International Association of Administrative Professionals


The International Association of Administrative Professionals was formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1942. At that time, the organization was known as the National Secretaries Association. The name of the organization was changed in 1982 to "Professional Secretaries International", and in 1998 to the "International Association of Administrative Professionals." It is not a trade union for secretaries, it is a non-profit, professional networking and educational organization.
IAAP's core purpose is to provide education, certification, and leadership development to administrative professionals. IAAP is dedicated to helping office and administrative professionals advance their career in a demanding and ever-changing business environment. The association is focused on preparing admins for what matters now and what's ahead. IAAP offers specialized online and offline training programs, valuable networking and industry leading events, and the knowledge, skills, and insights that build toward job advancement, success, and recognition.
In 1951, IAAP administered the first Certified Professional Secretary exam. Today, the certification program administers the . After successfully attaining the CAP credential, admins become eligible for IAAP's . Currently, IAAP offers Technology Applications, Organizational Management, and Project Management specialty certificate courses.
In 1952, Mary Barrett, then-president of the National Secretaries Association, C. King Woodbridge, president of Dictaphone Corporation, and American businessman Harry F. Klemfuss created a special Secretary's Day recognition, to acknowledge the hard work of the women in the office. The event caught on, and during the fourth week of April the holiday is now celebrated in offices all over the world. In 2000, the event was renamed "Administrative Professionals Week" to recognize people working in the administrative support field with other job titles such as receptionist, office manager, executive assistant, administrative coordinator, management assistant, or administrative assistant.
IAAP publishes a magazine 7 times per year for its members and subscribers entitled Office Pro. The organization also hosts several in-person education events each year, the largest being their annual .