My Certification Journey https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315380 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:43:27 GMT Tue, 6 Dec 2016 12:35:05 GMT Copyright © 2016 IAAP My Certification Journey https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315380 https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315380 My Certification Journey
 
I LOVE to learn! And I have always had an interest in becoming Microsoft certified, don't know why...just have. Since there are so many facets, I didn't know where to start and never made it a priority.
 
 After college, I was fortunate enough to get a job in my field of study...the marketing and advertising industry. I worked between 60 and 80 hours a week and wore a pager to bed. When I became pregnant with my first child, I put my 15-year career behind me. At the same time, my church needed a secretary and they hired me.
 
After becoming pregnant with my second child, I learned that my church secretary's position could not cover the cost of daycare for 2 children. Even though I could not see it at the time, I was blessed with this opportunity to become a stay-at-home-mother.
 
Since my children moved to the middle and high schools, I needed something to do. I needed something that offered flexibility so I could still get to my kids if they needed. Amazingly, I was offered a half-time secretary's position. Not only a job, but an absolutely perfect opportunity for me to see if I still had the mental ability to work with adults in a professional atmosphere.
 
It has been going wonderfully and, with increased confidence, I am looking for a full-time position. About a month ago, a friend at work suggested I consider listening to Marie Herman's webinar about the CAP. I attended my first webinar ever, hosted by Marie, and once I heard that I could become certified in MS apps, that did it. My journey to CAP began.
 
I joined IAAP that night, ordered the study guide, signed up for Marie's online study group, and submitted my application to take the CAP next spring. I am hoping that by receiving the CAP, my chances of getting a full-time job will increase exponentially.

 

I am a little nervous...have I bitten off more than I can chew?  I have not taken any tests or formal classes since college about 25 years ago.  I am excited though, to learn the material, even through the crazy Christmas schedule and having to miss a couple of study sessions. Besides, I have a lot going for me at this time...a supportive family (husband and kids) and a wonderful study group leader!  Considering how all of this has come together, I should trust and not be nervous.     Easier said than done, though.

]]> Mon, 5 Dec 2016 01:25:24 GMT https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315638 https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315638 Tue, 6 Dec 2016 00:39:34 GMT https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315707 https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1315707
Being proactive in life and finding way to meet the challenges life throws at us can define our character.

You can absolutely do this and create the life that you are looking for!

]]> Tue, 6 Dec 2016 13:35:05 GMT