| Questions about our Review materials: |
|
| Q: What materials should I order? |
| A: Our most popular item is the "Full Package" containing all media forms of material we offer
for CPS Exam Review. If you are on a budget or wish to tailor your studies using a media
form with which you feel best suited, you have the option to order the software, cassettes, or
flash cards individually. |
|
| Q: Are your Review materials current? |
| A: All our materials are current to use for upcoming certification examinations. We have data for the three-part CPS Examination as well as the fourth part, Organizational Planning (both in review material and mock exam formats). |
|
| Q: Can you guarantee that I'll pass the exam if I use your review material? |
| A: There is no source available that can provide you with a guarantee that you'll pass the
examination if you use their material. Those involved in the preparation and critiquing of our
review programs have sat for the actual CPS Exam and/or are experts in the various content
domain areas covered by the Exam itself. We do our best to provide you with relevant
terminology, theory, and other data to assist you in your exam preparations based on the
judgment and feedback of these individuals. Many persons have contacted us on their own to
let us know that they credit our review materials for their success on the exam-and we've
assisted thousands in their CPS Exam preparations since 1980. |
|
| Q: How does your computer software work, and how can it help me in my studies? |
A: For Windows 95 through XP and Power Macintosh users, our Personal Tutorial software is a unique, standalone program
that contains review material in text form with interactive mock examinations. This material
has been given very high ratings for usefulness and relevance by Exam candidates. Select
the subject you'd like to study (or the mock exam you'd like to take). Once you are in the
topic, you simply "page ahead" and "page back" through material clicking on arrow buttons or
using keyboard hot key strokes. Review material can be followed up by the use of sample
questions dealing with the relevant subject provided in the interactive mock exams and PDF practice test files. Our mock exams contain several hundred questions
in the database. They provide scoring, immediate feedback, and more information for each
question. You simply click on an answer or elect to skip questions for later completion. We
also provide a "test only" mode which allows you to take the mock exams without any
feedback except for the final test score to simulate an actual test situation. A personal
scoreboard tracks your scores and progress in a chronological format. You can take either a "short" or "long" test; and you are allowed to determine the number of questions (within a specified range) that you wish to take in one sitting.
Acrobat®, Windows 3.1, and DOS program users can also obtain software for studies; however, they
provide different, more limited features and functionalities when compared with the interactive software applications. |
|
| Q: What if I only want to get mock exams? How do they differ from the Personal
Tutorial for Professional Secretaries™ software package with review materials and mock
exams? |
| A: You can obtain "mock exams only" if you have access to a computer running Windows 3.1,
DOS, or Macintosh System 7 or higher; additionally, practice tests are available to view and/or print
in an Adobe® Acrobat® 4.05 Reader format. The difference between the "mock exams only" and the complete
"Personal Tutorial" is that the Personal Tutorial contains a larger data base of questions in the mock exams in addition to a
"complete" review material package in software format. |
|
| Q: What material can I get if I only need data for one or two parts of the CPS
Examination? |
| A: You can obtain the audio cassettes by part (there are four parts available),
the flash cards by part (I, II, III, or IV), and the software by part.
|
|
| Q: What are the cassette tapes like? Do they contain the same material as the computer
software? |
| A: The cassette tapes are professionally narrated. They are conversational in nature and are designed specifically for audio learning. They have been
very helpful in all areas of study, including accounting!
The cassettes and the software overlap in areas (in Organizational Planning, there is especially strong correlation between the tapes and software e-text file); however, the software covers more material
and is more complete than the tapes (the software also contains the mock exams which are not
included in the cassette tapes). The audio cassettes, however, are very convenient for use while
commuting and doing other tasks around the home, office, or elsewhere. The tapes are also
good for use when one cannot be at a computer or reading text material, which allows for more
efficient time use for studies. |
|
| Q: Describe the Review-at-a-Glance flash cards; how do they work? |
| A: Our extremely popular flash cards come in 8 ½ x 11 inch cardstock sheet format. They are
designed as a supplement to the audio cassettes and/or Personal Tutorial software, but they can be purchased on their own. Each exam
part is color coded for reference purposes. Every full cardstock sheet contains 12 mini-cards
that can be individually prepared for use in "flash card" format. One side of each card contains
a term or item, and the reverse side of the card provides the student with the correct definition
or description corresponding to the term or item. We also provide special accounting helps
such as graphical analysis of breakeven and a unique tool developed to help the student practice
the correct debiting and crediting of accounts in the accounting process. Hundreds of
specific terms and items are included in the package, along with the accounting tools. |
|
| Q: How much time will it take me to go through the Review materials? |
| A: Each audio cassette runs approximately 60-80 minutes (there are multiple tapes for Parts I, II, and III, and 4 tapes in Part IV). We encourage users to listen to the tapes a number of times. The flash cards
take just moments per card to glance through. There are several hundred mini-cards included.
