Office of Continuing Education

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the most recent median annual wage for administrative assistants was $39,850. 

Among the Office and Administrative Support Occupations listed by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those that require specialized skills offer the highest levels of pay and future opportunities.

DO ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS NEED CERTIFICATION?

No. However, as the modern office shifts to becoming more technology driven, having formal training is key to advancing your skill set and staying ahead of the curve. Employers want candidates that can hit the ground running in their organization without further training, which certification proves.

HOW VALUABLE IS THE CAP FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS?

CAP is an assessment-based certification for office and administrative professionals. As an industry-recognized certification, it designates that you understand the duties, responsibilities and knowledge required of an administrative professional in today’s workplace. 

HOW MANY EXAMS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE CAP CERTIFICATION?

To be eligible for the CAP exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• No College Degree - 4 years of relevant work experience
• Associates Degree - 3 years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor's Degree - 2 years of relevant work experience

WHAT IS RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE?

Relevant work experience includes typical duties for office and administrative professionals including:

• Conducting business communication, including emails and memos
• Overseeing office functions and record keeping
• Managing projects, budgets and meeting schedules
• Coordinating between staff and clients

Prepare to take the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Master the CAP body of knowledge

Understand administrative fundamentals including financial responsibilities and project management

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (PART 1)

Communication essentials; interacting with stakeholders and teams

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (PART 2)

Organizational structure and systems; networking, interpersonal interactions and public speaking

BUSINESS WRITING AND DOCUMENT PRODUCTION

Business writing; publishing web documents, hard-copy documents, and meeting minutes

TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

Researching, gathering, compiling, and analyzing data and information; networks for information distribution and maintaining, backing-up, and storing data

OFFICE AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT

The basics of creating functioning and productive workspaces; obtaining and managing resources for your office and working in a virtual office

EVENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Event and travel management: coordinating virtual meetings; project management, time management and negotiations

HUMAN RESOURCES

Human resources functions, duties, and processes; employee files, records and training

FINANCIAL FUNCTIONS

Organizational finance: budgeting, financial statements, and financial transactions; banking process and the bank statement reconciliation process

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

Goal setting and creativity; problem solving, decision making and time management

BECOMING AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND ADVANCING YOUR CAREER

Job duties, responsibilities and personal characteristics of administrative assistants

Becky Swaim

Becky Swaim has taught since 2000, focusing on Administrative Assistant Fundamentals, Administrative Assistant Applications, and Individual Excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from California State University, Long Beach. Her experience includes managing large staff in medical billing and collections and as a program manager to various medical practices.