About IAAP
not-for-profit professional association with 40,000 members and affiliates and 600+ chapters worldwide. The association works in partnership with employers to promote excellence. Its members include administrative assistants, executive secretaries, office coordinators, information specialists, and related administrative professionals. Many corporations, educational institutions, students and international affiliate organizations belong
to IAAP.
IAAP's purpose is to provide information, education and training, and to set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective.
IAAP's objectives are to elevate the standards of all administrative professionals and to promote their working relationships with management through continuing education, authorized programs and publications.
IAAP's vision is to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence.
IAAP's core values, defined as a set of guiding principals or tenets that define what the organization stands for, include:
Integrity: Trust for each other in all relationships, including those with other members, staff, employers, vendors, leaders, mentors and sponsors.
Encouragement: Offer inspiration for administrative professionals to fulfill their potential and advance their careers.
Leadership: Members serve as positive ambassadors and role models for both the profession and association; leadership development is a key purpose of IAAP.
Loyalty: Loyalty to the profession, to employers, and to IAAP is a characteristic of true professionals and is highly valued in business.
Professionalism: A commitment to excellence, both individually and collectively, is a hallmark of IAAP.
Relevance: To assure that IAAP continues to offer worthwhile programs and services - and meet members' evolving needs.
Pride: Pride in our chosen career field and membership in IAAP.
Connection: IAAP offers invaluable opportunities to develop long-term friendships, to share information and build camaraderie among professionals.
Individual Importance: Each member is an important individual contributor and asset to the organization.
Benefits to an individual
Local and international network of colleagues, trainers, experts and managers gives members essential information and insights on office trends and best business practices.
The award-winning OfficePRO magazine, published eight times a year, contains a wealth of information on new technologies, career development, productivity tips, office product reviews and other "news you can use."
Personal and professional development resources - members receive exclusive discounts on more than 250 books and self-study courses, many providing the Continuing Education Unit (CEU). IAAP's Complete Office Handbook is considered to be the definitive reference
Professional certification and recertification - acheiving certification through IAAP is the internationally recognized standard of excellence. IAAP offers the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) programs. Topic areas for IAAP certification programs include office systems technology, office administration, communications, business finance, legal issues, management and advanced organizational management. To keep current in their profession, CPS and CAP holders are required to update their credentials through recertification programs every five years.
Service and support from the International Headquarters in Kansas City - Full-time staff members are available to assist with member services, professional development advice, personalized education, and other programs and services. IAAP also disseminates research and serves as a clearinghouse for information on the administrative profession.
Local chapter benefits - chapter newsletters, chapter program schedule, team of local experts on a variety of subjects, community service, local merchant relationships, mentoring opportunities and more.
Awareness that it isn't "just a job" - it is a career and you're in control of it and responsible for it.
Discounts on educational products and resources that have been created, reviewed, and/or selected especially for admins (also shows what skills you ought to be mastering to keep up-to-date as a professional and the sequence of skills required to move up the career ladder).
Access to information on the latest trends and research for the profession, such as reviews of new computer software releases, previews of new responsibilities admins may be assuming, benchmarking details from other companies, best practices and more.
Supports the concept of excellence and continous improvement - more than "just talk."
What's in it for Employers?
IAAP members receive tools and knowledge necessary to become more effective contributors to their employers. By reading IAAP publications and attending IAAP educational events, members stay on top of their profession.
Save time and money - When seeking ideas and know-how for specific projects, IAAP members don't often have to reinvent the wheel. They can call on support of their peers and/or headquarters for advice and for direction on available resources, often saving organizations valuable time and money.
Members receive leadership training and experience that builds their confidence and teamwork skills.
IAAP members are better-prepared, front-line "ambassadors" for their employers. Having knowledgeable professionals on staff reflects well on your business or service.
Workers experience professionalism first-hand and aspire to greater professional heights.
Helps in recruiting new admins and retaining current workers.
Builds team spirit among admins across departments and facilities.
Maximum bang for the buck with minimal cost - access to current business research, targeted publications, selected study materials, certification programs and more.
Opens communication between management and administration, producing better work relationships.
Raises admins to a professional level that serves all corporate team members well (managers and other professionals perceive admins in new ways.... may also help in delegating more work to admins as they are seen as capable professionals).
New feelings of self-worth and competence empower admins to tackle more (and more difficult) challeges instead of waiting for assignments.....it helps managers get more done with the confidence it is being done right.