certified professional secretary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Business/Professional
Quick answer
What does “certified professional secretary” mean?
A professional title and credential for an administrative professional who has passed a standardized exam and meets specific experience requirements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A professional title and credential for an administrative professional who has passed a standardized exam and meets specific experience requirements.
A person who has earned the CPS designation, signifying expertise in office management, communication, organizational systems, and business law. The title may be used after one's name (e.g., Jane Doe, CPS). Historically, the credential was administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), but it has now been largely succeeded by the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The role of a 'secretary' is more commonly termed 'PA' (Personal Assistant) or 'Administrator' in modern UK business contexts. The specific credential 'CPS' is an American-origin designation and is less common/recognized in the UK, where qualifications like NVQs or specific PA diplomas are more prevalent.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes a formal, high-level professional credential. In the UK, 'secretary' can sometimes carry more traditional or clerical connotations compared to 'PA' or 'Executive Assistant'.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, particularly in administrative professional literature and HR contexts. Rare in general UK English usage.
Grammar
How to Use “certified professional secretary” in a Sentence
[Person] is a certified professional secretary.[Person], CPS, managed the project.The position requires a certified professional secretary.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “certified professional secretary” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She aims to qualify as a certified professional secretary.
- He is studying to become certified.
American English
- She plans to certify as a professional secretary next year.
- He certified through the IAAP program.
adverb
British English
- The office was run professionally by the CPS holder.
- She works professionally as a certified secretary.
American English
- He administers the department professionally, as befits a CPS.
- She is professionally certified as a secretary.
adjective
British English
- The certified-professional-secretary qualification is respected.
- She pursued the certified secretary path.
American English
- She holds a certified professional secretary credential.
- The CPS program offers certified training.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in job postings for senior administrative roles, on professional CVs/resumes, and in HR discussions about qualifications.
Academic
Appears in business studies or professional development literature focusing on vocational credentials.
Everyday
Very rare; would only be used by someone directly involved in the administrative profession.
Technical
Specific to the field of administrative professional certification and standards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “certified professional secretary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “certified professional secretary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “certified professional secretary”
- Using lowercase for the full title when it is a proper designation (incorrect: 'certified Professional Secretary').
- Using the acronym 'CPS' without first establishing the full term.
- Confusing it with other certifications like the CAP.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The CPS credential has been largely phased out and succeeded by the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential, also offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
It implies the individual has met externally verified standards of knowledge and skill, typically through a standardised examination and experience requirements set by a professional body.
Yes, individuals who have earned the credential are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'CPS' (or 'CAP' for the newer certification) to signify their qualification.
No, it is primarily an American credential and term. Other countries have different qualification systems for administrative professionals (e.g., NVQs in the UK, specific diplomas elsewhere).
A professional title and credential for an administrative professional who has passed a standardized exam and meets specific experience requirements.
Certified professional secretary is usually formal, business/professional in register.
Certified professional secretary: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɜː.tɪ.faɪd prəˈfeʃ.ən.əl ˈsek.rə.tər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɝː.t̬ə.faɪd prəˈfeʃ.ən.əl ˈsek.rə.ter.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “She has the letters after her name.”
- “He's got the paper to prove it.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Certified Professional Secretary: CPS - Constantly Proves Skills.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CREDENTIAL IS A BADGE OF HONOUR (it is displayed, signifies membership, and conveys authority).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary significance of the term 'certified professional secretary'?