• 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 exams.
• 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 the CPS certification.
• Esteem: Attaining certification demonstrates to your employer and yourself that you are a committed professional
• College Credit: Many colleges and universities offer course credit for studying for and passing the CPS and CAP exams.
• Certification Seminar: CPS and CAP holders may attend annual certification seminars where they will benefit from state-of-the-art educational opportunities and network with other administrative professionals.

"Studying for and attaining the CAP certification boosted my self esteem and gave me the extra edge to succeed." – Tam Rodier CAP

Following are some tips to assist you in preparing for the CPS and CAP exams:

• Obtain the latest Certification Application Packet and Exam Center Listing for complete requirements, application forms, fees, etc. The packet is available through the Certification Department on the IAAP website at www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/CertAppPacket.pdf.

• Obtain the Certification Review Guide available on the IAAP web site at www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/examrevw.pdf. This guide, which should be used to direct any course of study, includes the outline, bibliography, and sample questions. Comparing the outline with your own background helps you determine what course of study will work best for you.

• Obtain at least one or two comprehensive textbooks in the areas tested (these are listed in the bibliography). Check public libraries, college libraries, publishers, Amazon.com, etc. for these references. It is important to use several sources when studying the the CPS and/or CAP exams. References listed in the bibliography are actual college texts used to write examination questions.

• Plan your study schedule for each area tested. Plan to spend 8-10 hours per week dedicated to intensive study of each area. If you have a good background in the area tested, a minimum of 2-4 weeks will be required for a review of materials previously learned. Without a good background, candidates may need 3-6 hours of course work at community college level in the areas covered on Parts 1-3 of the CPS and CAP exams. For Par 4 of the CAP exam, 6-9 hours of upper division management courses are recommended, or the equivalent in on-the-job management training courses.

• If you prefer to study in a group, some IAAP chapters and local colleges provide review courses. These courses are intended strictly as a review of materials previously studied.

• Review materials are available in various forms. These review materials are listed in the “References for Broad Overview” section of the Certification Review Guide and on the web at www.iaap-hq-org/cert/reviewmaterials.htm. Prentice Hall currently has review manuals available for Parts 1-3 of the CPS and CAP exams. A review manual for Part 4 of the CAP exam is underway, as well as e-learning cources for all parts. Metcalf Education Services has audio cassettes and audio CD-Roms, an interactive CD course, mock exams, and flash cards. Keep in mind that the materials from Prentice Hall and Metcalf Education Services are intended strickly for review of materials previously learned. These materials are not intended to teach or to cover everything that will be on the exams. These materials are not used to write the actual examination questions. Any review materials should be used in conjunction with the bibliographic references listed in the Certification Review Guide.Whatever methods of study used, take notes, re-read chapters, highlight and make notes in the margins of books you have purchased. Quiz yourself after completing the study of each area.

• After completing your initial study for an area, again compare what you’ve studied with the outline found in the Certification Review Guide. Make sure all areas in the outline have been covered. Quiz yourself.

• A few days before the exam, go over your notes again. Some candidates like to spend this time taking quizzes from the review materials they have used. Remember though, you will not see those same questions on the exam.

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. If you are not familiar with the location of the exam center, make a test drive to avoid any delays exam day. For those candidates traveling a distance to take the exam, make sure you check into the hotel early and have time to relax.

• Exam day is not the day to cram. Your studying should be complete and you should take time to calmly arrive at the exam center.

• When the exam starts, listen carefully to the proctor’s instructions. Properly fill out the answer sheets. Read each question carefully. Do your best.

Following are the dates and deadlines for future CPS and CAP exams:

• EXAM: November 7-8, 2008
  Application Deadline: 8/15/08

• EXAM: May 1-2, 2009
  Application Deadline: 2/15/09

• EXAM: November 6-7, 2009
  Application Deadline: 8/15/09

After you earn the CPS or CAP designation, you will need to keep it active through the process of recertification. CPS holders who attained the designation after 1988 and all CAP holders are required to recertify every 5 years. Keep in mind that recertification is due 5 years from the month you certify. For example, if you received your designation in November 2000 you must recertify by November 2005. If you are not sure when you received certification or when your recertification is due, please contact the Certification Department for assistance.

So how can you recertify if the company you work for does not assist in funding to attend seminars or conferences? One of the most common areas overlooked by CPS and CAP holders is workplace experience that falls under the category Education/Experience. Workplace experience is any project that you perform outside of your normal administrative duties. Did you organize a company sponsored event (employee recognition dinner) or charity (March of Dimes, United Way)? Did you oversee an office move? For each project performed, you can earn 10 recertification points.

Click on the following link to view more complete recertification details:

Recertification Brochure (Adobe PDF file)
Recertification Spreadsheet (MS Excel file)

If you think you might like to study with other IAAP members online, we encourage you to visit:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CPS_CAP_STUDY_GROUP/?yguid=24710479

Follow this link to learn more:
Online Chat Information - Two Rivers Chapter (Adobe PDF file) Then point your Internet browser to HTTP://WWW.IAAP-TWORIVERS.ORG/CHAT/ and join the fun!

Questions about the CPS and CAP programs can be directed to the Certification Department at IAAP (816) 891-6600 extensions 2248, 2234, 2225, or 2227. You may also e-mail them at certification@iaap.hq.org. As an alternative, you may also contact:

Deanna Anthony CAP
Rim Rock Chapter Certification Chair
(406) 657-8457