Time to work through the Personal Tutorial software package varies by user, depending on the
rate of speed one can read. The average software user takes between 2-4 hours per subject to
work through the package the first time (there are 11 subjects in the four-part program--and fast readers
can work through the data much more quickly). Subsequent review times through the program
are highly encouraged and are much faster to complete. |
|
| Q: How often are Review materials updated? |
| A: Our Review materials are updated as often as deemed necessary and whenever there
are major changes made to the Exam Outline developed by the Institute for Certification
at the International Association of Administrative Professionals®. Major changes have
averaged about once every two or three years (we've been developing CPS Review materials
since 1980). |
|
| Q: How do you handle software upgrades and upgrade notifications? |
| A: We notify software license holders via this website and U.S. Postal Service mailings of available upgrades for
two years after first license purchase. Our upgrades are generally comprised of relatively
substantial improvements in material and/or program functionality, and the price to upgrade is
nominal. Thereafter, license holders are welcome to contact us about available upgrades for
which they may still be eligible. |
|
| Q: What is the best approach to using the Review programs you offer? |
| A: For our software users, it is recommended that one create a study schedule comprising two
or three blocks of time per week (2-4 hours per time block, with small rest breaks allowed),
depending on the total amount of time one has allocated for preparation prior to taking the
actual exam. The audio cassettes are best used at various times (while commuting, filing,
taking walks, etc.). Flash cards are often utilized by individuals while they are waiting in lines
or for meetings to start, during breaks, and on other occasions when only a few minutes may be
available for study. |
|
| Q: Do you have printed material available for study? |
| A: Yes, we provide the flash cards, which are in print format. Additionally, for purchasers of
our software, we provide electronic text files that can be viewed and/or printed (in addition to the functionality to print from within the Personal Tutorial
program). We recommend that those who print all our data for "away-from-computer study" obtain three-ring binders in which to place the printed data
because when all our review material is printed, the end result is several hundred printed pages
of highly useful study text. |
|
| Q: What is contained in the Adobe Acrobat-format Personal Tutorial E-Text Files? |
| A: The Personal Tutorial E-Text files covering topics for all four exam parts run under Acrobat Reader 4.05 (or higher). They are a stand-alone or add-on item
available for purchase. These ".pdf" files are in "read only and print" format and include all the software review
material with revisions, plus new Part I, II, and III questions, and updated review material based on test feedback
received from recent exam candidates. You can print this data for study away from the computer. |
|
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|
| General and express shipping questions: |
|
| Q: What does it cost for express shipping? |
| A: The cost of express shipping depends on various factors; however, here are the guidelines
(prices quoted are in $US; prices subject to change without notice):
Mark all express orders "EXPRESS-RUSH!" - Contact us for current pricing, as it is always subject to change!!!
USA and PR: $32.00 (for one item-cassettes, flash cards, or software; Alaska and Hawaii are slightly more)
USA and PR: $32.00 (for two or more items up to one complete set/full package of material; Alaska and Hawaii are slightly more)
Canada: $45.00 (for one item-cassettes, flash cards, or software)
Canada: $45.00 (for two or more items up to one complete set/full package of material)
Caribbean Islands (metro areas): $50.00 (for any item[s] up to one complete set/full package of material)
Other locations: Varies ($60.00-85.00 for any item[s] up to one complete set...)
In most USA and Puerto Rico locations, shipment is next day (am or pm, depending on
location; some locations [i.e., remote Alaskan areas] can take 2-5 days).
Canadian express delivery can take 1-4 days, with no delays in customs.
Bahamas express delivery generally takes 1-2 days, with no delays in customs.
Caribbean express delivery generally takes 2-4 days, with no delays in customs.
Other location delivery generally takes 4-8 days, with no delays in customs, depending on
location.
For domestic US Airborne Express accounts, we accept a valid account number and name of
account holder (company or individual) for billing of shipping charges, in which case we only
need $US 6.00 for express handling charges; all shipping charges go to the Airborne account.
