by Natasha Brewer

This year has brought tremendous change—there hasn’t been a single individual or organization who hasn’t been affected by this pandemic. We know this includes you, and we hope that you and your loved ones have stayed safe and well during this time.

Changes to the way business is conducted is now a way of life. We wanted to use this space to focus on one major change that IAAP has made in response to COVID-19: virtual proctoring. Since becoming accredited by the NCCA, IAAP has not been able to offer virtual proctoring for the CAP exam. Due to the pandemic, the NCCA has made an exception and it approved IAAP’s request to offer virtual proctoring for its Fall 2020 CAP exam window.

We have been over the moon since hearing the news on virtual proctoring. Not only will this opportunity allow our candidates to stay safe and socially distant, but it will also open the door for those who could not access the CAP exam before. We do our best to make testing as accessible as possible but we also know that for many, taking the exam at the traditional testing center is not an option. We believe in this credential and its impact, and this opportunity is pivotal in making the CAP attainable in the admin community.

IAAP has been serving the admin community since 1942. As you can imagine, the organization has gone through tremendous change throughout its tenure, mirroring the changing responsibilities of the profession. The certification offered by IAAP, too, has changed over the years, but the heart and soul of it has remained the same. Because of the credential, now called the CAP, admins have been able to earn raises, gain promotions, and continue their education. The CAP allows admins to stand out and be recognized for their skills, value, and talents that they bring to the team. Especially with our current economy, the CAP will be essential in finding employment for those whose jobs were lost from the pandemic. We have always believed that admins are the backbone of business, and without admins, this world would not be the same.

This pandemic has shown how essential admins are. Whether you’re a current CAP holder, a CAP hopeful, or someone who is slightly interested in the credential, know that IAAP stands behind you. We have seen and heard repeatedly how this credential has impacted our community’s careers and lives. Now that virtual proctoring is available, so many more can access this opportunity and boost their careers. We are always excited for what the future brings, and we are even more excited to see where the CAP takes each of you.

The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) 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.