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What Exactly is Certification?
Earning a certification is likely different from anything you’ve done academically in the past. It’s not your typical classroom learning, where you’re lectured on a particular subject, go home and review the information, and have a test at the end to
evaluate what you’ve learned (and probably forget the information as soon as your pencil is down). Earning a certification like CAP takes real-world applicable knowledge, along with learned concepts and theories, and demonstrates to everyone,
including yourself, you know your stuff.
There’s a reason taking the CAP exam requires a minimum combination of education and professional experience. This exam assesses your knowledge and proficiency on skills, concepts, and theories you use in your job; it also requires a level of dedication to ensure that any concepts, skills, or theories that you are not as familiar with are covered independently. Even in study groups, getting certified is truly up to you. And, unlike traditional academic pursuits, a certification must be revisited constantly in order to keep current. As an added bonus, by recertifying every few years it guarantees you are always learning new skills and concepts to help in your daily life. Certification is the perfect next step in your career, whether you have a college degree or not. When you have a certification, it’s easy to tell your current or future employers that your skills and knowledge are fresh, up-to-date, and relevant, wherever your career journey takes you.
A Few Benefits of Having a Certification
What's CAP?
The CAP exam is designed from a “blueprint” called the Body of Knowledge. The test covers six topic areas, or domains, and breaks the information down into detailed, measurable Performance Outcomes (PO). Each domain represents a specific percentage of the exam and is based on a Job Task Analysis. The exam itself is 3 hours long and consists of approximately 200-225 multiple choice questions. It is a computer-based exam that is taken in person, delivered at approved proctored testing centers all over the world.
CAP Exam Domains, Percentages & Item Count
Note: The percentages after each domain indicate how much of the exam covers that subject matter. For example, approximately one-fifth of the questions on the CAP exam relate to Organizational Culture and Leadership and its performance outcomes. These percentages add up to 101%, which is a product of rounding. No structural changes are subject to the rounding of percentages. Exam Development & ScoringExam Scoring: The psychometrician analyzes data from the CAP exam using Classical Test Theory (CTT) to evaluate item level qualities including item summary information and option level statistics. The psychometrician then makes recommendations for items to retire, exclude, or rekey, and determine a defensible cut score. He or she then reviews these recommendations with a group of SMEs; the primary goal of this analysis is to evaluate the quality of each item using indices including P value and Rpbis, flagging any items that are candidates for removal, revision, or improvement. Each examination is equated to both the Spring and Fall Examinations using a Rasch model (from Item Response Theory) and the same passing standard applied. The candidate scores calculated during the Rasch analysis are converted to scaled scores, which allows the scores from the current form to be compared to those of previous forms. The equating process ensures that candidates meet the same standard to pass the examination regardless of the difficulty of the examination form presented to them. For more infomraiton on CAP Exam scoring please watch the IAAP CAP Exam Scoring Explained video Job Task Analysis: The CAP Program follows certification industry best practices to create and update the CAP exam. Subject matter experts, IAAP members, and practicing administrative professionals are involved throughout the process, which is overseen by highly trained assessment experts and a psychometrician. A Job Task Analysis (JTA) study is the foundation for the examination specifications and, when approved, become the new Body of Knowledge. The Body of Knowledge specifications will be reviewed by the CAC and any necessary adjustments will be made before giving their approval. The CAP exam is based on the CAP Body of Knowledge, which is developed by practicing professionals, business educators, and conducting a JTA study. The Body of Knowledge has a select number of domains, each with specific Performance Outcomes (PO), worth a designated percentage of exam content. POs are detailed, measurable competencies based on current best practices across a myriad of industries, which commonly employ administrative professionals. They represent the central and most significant information, skills, and competencies the candidate should know to pass the exam. 2010 JTA 2017 JTA All examination forms will be assembled in accordance with the examination specifications. All test questions shall undergo a preliminary question analysis prior to release of the test results. Any question that does not meet accepted statistical is reviewed by the CAP Exam Panel, which determines whether the item should be: (a) scored “as is,” (b) scored with an alternate key(s), or (c) scored as correct for all responses. The passing standard shall be set using a criterion-referenced methodology. The CAP Exam Panel will approve the passing score. Whenever examinee volumes permit, equating will be used to maintain the passing standard across different examination forms and to statistically adjust scores, as necessary, to compensate for differences in difficulty across examination forms. Exam Statistics:
The Certification Administration Committee
The Certification Administration Committee is an independent standing committee of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. The CAC awards the Certified Administrative Professional credential and is responsible for setting policy and standards related to the CAP Program. Committee Members 2024-2025
The CAP Exam Panel, a panel governed by the Certification Administration Committee, reviews exam items and forms to ensure alignment to the CAP Body of Knowledge. CAP Exam Panel 2024-2025
Can I take the CAP?
Earning and maintaining your CAP is a three-step process.
To be eligible to take the CAP exam, you must meet one of the following education/experience requirements:
Relevant work experience must include the majority of the following:
*These numbers are based off a 34-hour work week or 1,768 hours per year. All relevant work experience needs to be earned within the last ten years in a paid position, internships and work study do not count towards eligibility.
Diversity Statement
The CAP Program is committed to diversity and equality in all activities. The Program, in both its values and practices, is committed to providing the community of administrative professionals with credentialing practices that are based on inclusion and diversity. This means that there shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of the Program on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability. The Program will seek diversity and inclusiveness in its business practices and it will not condone any form of unlawful discrimination. The Program recognizes and values the diverse skills, perspectives and experiences of the community of administrative professionals and believes inclusiveness enhances service to this community.
How do I study for the CAP?
Step One: Review the IAAP CAP Body of Knowledge
Step Two: Choose your study resources and options
We host Certification Office Hours every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Central time. You can find the meeting information for that here.
