Wondering what to study? How to prepare?
These frequently asked questions will assist you in directing your course of study.
Q What are the parts of the CPS Exam?
A Finance and Business Law, Office Systems and Administration, and Management.
Q What are the parts of the CAP Exam?
A Finance and Business Law, Office Systems and Administration, Management, and Organizational Planning.
Q What does each part cover?
A Finance and Business Law (CPS and CAP exams) covers economics, accounting, and business law.
Office Systems and Administration (CPS and CAP exams) covers office technology, office administration, and business communications.
Management (CPS and CAP exams) covers behavioral science in business, human resources management, and organizations and management.
Organizational Planning (CAP exam only) covers team skills, strategic planning, and advanced administration.
Q What do I study?
A The Certification Review Guide should be used to direct any course of study for these examinations. The Guide includes examination outlines, sample questions, bibliography of recommended study materials, and suggestions on exam review.
References listed in the Certification Review Guide are actual college texts used to write examination questions. It is recommended that candidates use the latest edition of at least one textbook listed in each of the major areas tested.
Q Where do I get the Certification Review Guide?
A Click here.
Q Are there review materials available specific to the CPS and CAP exams?
A Several review materials are available from which to study. These are listed in the Certification Review Guide under “References for Broad Overview.” Each of these materials is intended for use as a review of materials previously learned. They should be used in conjunction with the bibliographic references listed in the Guide.
Keep in mind that no one source is intended to provide all materials tested on the CPS or CAP examination. Each candidate must decide which method or methods of preparation work best for them.
Q Where do I find the materials listed in the Certification Review Guide?
A Materials to assist candidates are available from various sources, such as public or college libraries, bookstores, IAAP Distribution Department, publishers, Web sites such as Amazon.com., etc.
Tips to assist you in preparing for the CPS and CAP exams
1. Obtain the latest Certification Application Packet for complete requirements, application forms, fees, etc. This Packet is available through the Certification Department, Distribution Department, or on the IAAP Web site under Professional Certification – in Forms. Pay close attention to deadline dates and proper fees.
2. Download and print the Certification Review Guide by clicking on the link. This Guide, which should be used to direct any course of study, 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. References 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.
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. Prentice Hall has review manuals and self-study guides, a Computerized Study Guide, and an on-line review for Parts 1-3 of the CPS and CAP exams. Metcalf Educational Services has audio tapes, a PC tutorial, PC mock exams, and flash cards. (Keep in mind that these 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 Guide.)
7. Whatever methods of study are used, 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 Guide. Make sure all areas in the outline have been covered. Quiz yourself.
9. A few days before the exam, go over your notes again. Some candidates like to spend this time taking quizzes from the review materials they have used. Remember though, you will not see those same questions on the exam.
10. Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. If you are not familiar with the location of the exam center make a test drive to avoid any delays exam day. For those candidates traveling a distance to take the exam, make sure you check into the hotel early and have time to relax.
11. Exam day is not the day to cram. Your studying should be done and you should take time to calmly arrive at the exam center.
12. When the exam starts, listen carefully to the proctor’s instructions. Properly fill out the answer sheets. Read each question carefully. Do your best.
13. After the exam, don’t try to rehash how well you did. Enjoy the evening with your family and friends.
14. Relax and wait for the performance report that will be mailed to you approximately 45 days after the exam.