A few weeks ago, I signed up for the Spring 2026 CAP exam and have started my studying. However, I feel like I am fighting my internal detail-focused personality in the sense that I am wondering if I an drilling down too far into the details while studying. I am only through PO #2 and have over 100 flash cards I am trying to memorize. LOL! Is there a study group I can join to ask questions and/or seek guidance from those further on the journey so that my focus can be more intentional? Thank you!

I am struggling with the same thing! . I haven't signed up for a test yet, just purchased the materials and planning to study quite a bit before committing to the test. Let's connect, I would love to work with someone through this process. I am also interested in a study group, just not sure if I am able to join one if i'm not officially signed up for the test yet!

Marie Herman has a study group that she puts together.  I think she goes by MRH Enterprises.  She's excellent!

Jennie, congratulations for taking this step! I second Diane's recommendation of Marie Herman's study group. I will be honest. I didn't study. I listened to Marie's 12-week course and that was it. I scored an 88, same as I did in school. What I gained from Marie's class was HOW to take the test. I'd been an admin for 30 years when I took it. I had my own knowledge bank to pull from. I paid more attention to the disciplines I wasn't familiar with: Business Writing and Records Management. It had been a hot minute since I had concentrated on business writing and where I work in my company, I don't do records management.I don't know if she still offers it, it's been 6 years since I've taken the test (WOW time does fly), but if you didn't pass the test, Marie would let you sit in on another session to help you pass. Like I said, I'm not sure if she still offers that part.

You got this!    You can do it!!!

You can do this. Don’t over think it. Brenda Vanmeter (pacific time) and myself (eastern time) will be holding study groups beginning in January. The cost is $20 and you’ll get access to study materials, videos, etc. via Learn@. Marie Herman also has her own study group which is starting soon. I always encourage a study group or study buddy. Schedule your study time and protect it. Additional study groups,as well as mine and Brenda’s,  will be announced soon. Watch for an email from IAAP for registration info. 

Thank you all so much for responding so quickly. I have reached out to Marie Herman per your recommendations. Appreciate this community!

Jennie, you made me smile this morning. Thank you. You made a comment about memorizing things and that took me back to my high school days (1951-1955). We had a drama teacher that said you memorize something you only need for a short time but never forget things you learn. Once you sit down to take the exam, you will be amazed at what you do know. Taking a class in something probably covers way more than you need; you never know what will be on a test. You are fortunate to take the exam in this era. I went through this experience in the 1980s where we had six specific areas (separate exam for each) and very few resources tied directly to the certification process. I had a series of cassette tapes, took a review course at the local college, and relied on study buddies. We had to find our own study materials. Oh, our subjects were: accounting, business law, economics and management, business psychology, and general business practices (probably not the exact name). I knew nothing about the first two subjects. Took three sittings to pass all six parts. Remember not to get bogged down in the study process, be comfortable with what you already know.

Hi Jennie, you can definitely do this! I have responded to your request.  

Good afternoon! Just a quick update...
Thank you for all of your responses and encouragement. I have joined Marie's Study Group for the Spring 2026 CAP Exam; first meeting was this week. This group is definitely the structure that I was looking for, and clearly Marie has put in a lot of time and effort to provide just the right information and study plan. I am anticipating the challenge of this certification and stretching myself to achieve it. While there is much to absorb, I am weekly reviewing my calendar and setting study time blocks to get through all of the material on a consistent basis. Excited to see where this journey takes me! Thanks again to this community!