Hello, to all of the IAAP members! What a friendly, supportive group of professionals! I am studying for the Spring 2018 CAP exam with the Marie Herman and the wonderful others who are in her study group! After I pass the exam, I will not only have a CAP certification, but will also have three (3) college proficiency credits. My community college where I am attending, will then apply the credits toward my 36 credit hour Administrative Assistant Certificate! On top of these benefits, during the three years that follow I will be motivated to work towards re-certification. My background is in Microsoft and ERP software and help desk training, front-end database administration, Word templates (writing VBA programming code to create pop-up user forms), report generation (writing programming code in Crystal Reports and Microsoft Access), technical support (help desk call center), and cost estimating industrial equipment. In the past, I did not believe there was a specific career name that could be applied to my line of work. But, one day when I was reading the description of the Administrative Assistant Certificate offered by my community college, the light bulb turned on! The description included the courses for the Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Access in which I had had all five MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certifications and, also record management and business writing. It was not until last August 2017 however that a human resource friend of mine encouraged me to pursue the college certificate. Reviewing the college's proficiency credit list, I discovered that I could pass the CAP exam and the college would waive the Administrative Office Procedures course. At that point I decided to sit for the exam. I was in! I hope this post encourages others to take the exam--especially those from Metro Chicago! To those who are now preparing for it: Do give up! Keep your eye on the prize!!

Sheri, Congratulations on your determination to sit for the CAP exam and to use that to complete your college template! This is another great example of the value of having the CAP. Best wishes for your studies!

Congratulations on taking this next step in your personal and professional development, Sheri. Your impressive background and knowledge should be very beneficial to you as you prepare for the exam. Best wishes with your studies and be sure to post again following the exam so we can celebrate your success with you!

Congrats on taking the leap in your professional development. You got this.

Congratulations, on sitting for the exam and working towards you AA Certificate!  Best of luck with both! 

Great way to get bang for your buck with the college credits!

I cracked up when I saw "the" Marie Herman. LOL ROFL Welcome aboard! Let's go kick this test's butt!!!

Sheri, I have to add, when I see a post like this, not only do I see what "IAAP can do for you" but  I also see that you have much to bring to our association. 

You go girl!