Career Designations for Administrative Professionals
Administrative professionals play an important role in the office environment. They do everything from answering phones to filing paperwork and helping with clients. If you’re looking for a job as an administrative professional, you’ll want to make sure that you understand the different designations that are available in this field of work. Once completing these programs successfully, list the designation on your resume and LinkedIn profile for hiring managers and recruiters to notice your level of expertise.
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Candidates must have at least three years of experience working in an office environment and the equivalent of a high school diploma. The CAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 120 minutes. Questions cover topics including human resource management, marketing, finance and accounting, information technology and personnel law.
Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)
The Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation is considered to be one of the most highly respected credentials in the administrative field. The CPS designation recognizes professional secretaries who have demonstrated their expertise through passing a rigorous examination and meeting certain standards for performance, knowledge, and experience. It’s a sign that you’re qualified not only to handle all of your organization’s administrative tasks but also to offer advice on business strategy as well as contribute ideas that will help it grow.
Becoming a CPS can also benefit your employer in many ways—including helping them increase productivity and efficiency, reduce turnover costs, attract new clients/customers/patients/membership applicants etc., which can translate into higher profits over time due to better service delivery or sales gains generated by improved brand recognition within target markets.”
Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR)
If you are looking for a career designation that will show your administrative skills and experience, the Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR) is one of the most sought-after credentials. The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offers this credential to front desk professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in working with clients and colleagues.
To become certified as a CFDR, you must have at least two years’ experience as an administrative professional with knowledge of customer service best practices. You’ll also need to pass an exam that covers topics such as customer service standards, conflict resolution, and effective communication techniques.
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification is designed for administrative professionals who want to enter the medical field. The CMAA designation is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, which also offers other certifications for medical office professionals as well as healthcare administration programs.
An accredited certification for medical administrative assistants, this program can be completed in an average of 12 months. Completing a certified medical assistant program can help you land your first job in the healthcare industry, or it could help you advance your career if you already work there.
A high school diploma or GED is required, and some colleges and universities offer degree programs specifically designed to prepare students for this certifying exam—so make sure that whichever school you choose has such offerings before enrolling!
Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
A Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) is a professional who has mastered the art of employee assistance. A CEAP can help employers improve the health, productivity and morale of their employees by providing counseling services that focus on work-life balance issues.
A person interested in becoming a CEAP should complete an approved training program and then pass the exam provided by the National Employee Assistance Professional Society (NEAPS). To maintain their certification, CEAPs must renew their membership with NEAPS every year, complete at least 40 hours of continuing education and pass an annual knowledge assessment exam.
Those who have this designation use it as part of their job listings on LinkedIn and other online career sites to market themselves as someone with proven skills in offering counseling services for workplace issues like substance abuse or family problems.
Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE)
The Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Administrative Professionals that recognizes the high standards of administrative excellence. PACE candidates must meet requirements in knowledge and skills relating to specific areas such as business communications, management techniques and other subjects. Candidates also receive training on how to be a good leader, which will help them receive more responsibility at work.
To become certified with PACE, you must pass an exam covering all areas required by this designation. The exam covers topics like:
• Business Communications Principles and Practices
• Professional Conduct & Ethics in the Workplace
• Leadership Skills for Administrative Professionals
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is a Microsoft certification. It offers different levels of MOS designations, including the following:
- Microsoft Word Expert
- Microsoft Excel Expert
- Microsoft PowerPoint Expert
- Outlook Email Specialist
- Access Database Applications Specialist (ADAS)
There are several designations available for those working in administrative roles. While they may not be required to land the job, they can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Certifications and designations keep administrative professionals on top of their game, because they require continuous training to maintain them. Being certified or holding a designation shows that you’re committed to staying up-to-date with industry-related changes, as well as best practices for your specific discipline.
If you need any assistance with navigating your career, contact us for a customized approach to your needs.