FAQ's
Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence
"Overall there are 5 of us embarking on ASAP’s PACE Program as a 'pilot' to be rolled out company-wide in 2012. The flexibility of the online training is huge for us. Without having to travel it is hugely convenient for admins of any level.”
Beth Goldstein | Sr. Administrative Assistant Service Center Operations | W.W. Grainger, Inc.
What training qualifies and who supplies the training?
Live, face-to-face training, online, video, or self-study courses that further professional development in the five competencies can all qualify. PACE enrollees can get credit for training offered by their own organization and may purchase training from providers who are the best match for them. Training may be conducted by:
- The American Society for Administrative Professionals (ASAP). ASAP Webinars and ASAP Training Center courses qualify for credit in each of the five key competencies as does live training at the Administrative Professionals Conference (APC).
- Employers via corporate in-house training.
- National and local training providers that offer non-degree, professional training such as workshops and seminars, webinars, online training courses, etc. Candidates submit training courses for approval and credits.
How long will it take to obtain ASAP's Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence?
ASAP’s PACE does not require that enrollees complete their credits within any specific amount of time. This allows enrollees to work at their own speed. The length of time needed to complete the administrative professional certificate program will depend on the number of credits earned annually. It could take some candidates 2 years to earn their certificate, while others will accumulate credits more quickly.
Can candidates get credit towards the certificate for professional training already completed?
Most education and training courses completed in the past are not eligible for credit. However, credit may be awarded for qualifying courses completed within the 12 months prior to enrollment including ASAP webinars and events. Also, credit can be awarded for current IAAP and MOS certifications earned within the past 3 years.
Are there required courses?
There are no required courses. Credits must be distributed across the each of the five key competencies in the following manner:
- Interpersonal Communications: minimum of 20 credits
- Office and Digital Technologies: minimum of 20 credits
- Project and Task Management: minimum of 15 credits
- Management Skills: minimum of 15 credits
- Professional and Career Development: minimum of 10 credits
The remaining 12 credits may be taken in any of the 5 key Key AP Competencies listed above.
How do I obtain credit for courses that I take from other training providers or pre-approval for courses that I am considering?
You can obtain pre-approval or credit for courses completed within the past 12 months by emailing pace@asaporg.com. Up to 12 credits can be earned per submission based on the number of training hours and type of course (1 credit earned per hour for on-demand online courses, 1.5 credits earned per hour for any live online courses, 2 credits earned per hour for live or face-to-face courses.)
Fill out our course approval form - http://www.asaporg.com/pacecourseapproval.aspx
Include or attach documentation of completion. For example: a scanned or digital copy of a certificate or valid communication from the accrediting body attesting to your successful completion. Please allow 10-15 business days for approval and for credits to appear on ASAP's PACE Learning Record.
** We will not accept courses submitted through email, you must complete the above form to submit any outside courses for approval!
How much will it cost?
There is an annual enrollment fee for ASAP's PACE Program of $150* that covers record keeping, verification, and documentation of training, personal learning records, and some discounts on ASAP training. The courses completed and the certificate itself can be added to the administrative professional’s resume or portfolio. The record also provides a current or prospective employer with information about an individual's continuing education and training experiences.
Participants are responsible for the cost of training and education courses. The cost will vary depending on what courses and training the enrollee chooses and on how much training the employer typically provides. ASAP Webinars and most online, on-demand courses are inexpensive.
See our Sample Cost Scenarios for more details.
*Enrollment is discounted to $89.95 if you attend the Administrative Professionals Conference. Get more details by downloading the flyer on ASAP's PACE Program or contact us at (888) 960-ASAP or pace@asaporg.com.