Do you work in Administrative Services? Are you considering a career in Administrative Services? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might want to consider becoming a Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (or CCAP).
In this piece, we’ll review CCAP and answer some commonly asked questions about certification.
What is CCAP?
CCAP, or Canadian Certified Administrative Professional, is a designation offered by the AAP (Association of Administrative Professionals) to those who wish to advance their career in administrative services.
The CCAP certificate is designed to help administrative professionals grow and thrive by learning new leadership skills and competencies in administrative work.
The program is designed for those already working in an administrative profession but looking to advance and further their knowledge. CCAP courses are intended for secretaries, office managers, administrative assistants, and so forth.
What is required to become CCAP certified?
CCAP certification is a several-year process that requires administrative professionals to work in an administrative role and take a required number of courses. To become CCAP certified, you must:
- Become a member of the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP) for at least one year
- Have at least two years of experience in an administrative role
- Have enrolment in the CCAP program
- Provide proof that you are competent in the areas of technology, leadership, business management, and communication.
- Complete three compulsory courses and four elective courses (7 courses in total) at one of the accredited colleges or universities across Canada.
How do I become a member of the AAP?
As stated above, one of the requirements to obtain your CCAP certification is to be a member of the AAP for at least one year. The AAP is a professional association for administrative staff, and membership shows that you are committed to lifelong learning in the administrative field.
You can become a member of the AAP by completing the online registration form. You can register as a student or if you have a role in an administrative position. To register, information will be requested regarding your education, experience, completed volunteer work, and any other professional memberships you may be associated with. Resumes and business references are also helpful.
Once you are a member of the AAP, you can participate in all activities within the Association.
How much does it cost to join the AAP?
The AAP charges a yearly fee to all of its members. Fee costs differ depending on your position. If you already have administrative experience or are applying as part of your current administrative position, yearly fees are approximately $168.00. Students‘ annual fees are roughly $50.00, as is the same for retired members.
Note: These fees are subject to change by the Association at any time.
Why join the AAP?
Aside from the fact that you have to join the AAP to become CCAP certified, the association also comes with other benefits. By joining the AAP, you gain instant access to a wide range of free webinars and seminars to advance your experience and knowledge in the administrative field.
Members of the association will also have access to shared communications regarding upcoming trade shows, Professional Development Days, and national meetings where they can learn and grow from other members of the association.
Ongoing Learning
Once you have become a member of the AAP and have been assigned your CCAP certification, it’s your responsibility to keep your certification up to date. All CCAP graduates must renew their certificate every three years.
Renewals are based on credits rewarded through professional development programs, the attendance of meetings and events, community involvement, and so forth. You must receive 40 credits within your three-year period to be able to renew your certification.
