
  • Records Management
  • Communication
• Office Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Accounting Procedures and Analysis
  • Time Management
  • Communication

Part 4 of CAP exam:

• Advanced Organizational Management

  • Organizational Planning
  • Advanced Administration
  • Team Skills
  • Advanced Communication

Recertification: CPS holders are required to recertify every five years.  Recertification will also be required for CAP holders.

Certification Information

Recertification Information

Send mail to veronicaiaap@gmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.

Copyright © 2011 Winter Park Chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals

Last Updated: September 07, 2011