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Bylaws Amendment Voting Results

Following are results of delegate voting during the 2011 EFAM on proposed amendments to the IAAP and RTF bylaws.

IAAP Bylaws & Standing Rules

• Amendment 1 - Failed - Regarding the minimum chapter size.
• Amendment 2 - Adopted - Regarding simplifying the dues structure.
• Amendment 3 - Adopted - Regarding discounting dues for a period of time for promotion.
• Amendment 4 - Adopted - Regarding waiving processing fees for returning members.
• Amendment 5 - Adopted - Regarding clarifying the board term.
• Amendment 6 - Adopted - Regarding striking the word "international" and adding "Retirement Trust Foundation" trustee.
• Amendment 7 - Adopted as amended - Regarding the number of division candidates that can be nominated for international office (amended to allow no more than one candidate rather than the two as proposed).
• Amendment 8 - Failed - Regarding providing a list of delegates who failed to vote.
• Amendment 9 - Adopted - Regarding striking words from the IAAP bylaws that are now shown in the RTF bylaws.
• Amendment 10 - Adopted as amended - Regarding adding the words "and Retirement Trust Foundation Bylaws" that allow the IBSR Committee to review the RTF bylaws.
• Amendment 11 - Adopted - Regarding wording that was moved to the RTF bylaws.
• Amendment 12 - Adopted - Regarding adding the task of reviewing the RTF bylaws to the IBSR Committee.

RTF Bylaws

• Amendments 1 thru 5 - All adopted as written and presented.

The updated IAAP Bylaws & Standing Rules and the RTF Bylaws will be on the IAAP website in the very near future.

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Certification Changes
(post from the IAAP web community by Kathy Schoneboom, CPS/CAP, IAAP Certification Manager)

In November, we are going from a two rating system to a one rating system. The one rating will be the CAP rating. So when the change takes place in November, all of you who currently have a CAP certificate or plaque will still have a valid document. If you have a CAP plaque, you will continue to receive the date plates for that plaque as you recertify. If you have a CAP certificate, you will receive a new recertification certificate as you recertify.

The Organizational Management specialty is an examination, not a new rating. Moving forward, those who pass this exam will receive a paper certificate stating they have completed the Organizational Management exam; there will not be a plaque for this exam.

Additional specialties will be added in the future. Think of this like you would the Microsoft Office Specialist. The certification Microsoft offers is the MOS; the specialties are in the various software programs.

IAAP will not automatically provide new certificates or plaques when the rating system changes. Those who are interested in purchasing a new certificate or plaque will certainly have that option.

We hope these additional clarifications are helpful. This is an exciting time for our certification program, but we also understand change brings about questions. Continue to put your questions out there and we'll continue to respond.

Have a great day!

Thank you, Kathy, for your clarifications!

*******************************************************************
Upcoming Changes to the IAAP Certification Program

IAAP’s Certification Program will be changing effective November 2011. In an attempt to answer as many questions as possible, we’ve developed this question & answer sheet. We’re excited about the upcoming changes, and we hope that you will be too. Our goal, as always, is to maintain a vibrant program that’s marketable to the professional community. These changes will help us achieve a much simpler system of expansion with an understandable and easier to explain certification program. If you still have questions after reviewing this sheet, email certification@iaap-hq.org.

Previous Recertification Categories & Points		Revised Recertification Categories & Points
Points Required	90	Points Required	60
Category Title	Max Points Allowed	Category Title	Max Points Allowed
Education	90 Points (Minimum 30)	Continuing Education	60 (minimum 30)
Experience	30	Other Certifications	20
Leadership	30	Leadership	20
Elective	30

Certification Changes FAQ (click on question below and answers will be displayed)

What ratings will now be available from IAAP?

IAAP is moving from a two rating system to a one rating system, with areas of specialty. The base rating will be Certified Administrative Professional, the CAP rating. We will also offer a specialty in Organizational Management, the OM.

When is this change effective?

November 2011.

How will this change affect me if I am currently certified?

After November 2011, all active CPS ratings will be changed to CAP, and all active CAP ratings will be changed to CAP-OM.

Will the exam format change?

Yes, the new CAP exam will become a one-part exam, testing similar material to our current three-part exam. The OM exam will also be a one-part exam, testing similar material to the current Part 4 of the CAP exam.

Will additional specialty areas also be offered?

Yes, in the future, there could be a specialty in technology and software, or in medical administration, and more. At least one year’s advance notice will be given prior to each specialty designation being available.

When will the Certification Review Guide be updated?

The preliminary exam outlines are available now; we anticipate new sample questions and an updated bibliography by November 2010.

Will review materials be available to study for the new November 2011 exams?

We will provide both Pearson/Prentice Hall and Metcalf Education with the revised examination outlines by November 2010. Once they give us a revision schedule, we will share that information. Please keep in mind, the IAAP certification exams are not written from the review materials. The exams are written from the college texts listed in the Certification Review Guide. The review materials are intended as an aid to review something you already know, and are not intended to teach everything that is on the exams.

Who will be eligible to take the new CAP exam?

