By Rosalind Harris CPS/CAP

When I joined IAAP in 2003, one of the reasons was to earn the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and/or Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation.

As the years went by, it became less urgent, although I could visibly see the number of CPS/CAP holders in our Chapter steadily increasing.

After returning from the 2008 New York State Division Meeting in Saratoga, which our Chapter hosted, I began seriously considering taking the exam. Of course I came up with all sorts of excuses as to why now wasn’t a good time (i.e. not enough time to study, too expensive, don’t really need it, exam is too hard, I’ll be embarrassed if I fail).  You get the picture.  My last excuse was that since I had started a virtual assistant business, I wanted to become certified as a virtual assistant prior to pursuing the CPS/CAP certifications.

Finally, I looked in the mirror and in my best Nike voice said “just do it”. So on the first Saturday in November of 2008, I finally sat for the CPS exam.  I was unprepared to take the exam because many of the excuses I’d made in the past had actually become reality.  I didn’t have sufficient time to study because it was an extremely busy time in the business, client work kept me occupied evenings and weekends, and study time was practically non-existent. 

After stressing myself out for two months about spending $210 to take an exam I was clearly unprepared for, I had another Nike moment and said to myself, “if you fail the exam, study harder next time, pay the fee, and take it again.”

I was able to cram the week of the exam, and as you can tell from my byline, did end up shocking myself by passing.  It was so motivating that I immediately made plans to take the CAP exam in May of 2009, which I also passed. Words can’t begin to describe how you feel at seeing the envelope from IAAP-HQ addressed “Rosalind Harris CPS/CAP”.

So for those of you who are contemplating taking the exam, find your Nike moment and just do it.  The pride and sense of accomplishment you will feel when you pass (and you will pass), and knowing that you’ve made an important investment in yourself will make the sacrifice worthwhile.  The CPS/CAP club is an elite one because each member knows and understands what is involved to become and stay a proud card carrying member and earn the privilege to proudly display those three (or six) little initials after our names.  So, for those of you thinking about taking the exam, jump right in - the water’s fine. When you pass, we’ll be right there to celebrate with you.

I’d also like to send a very special thank you to our Chapter’s exam proctor, Linda Levandoski CPS/CAP.  Linda is a wonderful cheerleader and ambassador not only for those taking the exam, but also in her role as Certifications Chair. While we were all certain that we had failed the exam, Linda was the calm voice of reason and encouragement. She kept saying during every break “when you pass.” Linda does an outstanding job in terms of articulating the importance and benefits of pursuing certification. Our chapter is very fortunate to have her as Certifications Chair.