CERTIFICATION

The office workplace is changing rapidly.  New technologies, new streamlined organizations, and global competition are transforming the way we work and think. Our skills must be constantly updated. Administrative professionals are being given even greater responsibilities. In today's business environment you need every advantage to stay on top. What can you do to adapt to these changes and maximize your value to employers?

IAAP offers the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) rating. The CPS and CAP examinations are administered each May and November at more than 250 locations in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Professional certification shows employers, clients, and associates that you are serious about your career. Certification is a valuable tool for both employers and administrative professionals. For employers, it assures that a prospective or existing employee has the highest standard of professional understanding and technical skill. For administrative professionals, certification opens doors to advancement opportunities and is a valuable learning experience.

• 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 certification holders earn an average of $2,228 more per year than those who are not certified.
• 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 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.

You may go to the Certification link on the IAAP Headquarters' web site (www.IAAP-HQ.org) to find the latest Certification Application Packet and the Certification Review Guide. Here you will find more information on:

• Requirements necessary to take the exams
• Information on courses of study to prepare for the exams
• Information on exam site locations
• Information on where to obtain study materials
• Information on college credits you can earn

The Eagle Rock Chapter Education Chairman would also like to help you obtain the information and help you need to get certified.  Please contact:

        Pamela Stewart

        Vice President - Education/Certification

        Pamela.Stewart@inl.gov

        (208) 526-3896