What Is a Certified Administrative Professional?
Would you like to assist executives in large corporations? If you are looking to advance your administrative assistant career, you may want to consider earning the Certified Administrative Professional designation through the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Continue reading to find out more about this certification. Schools offering Administrative Assistant degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Certified Administrative Professional Defined
A Certified Administrative Professional is a secretary or administrative assistant who has earned a voluntary credential from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Earning the designation demonstrates to potential employees that you have professional skills in general office procedures and practices, communications and technology. The certification also shows that you are willing to improve upon your skills to work as an administrative assistant, secretary or office manager.
Earning the CAP Credential
To achieve certification through the IAAP, you need to fill out an application, submit fees for the exam and select a testing location. You also need to submit proof of a high school diploma and any college transcripts from courses you make have taken. The organization provides a study exam booklet that includes information on office terms, concepts and procedures.
While you don't need a college degree to take this exam, the IAAP does require you do have administrative experience. The amount of experience depends on the level of education you have completed. Experience requirements range from 2-4 years and must be documented by an employer. For example, if you have no postsecondary training, you need four years of experience, and if you have a bachelor's degree, you need two years of experience. Recertification is required every five years, and you must complete continuing education classes.
Test Prep Courses
If you already have experience in the administrative assistant field and are preparing for the CAP exam, several colleges and universities offer prep or refresher courses. These programs provide a review of the material found on the IAAP exam, including topics in office administration, office technology and management techniques.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that having a CAP certification is a prominent designation (www.bls.gov). Many employers promote from within, so having this sort of certification can help you move up through the office ranks. In May 2010, the BLS indicated that the mean annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants was $32,000, and that employment for this field is expected to increase by 11% between 2008 and 2018.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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