International Association of Administrative Professionals

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, certification, and leadership development for administrative professionals. It was founded in 1942 as the National Secretaries Association and has since evolved, changing its name in 1982 to Professional Secretaries International and then to its current name in 1998.

Mission and Purpose

IAAP's core mission is to enhance the skills and professionalism of administrative staff by offering various certifications and educational resources. This includes the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential, which validates an individual's skills and commitment to lifelong learning. Beyond the CAP, IAAP offers specialty certificates in areas such as Technology Applications (TA), Organizational Management (OM), and Project Management (PM).

History and Evolution

In 1951, IAAP administered its first certification exam, the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) exam. Over the years, the organization has adapted to reflect the expanding roles within the administrative profession, ultimately broadening its scope to include diverse job titles like administrative assistant, executive assistant, and office manager. IAAP also played a significant role in establishing Administrative Professionals Week, originally known as Secretary's Day, to recognize the contributions of administrative staff.

Educational and Networking Activities

IAAP publishes a magazine titled Office Pro for its members, which provides insights and information relevant to administrative professionals. The organization hosts various educational events throughout the year, including conferences and workshops designed to enhance professional development.

IAAP Foundation

The IAAP Foundation is a charitable partner of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. It focuses on supporting research, education, and professional development opportunities for office and administrative professionals.

Advocacy and Empowerment

IAAP advocates for the advancement of the administrative profession through empowerment and education. It aims to be the premier network and resource for administrative professionals, providing opportunities for them to connect, learn, and excel in their careers.