WAC Members Place

[ HOME ] [ Professional Certification ] [ Exam Preparation ] [ CAP Society ]

Professional Certification...the Career Advantage!

In today's ever-changing business environment, you need every advantage to stay on top. Professional certification shows employers, clients, and associates that you are committed as an administrative professional.

Certification is a mark of excellence that you carry with you everywhere you go.

Microsoft offers the:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) more information at Microsoft.com

IAAP offers the:

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• The Organizational Management Specialty (OM)

Why certification?
Certification will enhance your career through:

•  Job Advancement
  • you'll have the competitive edge for promotion and hiring.
•  Professional Skills
  • you will learn more about Office Operations and build your skills by studying for the CAP and OM exams.
•  Salary
  • a recent IAAP Membership Profile study shows that CAP 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 exam.

Who's eligible?
You may take the CAP or OM exam if you have at least two years of work experience as an administrative professional in the past 15 years, varying according to your level of college education. Students or teachers in a college business education program also may qualify to take the CAP examination.

Taking the Examination
The CAP examination is a one-day exam, with three parts. The OM exam 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.

CAP Exam:

• Communication

• Organization and Planning

• Information Distribution

• Records Management

• Physical and Information Resources

• Document Production

• Financial Functions

• Human Resources

OM Exam:

• Organizational Planning

• Advanced Communication

• Advanced Administration

• Team Skillls

Plus...

Test Preparation: The Certification Review Information is available from the International Association of Administrative Professionals to help prepare you for the exam. The guide contains the examination outline, bibliography, sample questions and other tips. Many colleges and IAAP chapters also offer review courses to provide thorough exam preparation.

Ongoing Education: Each year IAAP holds a three-day seminar offering advanced professional education. Every CAP and OM recipient and examination registrant is eligible to attend.

Recertification: CAP holders are required to re-certify every five years, assuring that you remain abreast of new technologies, techniques and issues in the profession. Recertification will also be required for OM holders. What will qualify for points?  How do I track my points?  How do I submit documentation:  For answers go to IAAP Recertification Information.  Download the spreadsheet to track your points:  Recertification Spreadsheet

For more information about Professional Certification, please feel free to contact our Certification Committee Chair,Monte Dean, CAP-OM, or go to our headquarters website: Professional Certification.