CPS Exam Review Course

August 5 - November 6, 2008

The Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating is a universally recognized standard of proficiency - the capstone of the secretarial profession. Many of the more than 62,000 CPS professionals agree that earning the designation has given them the confidence to assume greater job responsibilities, a feeling of pride in their accomplishments, greater respect from employers and peers, as well as pay increases, bonuses, and opportunities for advancement.

The CPS designation is earned through a certification program designed for secretaries and other administrative support staff. This program evaluates levels of knowledge and competency, encourages professional development, provides a means to keep informed of changes in the field, and offers a way to further develop professional skills.

The CPS Exam Review Course is designed as a refresher course for individuals planning to take the CPS exam. The course content is based on the CPS Examination Review Series published by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and Prentice Hall. Material from this series will be made available to participants taking the CPS Exam Review Course. Each session of the review course is led by professionals whose area of expertise lies in the topic they present. In additional to this, secretaries who have already passed the exam and earned their CPS designations will attend many of the sessions to answer questions and offer study tips to help in preparation for the exam. More detailed information on how to apply for the CPS Exam and how to maintain certification as a CPS will be provided on the first night of the course.

The CPS Exam is administered twice a year on the first Friday and Saturday of November and May. Applications, fees, and supporting documents must be postmarked before February 15 for the May Examinations, and before August 15 for the November Examination. Full-time employed secretaries, experienced secretaries, college and university students, and business educators are eligible to enroll in the CPS Program.

Passing the CPS Examination is the first step towards making a long term investment in your career. Maintaining your CPS rating reaffirms your willingness to continue to grow professionally. All of these elements combine to give you a winning edge!

The CPS Examination is based on the premise that a professional secretary should know how to apply the principles of good human relations and have basic knowledge of finance, technology, economics, communication, and management. The CPS Examination is a one-day exam consisting of three parts - Office Systems and Technology, Office Administration, and Management. It is expected that a competent secretary is thoroughly familiar with current techniques in secretarial practice and procedures, and is aware of developments in office systems and technology.

EXAMINATION BREAKDOWN:

Office Systems and Technology

• 12% Computer Hardware
• 16% Document Layout
• 60% Software
• 12% Managing Physical Resources

175 Questions: 2 hours 15 minutes

Office Administration

• 28% Records Management
• 72% Communication

175 Questions: 2 hours 15 minutes

Management

• 48% Human Resources
• 16% Accounting Procedures and Analysis
• 12% Time Management
• 24% Communication

175 Questions: 2 hours 15 minutes

General requirements for all exam applicants:
Education:                                                                 Secretarial Experience:
No Degree                                                                  4 Years Required
An Associate’s Degree                                                3 Years Required
A Bachelor’s Degree                                                   2 Years Required

When education is used to reduce the experience required, proof of degree earned must be submitted. Acceptable verification would be an official transcript or a copy of your degree. Verification of the number of years of secretarial employment experience is also required.

Candidates are responsible for submitting information to keep their file current. Only secretarial experience may be considered. Administrative professionals are defined by IAAP as “individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession."

1. Experience of less than two continuous months is not acceptable.
2. Any experience past 15 years is not acceptable.
3. Verification of temporary assignments may be submitted by client or temporary agency (only assignments of two continuous months are acceptable).
4. Civil Service Employment GS-3 and higher secretarial classifications are deemed by the Institute for Certification to conform to the IAAP definition of secretary.
5. Part-time and/or volunteer secretarial experience is acceptable if the applicant has worked a minimum of 20 hours a week.

Secretary Experience Completed Requirement

1. Must submit employer verification of the required number of year’s experience (see General Requirements for all Applicants). Job Function and Employer’s statement are also required for all applicants and must be completed by individuals authorized to evaluate performance. Job content rather than title is used to determine work experience based on the IAAP definition of a secretary.
2. Must have 12 continuous months of experience with one employer within the past five years.

Secretary Employed Full-Time Experience to be Completed Requirements

1. Must submit completed Job Function and Employer’s Statement verifying current employment as a secretary.
2. Must complete and submit verification of required work experience (see General Requirements for all Exam Applicants) within six years of approval date.
3. Must have 12 continuous months of experience with an employer within the past five years, or must meet this requirement within six years of approval date. If employed by a temporary, only an assignment of 12 continuous months would fulfill this requirement.

Student Requirements:

1. Must be a full-time student in a degree program.
2. Must have the student section of the application completed by the school.
3. Current employment is not required but candidate must complete and submit verification of work experience within six years of approval date.
4. Must submit proof of degree earned upon its completion.

Business Educator Requirements:

CPS exam applicants may apply prior to having all experience complete, as long as they are currently working in an administrative position, or are a full-time student in a degree granting program.  Business educators with 12 months administrative experience in the past 15 years may also apply for the CPS exam.

NOTE:  In the event a proctor wishes to take the CPS Examination, two years must lapse after proctoring an exam. The proctor may then take the examination provided all other criteria have been met.

Cancellation Policy:
We will refund, in full, cancellations received before July 25, 2008.  Refunds are not possible after this date. Substitution of participants is acceptable at any time.  Requests for refunds must be made in writing. All refunds will be charged a $25.00 administrative fee.

For Additional Information:
Please call University of Dayton, Special Programs and Continuing Education at (937) 229-2347.