Administrative Assistant Certification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, several organizations offer certifications for administrative assistants, including the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS), Inc.; Legal Secretaries International, Inc; and International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA). The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offers two credentials that may appeal to most administrative professionals seeking certification.
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Basics
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As a leader in the industry of office assistants, the IAAP offers two widely recognized credentials for individuals seeking certification as an office assistant: the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). Both of these credentials are designed to help you get ahead in your job by making you more qualified and increasing your knowledge base according to the IAAP. They also report a potential salary increase.
Examination
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To receive either credential, you must pass an exam demonstrating your professional capacity. As of April 2010, the exams offered for both certifications take place on May's and November's first Friday and Saturday. All three parts of the CPS exam is given on those first Saturdays. The four parts of the CAP exam are divided between Friday and Saturday, with part four given on Friday and parts one, two and three given on Saturday.
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Recertification
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Whether you decide to apply for the CAP or the CPS, both certifications require that you apply for recertification every five years. To be eligible for recertification, you must earn 90 points in education, experience, leadership and electives from the issuance of your credentialing to the submission of your recertification application, according to the IAAP. There are several things that can count toward your education points. You can take a paralegal or real estate course (if relevant to your position), take stress management education, or complete a program on workplace violence.
CAP Salary Potential
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Salaries for CAPS vary based on their jobs. Those working as senior executive assistants have some of the highest incomes as of April 2010. PayScale.com reports a median salary of $55,000 for them. CAPs working as executive assistants also earn above $50,000, with reported median incomes of $57,000 and $53,100. The executive assistant to the CEO has a median salary of $43,500. Some of the lowest paid CAPs are those working as administrative assistants. They have a reported median salary $33,200.
CPS Salary Potential
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The salary potential for CPSs and CAPs aren't very different based on their job descriptions. As with most careers, CAPs and CPSs with more experience generally earn more. According to PayScale, those with 20-plus years of experience have a median salary of $46,200, while those with one to four years of experience have a median salary of $35,700, as of April 2010.
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References
- PayScale: Research By: * Job * Employer Name * Industry * Degree/Major Subject * Certification * More o City o Age Range o Bar Association o State or Province o Company Size o Employer Type o Gender o Hospital Setting o School Attended o Skill/Specialty o Years Experience o Job Description o Show All Country: United States Change Country Salary Survey for Certification: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
- PayScale: Salary Survey for Certification: Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)
- International Association of Administrative Professionals: The Career Advantage
- International Association of Administrative Professionals: Future Exam Dates and Deadlines
- International Association of Administrative Professionals: Recertification
Resources
- Photo Credit boss and secretary image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