For domestic US, Canada, and Bahamas FedEx accounts, we accept a valid account number
and name of account holder (company or individual) for billing of shipping charges, in which
case we only need $US 6.00 for express handling charges; all shipping charges go to the FedEx
account.
For other/international FedEx accounts, we must first check with FedEx to see if they will
allow us to bill shipping charges to a FedEx account from the specified country. |
|
| Q: How does express service differ from standard shipping? |
| A: Express orders cost more but are generally shipped out the same business day if received
before 12:00 Noon Eastern Time (or next business day) and are sent via express courier.
Standard orders are normally shipped within two business days of order receipt and go by U.S.
Postal Service. Delivery transit time is usually 3-7 business days. |
|
| Q: If I want to express my order to CPS® Review, where do I send it? |
| A: Please check with us to verify our express shipping address before you send an express
order to CPS Review (please...DO NOT send express orders to our street or P.O. Box address in Logan,
Utah, USA without first checking with us--even if you are using the U.S. Postal Service: sales@cpsreview.com |
|
| Q: How long will it take for me to get my materials? |
| A: It depends on where and how we're shipping your materials (times listed below are by
postal airmail):
Continental USA: Allow 3-7 days' transit time after your order leaves our offices.
Alaska/Hawaii/Puerto Rico/Other US locations: Allow a bit more time than Continental USA
locations.
Canada: Allow 8-12 days' transit time.
Bahamas: Allow 8-24 days' transit time.
Caribbean Islands: Allow 21-36 days' transit time.
Other locations: Allow 30-60 days' transit time.
We do not ship by airmail to all countries (and there may be other legal shipping restrictions
imposed). Please let us know if you have any questions about shipping to your specific
country: sales@cpsreview.com |
|
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|
| General support and tutorial help questions: |
|
| Q: How do I get help if I need software support or have other questions about the CPS
Review materials after I receive them? |
| A: You are welcome to contact CPS Review for software support or other questions. The best
way to do so is by contacting our Support Department at support@cpsreview.com . We will
do our best to get back with you within the same business day or at least by the next working
day. You may also contact us by fax at 435/753-7727; or you can reach us by telephone at 435/753-2222. |
|
| Q: Do you offer special or in-depth CPS Examination preparation tutorial services? If
so, what is the cost? |
| A: For individuals desiring special on-line tutoring via the Internet, we can tailor a program to
fit your specific needs. There is no charge for this service to our software license holders
(when questions are occasional and/or limited in nature). If you wish to have a more intense
tutoring program set up via the Internet (and you are or are not a Personal Tutorial CPS
Review software license holder), please contact us for details and costs for such services at
support@cpsreview.com .
All our materials users are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to us regarding their
review materials or the CPS Exam itself. We'll do our best to help and provide feedback in a
timely manner. We are also very happy to answer specific questions or reply to inquiries about
our review materials or about the CPS Exam and terminologies or theories encountered while
taking it. |
|
| Q: What study approach should I take? |
| A: You should consider obtaining the following materials to assist you in developing a sound
study approach for CPS Exam preparation:
* Certified Professional Secretary® Review Guide (contact IAAP CPS Dept., P.O. Box 20404,
Kansas City MO 64195-0404 USA, Fax 816/891-9118, Tel 816/891-6600, or e-mail
cps@iaap-hq.org for details; there is a nominal cost for this publication).
|
|
| Q: How much time should I allow myself to prepare for the CPS Exam? |
| A: It depends on your experience, education, background, and personal needs. Most people
who contact us for review materials allow themselves at least 6-12 months preparation time
prior to the exam for which they wish to sit. If you have limited experience in the profession
and no post-secondary education in exam-related subjects, you'll want to strongly consider
allowing yourself a minimum of 12 months' preparation time. |
|
| Q: What other materials should I use? |
| A: The Certified Professional Secretary® Review Guide noted above lists various textbooks
and sources available for purchase to individuals preparing to sit for the CPS Examination.
Contact cps@iaap-hq.org for details. |
|
| Q: How do your CPS Review materials differ from other sources? |
| A: Our materials are uniquely developed with the involvement of CPS Exam holders; and there
is ongoing feedback and critiquing by CPS rating holders, CPS Exam candidates, other office
professionals, business educators, and graduate students in the specific disciplines of study
covered by the CPS Examination. The datum we provide concisely cover the development of
technologies and current theory areas included on the CPS Examination Outline in a way
different from all other books or review materials available. Our review programs have been
tested, refined, and updated for two decades. |
|
| Q: Should I also attend review courses or take college classes? |
| A: Local review courses are available in some areas. They are a great way to bring CPS
holders and instructors together in a forum to discuss key issues relevant to the CPS Exam.
