CAP Practice Test

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) administers the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) examination. This exam tests the skills and knowledge that an administrative professional would need to know in order to be competent at their job.

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Eligibility

To be eligible for the CAP exam, you must meet the following qualifications, which will differ depending on your level of education:

• No Degree: You must have accumulated at least 7,072 hours of relevant work experience.
• Associate Degree: You must have accumulated at least 5,304 hours of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor Degree: You must have accumulated at least 3,536 hours of relevant work experience.

The hour requirements are based on a 34-hour work week (1,768 hours per year).

Exam Outline Review

The CAP exam contains approximately 200-225 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours.

The exam is split into six content domains, and each domain is split into multiple performance outcomes (POs). Performance outcomes are measurable competencies that are based on the knowledge and abilities of a professional administrator.

1. Organizational Communication (24%)

The questions in this domain are split into nine performance outcomes:

1. Communication, management, and leadership models/theories within an organization
2. Effective interaction with organization stakeholders, both internal and external
3. Professional networking
4. Team dynamics
5. Positive and negative types of interpersonal interactions
6. Creating and giving presentations
7. Conducting business with diverse cultures
8. Organizational structure, systems, productivity, and effective management
9. Confidentiality, legality, and ethics

2. Business Writing and Document Production (22%)

The questions in this domain are split into eight performance outcomes:

1. Business writing and document production terminology
2. Proofreading and editing proficiency
3. Grammar, spelling, and sentence construction
4. Creating and editing various types of business documents
5. Tools and features used in desktop publishing
6. Creating and presenting effective charts and graphs
7. Elements necessary for completing a document
8. Creating minutes for meetings

3. Technology and Information Distribution (16%)

The questions in this domain are split into nine performance outcomes:

1. Distribution of information within an office space
2. Traditional and electronic distribution of information
3. Copyright laws, regulations about intellectual property, and maintaining confidentiality when distributing information
4. Gathering, compiling, and analyzing data
5. Using the internet to distribute information
6. Equipment/software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
7. Various types of computer systems
8. Storing and transferring data
9. Appropriate security procedures for maintaining and storing information

4. Office and Records Management (15%)

The questions in this domain are split into nine performance outcomes:

1. Records management terminology
2. Electronic and manual file management
3. Electronic and manual filing rules
4. Appropriate security for electronic and manual files
5. File retrieval, maintenance, and retention
6. Appropriate ergonomics for a productive workspace
7. Resources needed to manage an office efficiently
8. Checking and maintaining office supplies
9. Functioning in a virtual office space

5. Event and Project Management (12%)

The questions in this domain are split into five performance outcomes:

1. Basic event management terminology
2. Travel preparation
3. Requirements for in-person and virtual meetings
4. Prioritizing and delegating elements of a project
5. Organizing, planning, and managing projects

6. Operational Functions (11%)

The questions in this domain are split into seven performance outcomes:

1. Human resources duties and processes
2. Recruitment, staffing, and hiring practices
3. Importance of cultural and generational diversity
4. Onboarding and offboarding procedures
5. Financial function terminology
6. Budgets and financial statements
7. Banking process and transactions

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Registration

To register for the exam, you must first create an IAAP account on their website. Through this account, you can submit an application, which includes the $575 exam fee ($375 for IAAP members).

Once your application has been approved, you will be able to schedule your exam. If you are taking the in-person exam, you will need to schedule an exam date with your local testing center. If you are taking the remote-proctored exam, you will need to perform a system check and schedule an exam date with Kryterion.

Test Day

In-person Testing

On the day of your exam, you should arrive at the testing facility at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time. Once you arrive, you will be asked to present two forms of valid identification, one of which must be a photo ID.

Personal items will not be allowed into the testing center, so it is best to leave things like bags, notebooks, and food items at home or in your car.

Remote Testing

On the day of your exam, you should log in to your Webassessor account and click on your exam, which will be listed in the Scheduled Exams section. Before your exam begins, you will be asked to show two forms of valid identification to the remote proctor via your webcam. You will also be asked by the remote proctor to use your webcam to scan your testing area.

Personal items will not be allowed on your desk/table while you take the exam. This includes your cell phone, notebooks, and food items.

How the Exam is Scored

The CAP exam is scored using a criterion-referenced scoring method. This means that a team of subject-matter experts has decided upon a baseline standard that all test-takers must meet in order to pass the exam.

The passing score for the CAP exam is a scaled score of 500. You will receive your scores 4-6 weeks after you finish the exam.

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FAQs

By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.