International Association of Administrative Professional

IAAP defines administrative professionals as individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a not-for-profit professional association with approximately 40,000 members and affiliates and nearly 600 chapters worldwide.

IAAP works in partnership with employers to promote professional excellence.

IAAP Mission, Objectives, Purpose, Vision and Core Values

The IAAP mission is to be the acknowledged, recognized leader of administrative professionals and to enhance their individual and collective value, image, competence, and influence.

IAAP's purpose is to provide information, education, and training and to set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective.

IAAP's objectives are to elevate the standards of all administrative professionals and to promote their working relationships with management through continuing education, authorized programs, and publications.

IAAP's vision is to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence.

Association History

Founded in 1942 as the National Secretaries Association (NSA) to provide a professional network and educational resources for secretarial staff. The association's name was changed in 1998 to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) to encompass the large number of varied administrative job titles and recognize the advancing role of administrative support staff in business and government.

IAAP established the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) program in 1951 to set recognized standards of excellence in the profession. IAAP introduced an additional advanced certification, the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program, in 2001.