IAAP Test
The IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) offers two separate certifications: the CPS (Certified Professional Secretary) rating and the CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) rating.
While some people may be able to take the IAAP test and succeed with minimal preparation, most test takers will benefit from allocating time to study beforehand and reading through a IAAP Test Study Guide or practicing with a set of IAAP Exam Flashcards. Regardless of your studying techniques, be sure that you plan ahead and leave yourself enough time in advance of the test day to become adequately prepared. Last minute studying is likely to be rushed and does not maximize your chances of being successful.
To achieve the CPS rating, the secretary or administrator must meet certain work experience and educational requirements and must pass the three-part, one-day test. This test can be taken the first Saturday of May or November. To achieve the CAP rating, the administrative professional must meet certain work experience and educational requirements and pass a four-part, one-and-one-half day test. This test is administered the first Friday afternoon and Saturday of May or November.
IAAP Exam Study Guide | IAAP Test Flashcards
These two IAAP tests cover the following topics:
- Part 1 (CPS and CAP tests): Office Systems and Technology
- Part 2 (CPS and CAP tests): Office Administration
- Part 3 (CPS and CAP tests): Management
- Part 4 (CAP test only): Advanced Organizational Management
The tests have a mix of three levels of questions. The goal of the IAAP is to test candidates' basic knowledge, such as facts and terminology; understanding of concepts, procedures, and principles; and application of concepts. All questions are multiple- choice. In Parts 1-3, each question focuses on the candidates' knowledge of a single concept in a single question. In Part 4, questions are designed to test critical thinking skills and the candidates' ability to apply appropriate managerial concepts to a given scenario.
Parts 1-3 of the IAAP CPS and CAP exams have approximately 175 questions each. Each part has a 2 1/4-hour time limit. Part 4 has approximately 175 items and a 3 1/2-hour time limit. In Part 1, the questions cover computer hardware, systems, and configuration (12%); document layout, design, and reproduction (16%); software (60%); and managing physical resources (12%).
In Part 2, the questions cover records management (28%) and communication (72%).
In Part 3, the questions cover human resources (48%), accounting procedures and analysis (16%), time management (12%), and communication (24%).
Part 4 of the IAAP CAP exam covers organizational planning (28%), advanced administration (24%), team skills (24%), and advanced communication (24%).
