| Exam Dates | Deadline Dates |
| November 6-7, 2009
| August 15, 2009 |
| May 7-8, 2010 | February 15, 2010 |
| November 5-6, 2010 |
August 15, 2010 |
Why Certification?
There are professional and trade associations responsible for professional conduct of member physicians, attorneys, accountants, and many other professions. Therefore, it was a natural development that IAAP should pioneer standards of professionalism for administrative support staff.
Attaining the CPS and CAP rating is an investment in your career and sets you apart:
- Career advancement
- Professional skills – build self-audit skills and abilities by studying for and taking the exam
- Enhance salary opportunities – surveys indicate an average of $2,228 more per year
- Job advancement – competitive edge for promotion and hiring
- Mark of excellence – demonstrate initiative and ambition
- Boost self-confidence and pride – show commitment as a professional
- Earn college credit toward a degree – many colleges and universities offer up to 32 credit hours
TO THE MANAGER:
Are you seeking a means to develop professionalism among your administrative support staff?
Are you looking for a competent employee who can fulfill a role on the management team by utilizing team skills, strategic planning and advanced administration?
Certification ensures that a prospective or existing employee has the highest standard of professional understanding and technical skills.
Minisa Chapter offers its members:
- Study groups, review classes
- Review books, CDs and flash cards
- Mock exams
- Study timetable
- Advice and encouragement from current CPS/CAP holders
- Lending library of books with tests that qualify for recertification points
What is the difference between the CPS and CAP rating?
The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) rating was introduced in 2001. The name was updated to reflect the change of many titles from secretary to administrative professional. An additional section was added to the CPS exam, Organizational Planning. This part is designed to measure the candidate’s ability to properly analyze a situation, determine the critical factors of the situation and properly apply a wide range of knowledge in a variety of situations.
Professionals who pass Parts 1 - 3 of the exam achieve the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating. Professionals who pass Parts 1- 4 of the exam will achieve the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
rating.
* * * Anyone who currently holds the CPS rating will take only Part 4 of the exam to achieve the CAP rating.
How is the CAP rating obtained?
To attain the CAP rating, an administrative professional must meet certain educational and work experience requirements and pass a four-part, one and a half day examination. Educational and secretarial employment experience must also be verified.
Part 4 of the CAP exam is administered on the first Friday of May and November and Parts 1-3 (CPS) are administered on Saturday.
Why earn the CPS/CAP rating?
In today’s workplace, having the CPS/CAP credentials can be the assurance of employability, giving you that cutting-edge over your competitors.
Accept the challenge!
A survey by Dataquest indicated that management associates certification with higher levels of service, higher productivity, and faster learning. The perception is that certified employees – in any field – are:
- Have stronger work ethics and personal integrity
- Career-oriented and professional
- More knowledgeable with up-to-date information
- Committed to quality and continuous improvement
- Provide a higher level of customer service