Employee earns top certification

Sally Poultney, administrative assistant in the Undergraduate Research Program, recently became the first UD employee to pass both the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) examinations, which are supported by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

To prepare for CPS certification, Poultney attended classes to improve her skills in such areas as finance and business law, office systems and administration and management. To pass the test, Poultney said it was important to have a basic knowledge of facts, an understanding of concepts and principles and an application of concepts.

For the CAP certification, which can only be obtained after passing the CPS exam, she said she studied organizational planning and learned how to apply sound managerial concepts to test her critical thinking skills.

"Out of 1,322 candidates, only 601 achieved the CPS rating, while 422 out of 735 candidates achieved the CAP rating," Poultney said.

She said she took the initiative to take these exams for job advancement, to increase her professional skills and self-esteem and to obtain college credit.

Her working experience, as well as classes and computer application and web-master certifications from the University, played a major role in the achievement, Poultney said.

"I am hoping that my CAP qualifications will lead to a professional position," she said.

Richie Holland, manager in human resources, serves as the liaison between UD and IAAP's Delaware chapter.

"The University definitely encourages any employee to set personal goals and become involved in professional organizations that encourage such skill development," he said. "It is a great opportunity to gain additional knowledge in a particular field."

He said certification as a CPS and a CAP is a very worthwhile credential for staff employed as administrative professionals.

"Certified staff with increased skills and knowledge also benefit the University," Holland said.

--MICHELLE SCHWARTZ