I have been an Administrative Professional at the same company for 20 years now. Starting as an Intern and working my way up to Administrative Coordinator. The journey has been an interesting one, with a few department changes here and there. I feel fortunate that I have the support of my peers in my office. They encourage growth and offer opportunities to help me become a better version of myself. Recently our company announced the opportunity to become an Associate. This intrigued me, is this even an option for me (an Admin)? Talking with my supervisor, he asked some questions, and was told with dedication and putting forth effort, it could absolute be achieved. My supervisor and I brainstormed and did our research and came across the IAAP CAP Certification, along with a few others. We decided together that the CAP Certification would be a great place for me to start, showing my dedication to my job along with myself. I started this journey back in August 2022. Started by ordering the Study Guide and signup up for a Study Group. Knowing the study group wasn't starting until December, I started reading the Study Guide with the goal of getting through it before the class started. I am one that repetition is how I retain. I got through the Study Guide and have just started the Study Group, which will go over the guide again and then review it once more, along with other readings. After reading through the Study Guide, I feel good, but also am aware that there are some areas I'll need to focus on when I study. I will be taking the practice exam this weekend, not to see "how well I do", but to see the areas that I'll need to focus on a little bit more while studying. I'm not nervous currently, but the nerves will probably creep in as the exam date gets closer. I'm looking forward to this next step in my career and can't wait to see what new opportunities will open for me at work.

Best wishes on your CAP certification journey.

Good Luck!

Good luck to you!!

Best wishes on your journey! I also participated in a study group and tend to learn best from repetition. I think I read that study guide twice, and went back and re-listened to the study group recordings/read notes at least three times. It worked perfectly for me and I was able to achieve my CAP in the fall. Do what works best for you and you'll do great!

I understand the test anxiety, something I never outgrew. You will be surprised at how much you know without knowing you knew it once you sit for the exam. It is not a failure if you have to sit for the exam more than once, it is a learning experience. Back in my day, three sittings to pass the exam was standard. I have no idea what it might be now. It is a very different experience.

Best wishes on your new adventure.

Thank you all! I took the practice exam just to get a feel for the format and get a base knowledge of where I should spend some extra time studying. Going in to it I already knew accounting, HR, and event planning would be areas to address as my company has their own departments for that, so I've never had to do a lot with it. While I felt very comfortable with the questions and confident in my answers, I did not pass. Although I didn't pass, I feel like my percentages weren't horrible; I did not take it to heart and took the results as a base on where I'll be applying extra study time. Just keep moving and look forward to taking the treat in March.