Certified Administrative Professional (Voucher Included)

To be a successful administrative professional, you must possess the skills to handle a wide variety of workplace tasks and scenarios. The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) course serves two purposes. First, it prepares you to take the CAP exam offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Second, it provides you with a broad selection of essential skills and knowledge to effectively work as an administrative assistant in fields including education, technology, government, and medicine.

In this Certified Administrative Professional course, you will learn the basics of workplace administration as well as how to begin and grow a successful career as an administrative professional. It also covers the intricacies of organizational communication, office and records management, and human resources fundamentals, among other topics. You will also learn to effectively write for business, produce documents, and utilize informational technology as you prepare to achieve your administrative professional certification.

You will gain event and project management skills, which include virtual meeting coordination—a skill that has become increasingly useful. Each CAP course module concludes with a quiz, helping you to effectively track your progress and test your skills. Your Certified Administrative Professional training includes IAAP membership, an exam study guide, and an exam voucher that covers the fee for the IAPP certification exam.

What you will learn

• Understand how to write business documents
• Managing information storage and distribution
• Recognize professional workplace activities and behaviors
• Discover best practices for managing events and meetings, travel, projects, and materials
• Identify key components of legal issues, and human resource policy and management

How you will benefit

• Obtain a broad selection of essential skills and knowledge to effectively work as an administrative assistant in fields including education, technology, government, and medicine
• Develop a career plan and resume that will be reviewed by an instructor
• Prepare to register and sit for the IAAP Certified Administrative Professional certification exam that will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace

1. Organizational Communication (Part 1)
   1. Understanding the Workplace Team
   2. Interacting with Stakeholders
   3. Communication Essentials
2. Organizational Communication (Part 2)
   1. Networking
   2. Motivation, Leadership, And Change Management
   3. Public Speaking
   4. International Business
   5. Organizational Structures And Systems
   6. Legal And Ethical Issues
3. Business Writing and Document Production
   1. Business Writing
   2. Software Applications
   3. Managing Hardware and Software
4. Technology and Information Distribution
   1. Information Systems
   2. Telephone and Electronic Communication
   3. Copyright Laws and Intellectual Property
   4. Research and Analysis
   5. Managing Remote Meetings
   6. Information Distribution and Storage
5. Office and Records Management
   1. Filing Standards
   2. File Security
   3. Creating Workspaces
   4. Managing Materials and Supplies
6. Event and Project Management
   1. Event Scheduling And Management
   2. Travel Planning
   3. Meeting Coordination
   4. Project Management And Negotiations
7. Human Resources
   1. Human Resources Terminology and Processes
   2. Employee Handbooks, Training, and Standard Operating Procedures
   3. Employee Records and Evaluation
   4. Staffing And Onboarding
   5. Human Resource Law and Harassment
8. Financial Functions
   1. Budgeting Basics
   2. Introduction to Financial Statements
   3. Introduction to Banking and Statement Reconciliation
9. Workplace Behaviors and Activities (Part 1)
   1. Goal Setting and Creativity
   2. Problem Solving and Decision Making
   3. Time Management and Stress Management
10. Workplace Behaviors and Activities (Part 2)
    1. Planning And Controlling
    2. Multitasking
    3. Generational Distinctions
    4. Diversity and Inclusion
11. Workplace Behaviors and Activities (Part 3)
    1. Supply chain management
    2. Purchasing and logistics
    3. Scheduling
    4. Customer service
12. Becoming an Administrative Assistant and Advancing Your Career
    1. Duties and Traits
    2. Position Options
    3. Seeking Employment
    4. Career Planning

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .

Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following digital textbook for this course is accessed via links in the course lessons:

• The Administrative Professional: Technology and Procedures (eBook)

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you should be familiar with using a personal computer, mouse, and keyboard. You should be comfortable in a Windows environment and have the ability to launch and close activities and navigate to information stored on the computer. You should also have an ability to manage files and folders.

Certification Requirements:

You must have previous experience as an administrative assistant to be eligible to sit for the Certified Administrative Professional certification exam.

Candidates must meet specific education and administrative office support professional experience, which are:

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

All relevant work experience must have been earned within the last ten years. CAP certification is designed for office and administrative professionals who engage in the following:

• Communicate within the organization (both verbal and written)
• Conduct business writing, including proofreading and editing
• Maintain office functions and record keeping
• Plan meetings, events, and arrange travel
• Maintain budgets and basic accounting functions
• Manage time and other resources for themselves and others
• Utilize technology, including virtual and mobile, with strong computer and internet research skills
• Coordinate communications between internal staff and/or external clients

Please visit for more detailed information on eligibility.

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.

What is a Certified Administrative Professional? What does a Certified Administrative Professional do?

Secretaries and administrative assistants help an organization run efficiently. They use computer software to create spreadsheets, manage databases, and prepare presentations, reports, and documents. They also may negotiate with vendors, buy supplies, and manage stockrooms or corporate libraries. Secretaries and administrative assistants also set up appointments and use videoconferencing and other office equipment. Specific job duties vary by experience, job title, and specialty, but they work in almost every sector of the economy, including schools, government, and private corporations.

How much can I earn with a CAP certification?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a Certified Administrative Professional in the U.S. is $44,338. Administrative professional salaries typically range between $24,500 and $68,500 a year. The average hourly rate for administrative professionals is $21 per hour.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes, you will be prepared for the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Please visit IAAP for more detailed information on eligibility and applying for the exam.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

What will I do as an administrative professional?

As an administrative professional, you will play an important role in keeping an office organized and functioning efficiently. You will perform routine clerical tasks such as answering phones and drafting messages. Administrative professionals will also organize files, schedule appointments, and support other employees within the office. As an administrative professional, you may also be responsible for greeting guests who visit your organization.

What education do I need to become an administrative professional?

For most administrative professional positions, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent as well as some training which can be obtained in an online course like this one. There is a lot of competition for good administrative professional jobs, so getting formal training and earning a certification will put you ahead of the competition and make you more desirable to employers.

What is the average salary of an administrative professional?

The median salary across all office and administrative support positions according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is nearly $35,000 per year. Your salary will vary depending on the type of administrative job you choose. For example, a financial clerk earns a median salary of $38,680 while a receptionist earns $28,390 and secretaries earn $37,870. According to a research study conducted by Microsoft, entry-level professionals who obtain a certification can earn almost $16,000 more per year than those without certification.

Are administrative professionals in demand?

Yes, administrative professionals are in demand, but there is expected to be little change in the total number of open positions in this field through 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technology is expected to play a major role in this profession, so your understanding of courses like those in the Microsoft Office Suite will help you land coveted positions.

Where do administrative professionals work?

Administrative professionals typically work full time hours, between 35- 40 hours per week in an office environment, though some do work part time. It is even possible to work from home depending on your duties and your employer. You will spend large amounts of time in front of a computer using various software courses. You will also interact with other people on a daily basis either in person or via the phone.

What qualities should a good administrative professional have?

In order to be a good administrative professional, you will need good communication skills as you will be responsible for working with people at many different levels within the organization. You will also need good organizational skills, a detail-oriented personality, and the ability to keep information you encounter private and confidential. In addition, you'll need to have good time management as well as the ability to prioritize tasks, and you will need to be dependable and reliable no matter what tasks you're assigned. Finally, you'll need to know how to provide good customer service.