Essential Information
CAP training programs focus on teaching students about the 4 topic areas covered on the IAAP CAP exam: office systems and technology, management, office administration and advanced organizational management. Courses ensure students have the proper knowledge and skills to successfully pass the CAP exam.
Training programs are typically designed as a review and are not intended to teach students who have no previous experience in secretarial work, office administration or management. Programs are usually about 6 months long and some programs may include internships.
Here are some common concepts taught in certified administrative professional courses:
- Computers
- Documents
- File storage
- Communications
- Customer service efficiency
- Organization
List of Courses
Office Technology and Systems Course
Computer concepts are the focus of this course, as well as computer programs, terminology and hardware. Students learn about security, networking and business applications, including word processing and document creation. By the end of the course, students should be able to create documents, manage computer systems and work with common business applications. This is typically the first course in a CAP program.
Office Procedures Course
This is an administration course that focuses on the aspects of working in an office environment. Topics covered include filing systems, document creation and business etiquette. Students study grammar, spelling, research and proofreading to learn how to create business documents. This course is primarily offered at the start of a CAP program and teaches students the skills necessary to manage office information and communications.
Office Management Course
Time management and proper office communication procedures are studied in this course. Students learn about accounting practices, managing employees, customer service, employee record keeping and economics. Students learn how to create an office environment that caters to the customer, while also being a good work environment for employees.
Advanced Office Procedures
This course builds upon what students learned in the earlier office procedures course and is usually the last course in a CAP program. Students study the organizational procedures and processes needed in an office environment. Team building, management and organizational skills are covered. Students learn the fundamentals of managing an office and team of employees. Upon completion of this course, students are ready to take the CAP exam.