Applicants with no college degree will need four years of verified administrative experience; applicants with an associate degree will need three years of verified administrative experience; and, applicants with a bachelor’s degree will need two years of verified experience. All experience must be within the past fifteen years, and must include twelve months continuous with one employer within the past five years. All experience requirements must be met prior to applying for approval to take the CAP exam.

Will students be able to take the CAP exam or OM specialty exam?

Students will be eligible only if their experience requirements have been met at the time they apply.

If I am a new candidate, how do I attain the CAP rating and the specialty designation?

You can first apply to take the one-part CAP exam, and then after attaining the CAP rating, come back and apply to take the one-part Organizational Management specialty exam. OR You can apply initially as a candidate for both the rating and specialty and take the one-part CAP exam and the specialty Organizational Management exam at the same time.

Will the exams still be multiple choice?

Yes. There is no change in the testing format.

How many questions will be included in the exams?

The one-part CAP exam will be 300-350 questions. The one-part Organizational Management exam will be 150-170 questions.

How will these changes affect current CPS and CAP candidates?

Current candidates, and those applying for the November 2010 and May 2011 exams, will have through May 2011 to complete all parts of the existing exams. After the May 2011 exams, any CPS candidate who has passed only one part will automatically be moved to the new CAP exam. Any CAP candidate who has passed only one part will automatically be moved to the new CAP exam and Organizational Management specialty exam. Any candidate who has passed two parts will be given through November 2011 to complete their final parts. Complete details will be provided individually to all eligible retake candidates before both the May 2011 and November 2011 exams.

How will the recertification requirements change?

Here is a list of the largest changes to IAAP’s recertification program:

• The number of points required for recertification will be reduced from 90 to 60.
• The Experience category will be renamed “Other Certifications.” 5 points will be awarded for each certification, up to a maximum of 20.
• The Leadership category will award points for officer or chair positions for committees active for at least 7 of the 12 months in the IAAP year. 5 points will be awarded for each position held, up to a maximum of 20.
• The Education category will be renamed Continuing Education and will tightly follow the exam outline; credit will only be given for education in these areas. 30 points will be a minimum requirement in this area.
• The Workplace Projects category will be eliminated.
• The Elective category will be eliminated.

When will these changes become effective?

These changes are effective immediately. However, the Certification Department will accept applications under either the new guidelines or the old guidelines until April 1, 2011.

What topics are covered in the exam outline?

While it’s impossible to be exhaustive in a document such as this, the general categories are:

• Computer hardware, systems & configuration
• Document layout, design & reproduction
• Software
• Managing Physical Resources
• Records Management
• Communication
• Human Resources
• Accounting Procedures & Analysis
• Time Management
• Organizational Planning
• Advanced Administration
• Team Skills
• Advanced Communication

How does this change affect programs that chapters and divisions submit for recertification credit?

With the elimination of the Elective category, chapters and divisions should adhere closely to the exam outline when submitting programs for recertification approval. Look for new application documents soon from the Certification Department. The Recertification Program Application, Directions and What Counts and What Doesn’t Count have all been revised and are available on the website and in the web community.

What IAAP committees “count” in the Leadership category?

With a very few exceptions, the committees recognized and tracked by the Membership Department will count as fulfilling the requirement. Please consult the “Officers & Committee Chairmen” listing, Document #531 in the Web Community Resource Library, for a list. As a general rule, the committee must be a standing one (active for at least 7 of 12 months) and its work must be far-reaching; not limited to a singular, time-based project or event.

Why is IAAP changing the requirements for recertification?

There are many reasons for the changes. First, to bring our program more in line with generally accepted standards for recertification across the board; most programs require 60 hours per recertification period. Over the years, we have also noticed the frustration applicants have had with the nebulous quality of some of our recertification categories. This change attempts to combine these two changes to make for a more tightly defined program that adheres more closely to accepted principles.

About IAAP

The International Association of Administrative Professionals is a not-for-profit professional association for office professionals with approximately 28,000 members and affiliates and nearly 600 chapters worldwide. Our mission is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.

The association founded in 1942 as the National Secretaries Association to provide a professional network and educational resources for secretarial staff. The association's name was changed in 1998 to the International Association of Administrative Professionals to encompass the large number of varied administrative job titles and recognize the advancing role of administrative support staff in business and government.

What are IAAP’s core values?

Integrity: We demonstrate this cornerstone of our profession through honesty, accountability and high ethical standards.

Respect: We create respect within our profession and association through listening, understanding and acknowledging member feedback.

Adaptability: We ensure the success of our association by embracing positive change and by nurturing diversity, creativity and visionary thinking.

Communication: We cultivate and maintain excellence by remaining approachable at all levels, communicating openly and building strong relationships.

Commitment: We are steadfast in our goals to develop learning opportunities for career-minded administrative professionals and to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness. 

IAAP's Mission

Enhancing the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.


JOIN IAAP

For over 60 years, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has been helping office professionals reach their career goals through education, community building and leadership development. Our certification programs are recognized as the industry standard of proficiency. Our educational programs, including OPTIONS Training, help admins advance their careers without putting their life on hold. With three annual conferences a year, members have numerous opportunities to learn and grow, not just at their job but in their life. We produce three different publications that go out to our members, which impart cutting-edge information about today's office.

