Overview

• The Association of Administrative Professionals is a Canadian chartered non-profit professional organization founded in 1951. The Association is proactive in encouraging its members to further their career opportunities by continuously upgrading their skills and professionalism. Association members are encouraged to obtain the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) designation. With the tagline: Learn. Grow. Thrive, the Association provides opportunities for its members to do all three in both professional and personal circumstances. 
• Being widely recognized across Canada, our membership increases year after year and members are engaged in the AAP. 

Who can join AAP?

• Open to all administrative professionals across Canada and around the world.
• Office Professionals include Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Administrators (Project, Finance, HR, Office), Strategic Partner, Receptionist, Office Manager, and Clerk. Membership is not just for those already in the workforce. Our student membership includes all the same benefits as regular membership, but the biggest benefit may be the access to administrative professionals across the country and around the world to learn from and benefit from their experiences.

Do you have to be a resident of Canada to join AAP?

• Administrative Professionals living outside of Canada are also welcome to join the AAP. International members are eligible to enroll in the CCAP/CCAPA  certification program as well to attain their certification.  The only challenge is that some countries are not supported by Stripe (memberships and certification costs are paid via credit card).

How do I become a member of AAP?

• If you go online to canadianadmin.ca and choose the Membership drop down all the details, contacts and membership application are listed. Complete the online membership application form, include a copy of your resume and letter of support (optional).
• Contact a local Branch representative.
• Membership fees are non-refundable.

What are the benefits of joining AAP?

• Membership is a tool to help you keep pace with the ever-changing environment of the administrative world.
• Exclusive member discounts and promotions at both a branch and national level.
• Membership in a professional Association with access to shared communications, support and annual trade show, Professional Development Days and national meetings that provide networking and meeting with colleagues across Canada.
• Participate in AAP-sponsored events such as #AdminsRock.
• Certification Program – Work towards an accreditation in becoming a Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) or Canadian Certified Administrative Professional Associate (CCAPA).
• Community Page that allows members to connect with peers and share learnings and experiences. 
• Resource Page that is available under our Members Only Page on our website that includes resources to links and slide decks from past webinars, tip sheets, salary guides, and other great resources for administrative professionals.
• Regular publications of our National E-Magazine – The Communique.
• Access to branch newsletters.
• A copy of the Executive Support magazine is included with the AAP membership.
• Networking – opportunities for members to connect with other administrative professionals through networking events, online forums, and local branches. Networking can provide valuable support, advice, and mentorship, as well as opportunities for career advancement and collaboration.
• Opportunities to volunteer and be a part of a board.
• I would encourage everyone to visit our website for additional information about Benefits and check out our Partners and Sponsors.

What is the cost of AAP membership?

• The annual fee is as follows:
  • Regular – Those who have general education and business training, have experience as an Administrative Assistant or a related field at the time of application. Annual Fee: $180.00
  • Student (Attending a post-secondary institution full time (must provide a confirmation letter or transcripts as proof). A student member may serve on a committee or branch Board but may not serve on the National Board. The CCAP program does not qualify for student membership. Annual Fee: $60.00 
  • Retired (Those retired from an Administrative Assistant or a related field at the time of application). Annual Fee: $60.00

Can I attend AAP events and conferences if I’m not a member?

• Non-members are welcome to join AAP events and conferences that are open to non-members. They would pay a non-member rate.

How does AAP support professional development and networking opportunities?

• There are a wide variety of events available at both a branch and National level.
• A list of AAP events is posted on the Events page of our website.
• Active participation at the Branch and National level, by joining a committee, the Executive or volunteering, will provide great experience along with professional and personal growth.

Are there any certification programs offered by AAP?

• One of the main goals of the Association of Administrative Professionals is to encourage people in the business world to continuously upgrade their professionalism through continuing education.
• The Canadian Certified Administrative Professional Programs, sponsored by the AAP, is one of the vehicles available to those interested in advancing their professional development. Both of our certificate programs – the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) and the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional Associate (CCAPA) are for administrative professionals. Members are encouraged to earn either certification by meeting the requirements of the applicable program’s components. Both certifications have educational, membership, and experience components, and both require certification renewal once they are obtained.

Does AAP recognize my certification from IAAP or ASAP or other organizations?

• At this time AAP does not have the means to provide an equivalency for the IAAP or ASAP certifications. This is something that we hope to be able to do in the near future.

Are there local branches affiliated with AAP?

• We have 6 branches across Canada plus Members at Large.
• One of the branches, Atlantic Canada is currently operating virtually under the Members at Large umbrella.
• Our other branches include: Barrie/Simcoe County, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto.

Are there opportunities to volunteer for AAP?

• Members are welcome to volunteer for their Branch Executive Committee.
• The National Board is also run by volunteers and members are also welcome to volunteer for a National Board position. The National Board consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Public Relations, Marketing, Past President (Constitution Chair).
• The National Board also has Volunteer Coordinator roles available for members to volunteer, as well as, Committees.

What is the difference between AAP and IAAP?

• AAP is a Canadian Administrative Professionals Association.
• IAAP is an International Administrative Professionals Association.
• AAP and IAAP have a partnership in which we share ideas and values to support office and administrative professionals.

How does the AAP support diversity and inclusion within its membership?

• We seek to attract members from diverse backgrounds, including different races, ethnicities, genders, sensual orientations, abilities, and ages.
• AAP advocates for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. 
• AAP is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all administrative professionals feel valued, respected, and supported. Through its efforts, AAP strives to promote diversity and inclusion.