Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS)
and
Certified Administrative Professional® (CAP)

For more information email Samantha at certification@capinstitute.co.za

What are the CPS® and CAP® ratings?
These ratings are the achievement of the internationally recognized standard of proficiency as a professional secretary/office professional.  The CPS® and CAP® qualifications will enable secretaries to reach a professional standard never previously available in South Africa.The CPS® and CAP® programmes are self-study, distance learning programmes and are ideally suited to office professionals who are planning on pursuing their careers.

What do the CPS® and CAP® examinations cover?
The CPS® Programme:
Part 1:  Office Systems and Technology 
Part 2:  Office Administration
Part 3:  Management

The CAP® Programme:
Part 1:  Office Systems and Technology
Part 2:  Office Administration
Part 3:  Management
Part 4:  Advanced Organisational Management

The CAP® exam is designed to measure the candidate’s ability to properly analyse a situation, determine the critical factors of the situation and properly apply a wide range of knowledge in a variety of situations.  While candidates will not be successful on part four unless they have a solid theoretical foundation, this part is designed to test critical thinking skills and the ability to properly apply sound managerial concepts.

Why earn the CPS® and CAP® rating?
A secretary who holds the CPS®  and CAP® rating knows that he/she is truly internationally qualified and also recognizes that the ratings provide a winning edge in today’s competitive marketplace.  Among the rewards for achieving the CPS® and CAP® rating, many of the more than 61,000 CAP® and CPS® holders have reported pride in accomplishment, increased self-esteem, greater respect from employers and peers, confidence to assume greater responsibilities, pay increases, bonuses and opportunity for advancement.

How is the CPS® and CAP® rating obtained?
To obtain the CPS® and CAP® rating, an administrative professional must meet certain educational and work experience requirements and pass a four-part, one and one half day examination.  It is expected that a competent administrative professional is thoroughly familiar with current techniques in office practice and procedures, and is aware of developments in office systems and technology, and has the ability to apply sound management concepts.

What do I need to qualify for the CPS® and CAP® rating?
Qualifications for taking the CPS® and CAP® examination include a combination of education and verified secretarial experience.

No Degree (Matric/Grade 12)

Four Years

Diploma

Three Years

Degree

Two Years

Note:  Candidates who wish to register for the four part CAP® qualification, must have at least four years secretarial experience.

Who is eligible to apply for CPS and CAP examination candidacy?
Experienced secretaries, secretaries employed full-time, college/university students and business educators are eligible to apply to take the CPS® and CAP® examination.

What are the time regulations?

*Candidates must start the examination in the year approved or the following year, otherwise a new application and processing fee will be required .
* Candidates must take all parts of the examination on the first attempt.
*Candidates have three consecutive calendar years, if necessary, in which to pass all parts of the examination.  The three year time limit starts the first time the examination is taken.
* If all parts are not completed with the three-year time limit, the candidate may start over.  Credits for parts previously passed will not apply.

How is the CPS® and CAP® rating maintained?
Professional certification attests to the competence of those in a given profession.  To ensure maintenance of these high standards, periodic reassessment is used to verify that the competencies are maintained.  CAP® credentials are updated through re-certification every five years, to correspond to the rate at which knowledge changes within the secretarial profession.

The CPS® and CAP® rating makes a powerful statement of both having met initial high standards and maintaining those standards by re-certification.  CPS® and CAP® re-certification is required and can be maintained through continuing education.