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 a professional. Certification is a mark of excellence that you carry with you everywhere you go. IAAP offers the Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS®) rating and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) rating.

Job Advancement - Certification gives you a competitive edge for promotion and hiring.

Professional Skills - You will learn more about office operations and build your 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 exam.

You may take the CPS or CAP 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 CPS examination.

The CPS examination is a one-day exam, with three parts. The CAP 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.

Office Systems and Administration - 50% office technology, 25% office administration, 25% business communication.

Management - 36% behavioral science in business, 19% human resources management, 45% organizations and management.

Organizational Planning - team skills, strategic planning, advanced administration.

CPS holders are required to take only Part 4, Organizational Planning, of the CAP exam.

Test Preparation: The Certification Review Guide 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 CPS and CAP recipient and examination registrant is eligible to attend.

Recertification: CPS holders are required to recertify every five years, assuring that you remain abreast of new technologies, techniques and issues in the profession. Recertification will also be required for CAP holders.