How to Become a Certified Professional Secretary

Certified professional secretaries demonstrate proficiency through a series of exams.

Founded in 1942, the International Association of Administrative Professionals offers two levels of certification. Certified Professional Secretary is the first level, and Certified Administrative Professional is the second level. Certification demonstrates a high level of administrative capability and is an objective measurement of professional secretarial knowledge and ability. The areas specifically measured include people and communication skills, an understanding of technology and office systems and administration and management. According to a survey conducted by Office Team, administrative professionals who obtain certification through the International Association of Administrative Professionals receive an increase in salary of up to 7 percent.

Things You'll Need

• Employer's statement
• Exam preparation materials
• Exam application
• Exam fees

Instructions

1. Become a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Although not required, membership offers a significant cost savings on exam fees and also provides members-only access to free training materials and helpful forums.

2. Verify that you have enough experience to qualify to take the Certified Professional Secretary exams. Individuals with a bachelor's degree must have a minimum of two years of secretarial experience. Individuals with an associate's degree must have a minimum of three years of secretarial experience, and individuals with no degree must have a minimum of four years of secretarial experience.

3. Complete the Job Function and Employer's Statement located on the International Association of Administrative Professionals website. Have your employer sign the statement to verify your work experience.

4. Fill out and mail your exam application and fees to the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Your application must be received at least three months before the exam date. The exams are given twice a year, in May and November.

5. Study for the exams. Experience is the primary way to prepare for the exams, but there are also study materials and exam preparation courses available through Prentice Hall Publisher. The International Association of Administrative Professionals website contains a free certification exam review guide as well as helpful resources in the members-only section.

6. Take the three-part Certified Professional Secretary exam. Certification is awarded only to individuals who pass all three parts of the exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Recertification is required every five years. This requires continuing education credits.

References

• International Association of Administrative Professionals: Certification
• International Association of Administrative Professionals: Certification Exams
• International Association of Administrative Professionals: About Us

Resources

• International Association of Administrative Professionals: Certification Application Packet
• International Association of Administrative Professionals: Job Function and Employer's Statement
• Prentice Hall Exam Preparation Materials
• International Association of Administrative Professionals: Certification Exam Review Guide