DAY ONE

Introduction to the course and areas to be covered

• Trainer provides an introduction to the course content and methodology

• Introduction by the participants

SESSION 1 – Introduction to the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

• Four main components of certification

• Value of the CAP certification

• Three-step process to earn and maintain the CAP

• Discussion of exam fees and scheduling

SESSION 2 – CAP Domain 1

• Introduction of the six CAP domains

• CAP Domain 1 – Organizational Communication

• Performance Outcome (PO) 1 – Describe the concepts of applications of communication, management and leadership models/theories within organizations

• PO 2: Describe the process of effective interaction with internal and external stakeholders

• PO 3: Recognize the importance and utilization of professional networking 

• PO 4: Demonstrate an understanding of team dynamics within organizations

• PO 5: Describe the positive and negative types of interpersonal interactions existing within an organization

• PO 6: Demonstrate knowledge in the techniques of creating and giving presentations

• PO 7: Demonstrate the ability to conduct business with diverse culture

• PO 8: Demonstrate a basic knowledge in organizational structure, systems, and strategies including their role in productivity and effective management

• PO 9: Describe how confidentiality, legality and ethics are important for the functioning of an organization.

• Domain 1 wrap-up and questions

Exercise: Organizational conflict scenario
Exercise: Team building exercise highlighting the importance of communication and team dynamics
Exercise: Five public speaking tips video (Toastmasters)

SESSION 3 – CAP Domain 2 – Business Writing and Document Production

• PO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of terminology associated with business writing and document production

• PO 2: Exhibit proficiency in proofreading and editing documents

• PO 3: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of grammar, spelling, and sentence construction.

• PO 4: Describe the steps required to create and edit different types of business documents 

• PO 5: Describe the features and tools used in desktop publishing (for newsletters, flyers, etc.)

• PO 6: Identify the necessary elements needed to create and present effective charts and graphs.

• PO 7: Identify the important elements necessary for finishing a document (e.g. binding, collation, stapling, coloring, graphics, etc.)

• PO 8: Demonstrate proficiency in the creation of minutes for meetings.

• Domain 2 wrap-up and questions

Exercise: Edits using a proofreading guide
Exercise: File type/software match-up
Exercise: Group review of key elements of effective charts and graphs

DAY TWO

SESSION 4 – CAP Domain 3

• Review of Day 1

• CAP overview

• Domains 1 and 2 overviews

• CAP Domain 3 – Technology and Information Distribution

• PO 1: Describe the process of information distribution within an office environment

• PO 2: Identify the important differences between traditional and electronic distribution of information

• PO 3: Identify copyright laws, regulations regarding intellectual property, and ways to maintain confidentiality when distributing information.

• PO 4: Describe the process and techniques of gathering, compiling and analyzing data

• PO 5: Demonstrate knowledge in the use of the Internet, including social media, as a way of distributing information

• PO 6: Demonstrate basic knowledge in installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of both equipment and software

• PO 7: Demonstrate basic knowledge in the use of different types of computer operating systems

• PO 8: Describe common ways of storing and transferring data and the types of media appropriate for each

• PO 9: Explain appropriate security procedures for maintaining, backing up, and storing information.

• Domain 3 wrap-up and questions

Exercise: Review information distribution flowchart
Exercise: Data gathering/analysis guidelines – share best practices

SESSION 5 – CAP Domain 4

• CAP Domain 4 – Office and Records Management

• PO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology associated with records management using ARMA Guidelines

• PO 2: Identify the key advantages and disadvantages of electronic and manual (paper) file management based on ARMA Guidelines.

• PO 3: Demonstrate knowledge of both electronic and manual (paper) filing rules and standards based on ARMA Guidelines.

• PO 4: Identify the appropriate security for both electronic and manual file

• PO 5: Demonstrate knowledge of file retrieval, maintenance and retention

• PO 6: Identify appropriate ergonomics for a productive personal workspace

• PO 7: Demonstrate knowledge of resources necessary to efficiently manage an office

• PO 8: Identify the important methods of checking and maintaining office supplies

• PO 9: Demonstrate knowledge of forming a virtual office.

• Domain 4 wrap-up and questions

Exercise: Create an effective office layout

SESSION 6 – CAP Domain 5

• CAP Domain 5 – Event and Project Management

• PO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology associated with event management

• PO 2: Demonstrate proficiency in travel preparation

• PO 3: Describe the key requirements for meetings both in person and virtual

• PO 4: Demonstrate knowledge in prioritizing and delegating elements of a project from planning to implementation

• PO 5: Describe the steps required in organizing, planning and managing a project

• Domain 5 wrap-up and questions

Exercise: Best practices in travel preparation
Exercise: Plan this meeting
Exercise: Group review of project management basics

DAY THREE