I am in the thick of studying to take and pass the Certified Administrative Professional exam. Most of the administrative professionals at Chugach have taken this rigorous test. Many have passed on the first try; some have not.
The study material consists of three manuals and an extended supplemental list of related books, magazines, periodicals, and newspapers. Office Administration, Office Systems and Technology, and Management are the three components of the exam.
Studying is slow-going and frustrating. The latest editions are from 2005, which is ancient, espcially with regard to Information Technology which is in a constant state of flux. Also, the authors have done a poor job of actually writing and I find myself mentally editing what they have written, wondering if I have guessed and grasped what they really meant to convey.
Clear and precise communication is one of the most important objectives for the administrative professional and this concept is stressed throughout the three books. Ironically, the authors are often anything but. At first I thought it was just me, but my study partner Gorgeous Jen, who is very much on the ball and a former editor, has expressed the same.
Still, the subject matter can be surprisingly interesting, which is a good thing considering the profession I am in. I am definitely learning and appreciating all the new brain connections I am forging!
We started late and basically have to read and assimilate four chapters a day. Pretty impossible actually for both of us. Jen has two small children; I teach after work.
The test will be in Fairbanks as there were not enough Anchorage students to make it worthwhile to host the exam here. I am flying up the day before; Jen is driving. It will be interesting to compare the Fairbanks of 2012 with the town I knew 25 years ago!
Break a leg Jen and alison!
Update
I re-scheduled my test to May 2013, but Jen passed!!
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