What We're All About

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a not-for-profit professional association with 40,000 members and affiliates and 600+ chapters worldwide. The association works in partnership with employers to promote excellence. Its members include administrative assistants, executive secretaries, office coordinators, information specialists and related administrative professionals. Many corporations, educational institutions, students, and international affiliate organizations also belong to IAAP.

The IAAP MISSION is to be the acknowledged, recognized leader of administrative professionals and to enhance their individual and collective value, image, competence, and influence.

The IAAP PURPOSE is to provide information, education, and training and to set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective.

The IAAP OBJECTIVES are to elevate the standards of all administrative professions and to promote their working relationships with management through continuing education, authorized programs, and publications.

The IAAP VISION is to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence.

The IAAP "SKILLS STANDARDS" are buzzwords for businesses, educators, and government today.  IAAP has had a very effective standard-setting program in place since 1951: The Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS®) rating. Subject areas of the CPS Examination include:

• Office Systems & Technology

• Office Administration

• Management

An additional advanced certification program is also available. The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program covers an expanded scope of administrative skill and knowledge. The CAP designation builds on the existing CPS rating and includes sections on:

• Advanced Organizational Management

 IAAP's Institute for Certification oversees and administers the CPS and CAP programs.  For more information go to Professional Certification. 

The IAAP INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EDUCATION FORUM, held in a different city each year, is the association's largest training and networking event. There are also many other education and networking events, including annual district conferences, division meetings, and local chapter meetings.

The IAAP MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS include access to research findings, OfficePro® magazine, discounts on educational products and services, IAAP Bits & Bytes newsletter, Internet Web Site (www.iaap-hq.org), service and support from IAAP World Headquarters staff, member affinity programs, and much more.  For more information go to Membership.