CAP-OM Certification 2016

Fri, 27 May 2016 20:17:34 GMT

Hi all,

I have been in the administrative field for eight years and am currently an Executive Assistant (EA) for the Chief Human Resources Officer in our company. I started my career in the production/manufacturing field and was successful for 23 years until the company I worked for closed down. Not sure what direction I should take I decided to fall back on my administrative strengths and apply for an administrative assistant position. I was lucky to be hired by a company that saw my potential and have been supporting the C-suite executive ever since.

Over the years I have come to realize how important and often overlooked, this profession is in the course of day to day business. Although I have learned a lot, I am always looking for ways to improve my skills so I decided to take a leap of faith and go after my professional CAP designation. I wasn't quite sure if I was ready for the OM certification but decided it was worth the challenge. I just hope my efforts pay off. If anything, I know I will walk away with more knowledge and learn a lot more about myself in the process. My executives have always been very patient and good to me and have given me opportunities even when I didn't think I deserved them. By obtaining my certification I will be able to show them how much I appreciate it and how much more I can be a benefit to them.

I have enrolled the CAP and OM study groups led by Marie Herman. We have already had our first session for each and already I am feeling more confident I can do this. It's been awhile since I have had to study and do homework but with her help I am up to the challenge.

I know I can do this and five months from now I hope I can tell you "I did!".

Lisa Bradley

Fri, 27 May 2016 20:45:49 GMT

Lisa, your story is all too common, unfortunately of years invested with employers that come to an unfortunate end for whatever reason. How wonderful that you moved on to a terrific company.

CAP certification really can do so much - exemplifying life long learning to our children and coworkers, demonstrating our discipline and willingness to take on new tasks and our follow through and commitment. It truly does lead to self growth and confidence.

You can do this! I have faith in you!

Marie

Fri, 27 May 2016 23:39:18 GMT

Admins tend to forget we need to stay up to date with professional training. IAAP certification program is great opportunity for career-minded administrative professionals to keep up with their skills.

You will achieve greatest just by taking the exam. Best of luck.
~ Jean

Fri, 27 May 2016 23:39:26 GMT

Fri, 27 May 2016 23:39:35 GMT

Tue, 7 Jun 2016 02:16:28 GMT

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence.

Sincerely,
Lisa Bradley

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 17:27:14 GMT

Hi all,

I wanted to share the good news. I DID IT! I passed both the CAP and OM exams!!

I now know these designations are not to be taken lightly. A lot of information was covered in preparation but it also helped to reinforce the fact the administrative profession is constantly changing and we need to be prepared to keep up. I knew I was learning valuable information I would benefit from and could use on a daily basis regardless of the outcome. Passing the exams was just the reward.

Of course I could not have done it if it weren't for Marie Herman and her study group. Not only did she provide us with the knowledge and tools we needed, she also provided emotional support on a weekly basis. She covered a lot of material, provided a lot of resources, and [patiently] answered a lot of questions. I would highly recommend joining one of her study groups if you are planning to take the CAP exam in the near future.

Congratulations to all who just earned their CAP and/or OM designations! Here's to the new opportunities these designations will bring.

Lisa Bradley

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 18:58:43 GMT

Woo hoo!!! I love being a part of these journeys! It is a lot of work sitting for both tests, but it's so exciting to have it all come to fruition successfully. Congratulations!!! I am so proud of you.