If you've been searching for a community to help you thrive in today's office culture, you've come to the right place. Come join us as we create a better workplace, one admin at a time.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP  

• Member discount on purchases through IAAP on education and professional development resource materials

• Discounts on registration of any IAAP sponsored international level training workshops, seminars, conferences and conventions.

• Discounts on registration for the Certified Administrative Professional or the Certified Professional Secretary exams

• Subscription to: OfficePro magazine, OfficePro Express, an e-newsletter full of research, trends and technology information;IAAP Connections, the association’s monthly e-newsletter

• Full access to IAAP Web 2.0

Local chapters, which hold training and networking events and have opportunities for leadership

Turning Jobs Into Careers

Benefits of IAAP Membership

 

 

 

Benefits to an individual:

·          Local and international network of colleagues, trainers, experts and managers gives members essential information and insights on office trends and best business practices.

·         The award-winning OfficePro magazine, published eight-times a year, contains a wealth of information on new technologies, career development, productivity tips, office product reviews and other “news you can use.”

·         Conferences – Annual events offering a wide array of educational workshops and hands-on training including the International Convention and Education Forum (summer), the Professional Education Conference (spring), and the Certification Conference (fall). In addition, IAAP Districts, Divisions, and Chapters hold events and activities at various times of the year.

·         Personal and professional development resources – members receive exclusive discounts on more than 250 books and self-study courses, many providing the Continuing Education Unit (CEU).  IAAP’s Complete Office Handbook is considered to be the definitive reference book for today’s electronic office.  Online training courses and Online Associate Degree program are also available.

·         Professional certification – achieving certification through IAAP is the internationally recognized standard of excellence. IAAP offers the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) programs. Topic areas for IAAP certification programs include office systems and technology, office administration, communications, business finance, legal issues, management, and advanced organizational management.

·         Service and support from the International Headquarters in Kansas City – Full-time staff is available to assist with member services, professional development advice, personalized education, and other programs and services. IAAP also disseminates research and serves as a clearinghouse for information on the administrative profession. 

·         Other local chapter benefits – Division and chapter newsletters; chapter program schedule, team of local experts on a variety of subjects; community service; local merchant relationships; mentoring opportunities, and more.

·          Awareness that it isn't "just a job" -- it is a career and you're in control of it and responsible for it.

·         Exposure to other professionals outside your company to help expand your interpersonal skills and comfort levels -- you can call upon a network of professionals to determine the best way to accomplish a task or receive advice -- so you don't have to keep reinventing the wheel.  In addition, the IAAP global network is very useful when execs are going to other cities and/or countries and you can contact an IAAP member for information about a particular area.

·         Leadership opportunities through participation in chapter activities (can be everything from public speaking, to project management, to strategic planning, to event planning -- skills you might not learn on the job or through training provided to admins by employers).

·         Discounts on educational products and resources that have been created, reviewed and/or selected especially for admins (also shows what skills you ought to be mastering to keep up-to-date as a professional and the sequence of skills required to move up the career ladder).

 

   ·    Access to information on the latest trends and research for the profession, such as reviews

      of new computer software releases, previews of new responsibilities admins may be
assuming, benchmarking details from other companies, best practices, and more.

·         Supports the concept of excellence and continuous improvement -- more than just "talk."

 

What's in it for Employers?

·        IAAP members receive tools and knowledge necessary to become more effective contributors to their employers.  By reading IAAP publications and attending IAAP educational events, members stay on top of their profession.

·         Save time and money – When seeking ideas and know-how for a specific project, IAAP members don’t often have to reinvent the wheel.  They can call on the support of their peers and/or headquarters for advice and for direction on available resources, often saving organizations valuable time and money.

·         Members receive leadership training and experience that builds their confidence and teamwork skills.

·         IAAP members are better-prepared, front-line “ambassadors” for their employers.  Having knowledgeable professionals on staff reflects well on your business or service.

·         Workers experience professionalism first-hand and aspire to greater professional heights.

·         Helps in recruiting new admins and retaining current workers.

·         Builds a team spirit among admins across departments and facilities.

·         Maximum bang for the buck with minimal cost -- access to current business research, targeted publications, selected study materials, certification programs, and more.

·         Opens communication between management and administration, producing better work relationships.

·         Raises admins to a professional level that serves all corporate team members well (managers and other professionals perceive admins in new ways...may also help in delegating more work to admins as they are seen as capable professionals).

·         New feelings of self-worth and competence empower admins to tackle more (and more difficult) challenges instead of waiting for assignments...it helps managers get more done with the confidence it is being done right.

These are just a few (truly) examples of what is to be gained from associating with a professional organization.  

Employers: Encourage your admin staff to join IAAP and experience all our association has to offer. 

Administrative Professionals...click link below for information on how to join IAAP and to access online membership application. 

Choose Your Pathway to Membership

This information was obtained  from the website of the International Association of Administrative Professionals at  www.iaap-hq.org .