Corleen writes, "I'm a Senior Level Executive Assistant. I am just beginning to investigate some type of certification and am wondering if you can direct me. I've looked at the IAAP membership and certifications. My supervisor would like me to obtain some type of certification and I'm confused on where to begin."

I am so glad Corleen asked this because not only in the administrative arena but in the training arena in general, people get confused between: certificate programs, certifications and professional designations. I will do my best to explain the differences. You can also learn more by going to adult learning resources on the Internet.

Certificates are more easily achieved. Often if you have attended a workshop, seminar, course, in-house training, even a webinar, you can attain a Certificate of Completion. This means you completed the course (whatever that might be). There is value to these even though they are pretty easy to obtain. For example, a company such as a Skillpath could hold a full-day workshop at a hotel. They let all the attendees know that by attending this 6-hour course you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Imagine now that 100 people show up in the meeting room; 90 attendees stay the entire day and 10 leave early and go shopping (because their employer won't know the difference). The 10 still grabbed their certificate the same as the 90. Do you think that is fair? This happens often. On the other hand, if your organization offered an in-house training workshop, you attended with 20 other employees, the trainer can easily see who leaves early. Bottom line: you still want to get the Certificates of Completion because they show you have an interest in learning and I hope that you would be the kind of student who stays for the entire program.

Certification is a different ballgame. An individual usually has to go through some type of stringent educational program or training and meet specific criteria. For example, we have Star Achievement Series Certification training. That is where an individual from an outside organization needs to be trained and certified by me to teach our Star Achievement Series curriculum (for admins) in their organization. They have to meet certain criteria, experience the actual program, practice teaching, and much more to receive this certification. While they receive a Certificate for completing the extensive training, they have to be Certified as a Star Achievement Trainer by Office Dynamics and sign an agreement with us.

There are Certifications and Professional Designations. Such as at IAAP, you can receive your CPS and CAP designation. Those stand for Certified Professional Secretary and Certified Administrative Professional. You do have to study, take a test, and pass the test to receive your designation (and you are certified). IAAP also has established recertification criteria. You can learn more about this through IAAP.

Office Dynamics has something called a curriculum-based designation. It is the CEAP (Certified Executive Administrative Professional). Notice I specified curriculum-based! An individual must attend the Star Achievement Series to even be considered for this because the certification and designation is based around the curriculum and the student's ability to meet the set criteria. We go 3 steps further with Star Achievement. The student must be recommended by their facilitators. In other words, it isn't a matter of just passing a test. Not to belittle that because a person does a great deal of studying to pass the test. I did it when I was a secretary before 1990 and got my CPS. But that does not guarantee an individual is actually using the skills.

During the Star Achievement training, the student must demonstrate certain competencies to be recommended by their facilitator. Then the student must obtain a letter from their leader stating specifically the behavior changes or modifications they have seen in their assistant as a result of going through the extensive training. Additionally, the student must write a Star In Action Paper. All this is then submitted to the Office Dynamics University. As I briefly mentioned, any of us can study and pass a test. Not everyone will study/learn and implement what they have learned or modify their workplace behaviors. I've seen it many times.

So after all that is said, what is my advice? First, you really have to identify your career goals.

1. What would this mean to you?
2. How will it help you?

Then learn why this is important to your supervisor.

1. Why does your supervisor want you to achieve some type of certification?
2. Is it going to mean more money for you? A promotion? (I'm not implying that you should strive for a Certification just because of money. There are many benefits aside from the money.)
3. Or does your supervisor think that will show him/her that you are committed to your profession? That is wonderful that your supervisor wants you to strive for a certification and you should as long as you are committed to implementing what you learn.

I believe you should get your Certificates of Completion from any classes you attend and place them in your career portfolio (hopefully you have one). Get more information about the CPS or CAP from IAAP and see if you want to make that commitment.

Also, we offer the World Class Assistant™ high-end training program in Las Vegas which provides personal training and coaching with me. For 2010, there will be a Part 1 which is 2 1/2 days and a Part 2 which is 2 1/2 days. The classes are offered throughout the year. Attendees who complete Parts 1 and 2, complete pre-class assignments and follow up activities, and pass a quiz, receive their CWCA designation. This is also a curriculum-based designation.

Corleen, I hope this helps you and the hundreds of others who don't really understand the difference. This is really important today because I notice organizations and .coms promoting Get Certified -- when what they really are giving you is a Certificate of Completion which states you met the criteria or went through the course. There is a big difference.

Best of luck to you.

Joan Burge