Many candidates find an organized study environment beneficial. Joining a study group or taking a CAP prep course are good ways to supplement your personal studies.
The listing of these materials is informative in nature. The CAP Program does not intend the list to imply endorsement of resources, nor are the questions on the test taken directly from these materials. The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) does not endorse any study materials, groups, or exam preparation courses. The IAAP Certified Administrative Professional Study Guide was developed by subject-matter experts using the CAP Body of Knowledge who did not have access to or knowledge of current CAP exam questions. The CAP program is governed by the Certification Administration Committee, whose members are not involved with the development or administration of any preparatory resource. The CAP study tools mentioned on IAAP’s website are for reference only and do not guarantee success on the examination. IAAP’s goal is to provide you with access to a variety of quality preparation options.
How do I apply for the CAP?
Complete the CAP Exam Application: (Please sign in or create a free profile to apply)
IAAP is offering virtual proctoring. While in-person testing will still be offered at approved testing centers, virtual proctoring makes the exam more accessible and safer for social distance guidelines. Candidates will be able to choose between virtual proctoring or a testing center when scheduling the exam. To have your exam virtually proctored, you must have a personal laptop or computer with the following capabilities:
Include payment details
Join IAAP today for $200/year to receive the member rate!
If you need to pay your exam fee by check, download the CAP Application and mail the application and supporting documentation to:
A $100 processing fee will be incurred for applications that do not meet eligibility requirements.
CAP Exam Details and Policies
The CAP exam is designed from a “blueprint” called the Body of Knowledge. The test covers six topic areas, or domains, and breaks the information down into detailed, measurable Performance Outcomes (PO). Each domain represents a specific percentage of the exam and is based on a Job Task Analysis.
CAP Exam Domains & Percentages
Exam Development & Job Task Analysis
Exam Statistics:
As of July 2022, there are 4,068 actively certified CAP designees. Exam Scoring: The psychometrician analyzes data from the CAP exam using Classical Test Theory (CTT) to evaluate item level qualities including item summary information and option level statistics. The psychometrician then makes recommendations for items to retire, exclude, or rekey, and determine a defensible cut score. He or she then reviews these recommendations with a group of SMEs; the primary goal of this analysis is to evaluate the quality of each item using indices including P value and Rpbis, flagging any items that are candidates for removal, revision, or improvement. Each examination is equated to both the Spring and Fall Examinations using a Rasch model (from Item Response Theory) and the same passing standard applied. The candidate scores calculated during the Rasch analysis are converted to scaled scores, which allows the scores from the current form to be compared to those of previous forms. The equating process ensures that candidates meet the same standard to pass the examination regardless of the difficulty of the examination form presented to them. Job Task Analysis: The CAP Program follows certification industry best practices to create and update the CAP exam. Subject matter experts, IAAP members, and practicing administrative professionals are involved throughout the process, which is overseen by highly trained assessment experts and a psychometrician. A Job Task Analysis (JTA) study is the foundation for the examination specifications and, when approved, become the new Body of Knowledge. The Body of Knowledge specifications will be reviewed by the CAC and any necessary adjustments will be made before giving their approval. The CAP exam is based on the CAP Body of Knowledge, which is developed by practicing professionals, business educators, and conducting a JTA study. The Body of Knowledge has a select number of domains, each with specific Performance Outcomes (PO), worth a designated percentage of exam content. POs are detailed, measurable competencies based on current best practices across a myriad of industries, which commonly employ administrative professionals. They represent the central and most significant information, skills, and competencies the candidate should know to pass the exam. 2010 JTA 2017 JTA All examination forms will be assembled in accordance with the examination specifications. All test questions shall undergo a preliminary question analysis prior to release of the test results. Any question that does not meet accepted statistical is reviewed by the CAP Exam Panel, which determines whether the item should be: (a) scored “as is,” (b) scored with an alternate key(s), or (c) scored as correct for all responses. The passing standard shall be set using a criterion-referenced methodology. The CAP Exam Panel will approve the passing score. Whenever examinee volumes permit, equating will be used to maintain the passing standard across different examination forms and to statistically adjust scores, as necessary, to compensate for differences in difficulty across examination forms.
The CAP is offered in spring and fall each year at testing locations around the world.
The CAP exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based test with approximately 200-225 questions and must be completed within 3 hours.
The request and supporting evidence will be reviewed by the CAC at their next meeting. Based on its review of the gathered information, including all materials provided by the Appellant, the CAC will vote. Upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds majority, the CAC shall determine whether to grant the appeal, deny the appeal, or other required action. The CAC will notify the Appellant of their decision by an efficient and verifiable means.
The Certification Administration Committee
The Certification Administration Committee is an independent standing committee of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. The CAC awards the Certified Administrative Professional credential and is responsible for setting policy and standards related to the CAP Program. Committee Members
Success! What now?
The correct use of the CAP designation is as follows: Correct: Jane Doe, CAP Your CAP is active for three years before you are due to recertify. Click here to learn more about the recertification requirements, application process, and how to earn recertification points. As a CAP designee, you can begin earning specialty certificates offered through IAAP. More details on the available specialties can be found here. Should you choose to include your specialties within your designation, they should read as the following: Correct: Jane Doe, CAP, OM, TA 
Policies
The request and supporting evidence will be reviewed by the CAC at their next meeting. Based on its review of the gathered information, including all materials provided by the Appellant, the CAC will vote. Upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds majority, the CAC shall determine whether to grant the appeal, deny the appeal, or other required action. The CAC will notify the Appellant of their decision by an efficient and verifiable means. 
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1/24/2017IAAP Chair's January Update
1/12/2017Interim CEO January Update
Tel: 816.891.6600 | Email: geninfo@iaap-hq.org