Do You Qualify?
Here’s How to Find Out.
The CAP exam requires a combination of education and professional experience — because this credential is built on real-world knowledge, not just classroom learning. The requirements are designed to be accessible for administrative professionals at various stages of their careers.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following combinations:
Education Level
Required Work Experience
No college degree
4 years (or 7,072 hours*) of relevant work experience
Associate / 2-year degree
3 years (or 5,304 hours*) of relevant work experience
Bachelor’s / 4-year degree
2 years (or 3,536 hours*) of relevant work experience
*Hour calculations are based on a 34-hour work week (1,768 hours/year). All experience must be paid work earned within the last 10 years. Internships and work-study do not count toward eligibility.
| Education Level | Required Work Experience |
|---|---|
| No college degree | 4 years (or 7,072 hours*) of relevant work experience |
| Associate / 2-year degree | 3 years (or 5,304 hours*) of relevant work experience |
| Bachelor’s / 4-year degree | 2 years (or 3,536 hours*) of relevant work experience |
*Hour calculations are based on a 34-hour work week (1,768 hours/year). All experience must be paid work earned within the last 10 years. Internships and work-study do not count toward eligibility.
What Counts as Relevant Work Experience?
Your work experience must include the majority of the following responsibilities:
- Verbal and written communication with internal and external clients
- Business writing, proofreading, and editing
- Records management
- Meeting and travel planning
- Project management
- Human resource activities, hiring, and compliance
- Budgeting and accounting functions
How to Apply Your Education
If you are using a degree to meet the education requirement, you will upload an official or unofficial transcript within your application. Work experience details can be entered directly in the application or submitted via a current resume.