Tips to assist in preparing for the CPS and CAP exams:

 

1.   By now you have submitted your completed Certification Application Packet and have started preparing for the exams.  These steps will help you along that path of study.

 

(NOTE:  The deadline to apply for approval to take the May 2008 exam was February 15.  The deadline for the November exam is August 15.  For complete requirements, application forms, fees, etc., obtain the Certification Application Packet on the IAAP web site under www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/CertAppPacket.pdf.).

 

2.   Obtain the Certification Review Guide available on the IAAP web site at www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/examrevw.pdf.  This Guide should be used to direct any course of study.  It includes the outline, bibliography, and sample questions. Comparing the outline with your own background helps you determine what course of study will work best for you. 

 

3.   Obtain at least one or two comprehensive textbooks in the areas tested (these are listed in the bibliography).  Check public libraries, college libraries, publishers, Amazon.com, etc., for these references.  It is important to use several sources when studying for the CPS and/or CAP exams.  College texts listed in the bibliography are actual college texts used to write examination questions.

 

4.    Plan your study schedule for each area tested.  Plan to spend 8-10 hours per week dedicated to intensive study of each area.  If you have a good background in the areas tested, a minimum of 2-4 weeks will be required for a review of materials previously learned.  Without a good background, candidates may need 3-6 hours of course work at community college level in the areas covered on Parts 1-3 of the CPS and CAP exams.  For Part 4 of the CAP exam 6-9 hours of upper division management courses are recommended, or the equivalent in on-the-job management training courses.

 

5.    If you prefer to study in a group, some IAAP chapters and local colleges provide review courses.  These courses are intended strictly as a review of materials previously studied.  Review courses the Certification Department has been made aware of are listed in the Professional Certification section of the main IAAP web site (www.iaap-hq.org); go to CPS/CAP Review Materials/Courses.

 

6.   Review materials are available in various forms.  These review materials are listed in the “References for Broad Overview” section of the Certification Review Guide (www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/examrevw.pdf).  Prentice Hall has review manuals and an e-learning course, and makes both available to IAAP members at a discount.  You will find the link to that bookstore in Members’ Place, then Member Resources, then Certification Review Materials.  Metcalf Educational Services has audio CD-ROMs, an interactive CD course, mock exams, and flash cards.  Keep in mind the materials from Prentice Hall and Metcalf Educational Services are intended strictly for review of materials previously learned.  These materials are not intended to teach or to cover everything that will be on the exams.  These materials are not used to write the actual examination questions. Any review materials should be used in conjunction with the bibliographic references listed in the Certification Review Guide.

 

7.   Whatever methods of study you use, take notes, re-read chapters, highlight and make notes in the margins of books you have purchased.  Quiz yourself after completing the study of each area.

 

8.   After completing your initial study for an area, again compare what you’ve studied with the outline found in the Certification Review Guide.  Make sure all areas in the outline have been covered.  Continue to quiz yourself.

 

 

Recertification Reminder

Recertification is required for all CAP holders and for CPS holders applying to take the exam January 1, 1988 and later.  A total of 90 points is needed every five years in the areas of education/experience, leadership, and an elective category. 

 

  • Those attaining the CPS or CAP rating in 2003 must recertify this year. If you certified in May 2003, you must recertify by May 2008; certified in November 2003, you must recertify by November 2008; etc. 

 

  • If you previously recertified in 2003, you need to recertify by that same month in 2008.

 

Retired CPS or CAP holders are not required to recertify.  However, the Certification Department must receive a letter from the individual verifying their retired status.

The current Recertification Brochure, which includes the application and listing of categories available to gain points, is available on the IAAP website at www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/recertification.pdf. There is also a spreadsheet available to assist you in tracking points as you earn them www.iaap-hq.org/Cert/Recertification_Spreadsheet.xls; this should also be included when submitting your completed recertification packet.

Remember, if you fail to recertify on time, your rating will become inactive.  Don’t let that happen.  Act now and keep your certification current!  

 

Questions on recertification or other certification matters?  Contact the Certification Department at 816.891.6600 x2225, 2248 or 2227; or e-mail your questions to certification@iaap-hq.org