They also help build support networks that encourage CPS candidates on to success. If you
have resources to do so, we highly encourage involvement in local CPS Review courses. The
only drawback we've found in classes given is that class sessions are limited in time and the
amount of material that can be covered. What is covered in class, however, becomes relatively
permanent in the memories of most students.
A location of potential testing centers and possible review courses is found in the following
publication available from the CPS Department at IAAP Headquarters: "Certification
Application Packet" (contact cps@iaap-hq.org for a free copy, or visit their website at
http://www.iaap-hq.org and click on the Professional Certification link for details).
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the exams is to take college courses in the
subject areas covered in each of the exam's three/four parts (unless you are taking the exam in part
to be able to obtain college credit for business-related subjects-in which case you may be partly
taking the exam to obtain college credit). Contact IAAP for more information on
colleges providing credit for passing the CPS Examination: cps@iaap-hq.org . |
|
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|
| Exam administration questions: |
|
| Q: Are actual past CPS Exams released for exam candidates? |
| A: Actual past CPS and CAP Examinations have never been released by the Institute for Certification. Review mock examinations and practice tests we have developed are in a multiple-choice format similar to
exam questions, and we have worked hard to simulate actual exam questions and cover terminology, theory, and issues you need to know when you take the exams. |
|
| Q: Where are exam testing centers located? |
| A: There are exam Testing Centers worldwide. Contact the Certification Department at IAAP
Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, USA for details: cps@iaap-hq.org . |
|
| Q: How often are the examinations administered? |
| A: The examinations are administered twice annually (the first Friday and Saturday of May
and November--varying by location and country of administration). Be sure your application is
postmarked by the appropriate deadline (February 15 for the May exam; August 15 for the
November exam). |
|
| Q: How can I get a copy of the examination application? |
| A: You can obtain a free copy of the Certification Application Packet from IAAP
Headquarters: cps@iaap-hq.org . |
|
| Q: When do I get my test scores back from the CPS Department at IAAP®
headquarters? |
| A: Test score feedback is generally sent approximately 45 days after the exam is
administered, and the length of time for delivery via mail varies. The Certification Application
Packet available from IAAP should contain current guidelines for test score feedback. Check
with cps@iaap-hq.org if you are looking for your test scores from the last CPS Exam and
you've not received them in the time expected. |
|
| Q: What are the qualifications to sit for the examinations? |
| A: Approval requirements and eligibility for the examinations are published in the
Certification Application Packet available from IAAP (contact cps@iaap-hq.org for details). |
|
| Q: What are the costs to sit for the examinations? |
| A: Current costs to sit for the examinations are found in the Certification Application Packet available from IAAP
(contact cps@iaap-hq.org |
|
| Q: What are the main advantages to obtaining the CPS and CAP certifications? |
| A: The advantages to CPS and CAP certification are numerous. Many obtain the ratings for the
personal satisfaction they derive from reaching these milestone in their lives. Having the CPS and CAP
ratings are also a great way to show an employer (or potential employer) that you are an achiever
and are serious about your professionalism. |
|
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|
| Questions about IAAP: |
|
| Q: How do I locate a local chapter of the International Association of Administrative
Professionals®? |
| A: Check out the IAAP website at http://www.iaap-hq.org and locate the IAAP Chapter link.
Many chapters have website links found on the IAAP site. You can also contact
membership@iaap-hq.org (816/891-6600 tel, 816/891-9118 fax) for specific details about an
IAAP chapter near you! |
|
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|
| Questions regarding Recertification: |
|
| Q: What about Recertification? Should I use your materials to help me in this
process? |
| A: Recertification has been developed to reward you for keeping your education and
certification in the field up to date. You may be able to use our materials as credit toward
obtaining educational points toward recertification. Please feel free to contact us if you have
any questions (be sure and reference your e-mail message "Recertification"):
CPS Review |
|
| Q: How do I learn more about Recertification? |
| A: Feel free to contact IAAP with questions at cps@iaap-hq.org or visit the IAAP website and
check out their certification/recertification links at http://www.iaap-hq.org . |
|
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|
| Submit a specific question Metcalf Educational Services (click here to submit a specific question not
answered above; we'll do our best to respond the same business day or within one
working day): Metcalf Educational Services |
Updated on May 1, 2004.
