Today’s business world changes rapidly, so today’s professional secretary needs an edge to stay up to date. Passing the Certified Professional Secretary exam and obtaining professional certification is that edge. Professional certification is more than just a piece of paper—it represents knowledge of the latest office operations and skills. Preparing to earn that certification isn’t something that need be done alone.  Tennessee Board of Regents Campus Collaborative provides online classes to help today’s professional secretary prepare for each of the three sections of the CPS exam—Management, Office Administration and Office Systems and Technology.

Can taking these online classes really help you pass the CPS exam? Just ask Dianna Bass. She already knew what having the certification would mean to her professionally, but she didn’t have time to drive to a college campus for on-site classes. With TBR Campus Collaborative, classes came to Dianna. “Due to the fact that I live in a rural area, the online program made taking the three courses more affordable and convenient,” she remembers. “I thoroughly enjoyed the flexibility the online courses afforded me by being able to work at my own pace. At the same time, there were well-defined goals to keep me on track and focused.”

“I tend to be a facilitator, but at the same time, attempt to find the most efficient way of completing tasks. These courses gave me the tools to do just that,” Dianna says.

Dianna knows that the CPS certification is the accepted standard of proficiency for secretarial support professionals. Employers know it, too. A recent International Association of Administrative Professionals membership profile study shows that CPS holders “earn an average of $2228 more” annually than those who don’t have the certification.  Some colleges and universities even offer course credit for studying for and passing the CPS exam. Dianna knows her field will always bring new challenges. But she’s prepared, because TBR Campus Collaborative’s online CPS courses helped her “focus on the challenges of the future in a positive way.”

When Carolyn Jeans’ boss encouraged her to attain the Certified Professional Secretary designation, she knew that preparation was a must.  But getting ready for a complicated three-part exam wasn’t something she wanted to face alone, and with TBR Campus Collaborative, she didn’t have to. Carolyn knew where to find the best instruction, right at her fingertips.

TBR Campus Collaborative offers online preparation courses to prepare for all parts of the CPS exam—Management, Office Administration and Office Systems and Technology. Carolyn realized taking the courses meant hours of study, but knew “it was worth it.” She recognized that having the CPS certification is a “very beneficial” way to “enhance my own skills.” The instructor was a “wonderful teacher” whose proof was in the pudding—over 95% of her students passed the CPS exam after taking TBR Campus Collaborative’s preparation courses.

Carolyn isn’t alone in believing that anyone preparing for the CPS exam can gain valuable knowledge and information by taking this review course. And TBR Campus Collaborative makes it so easy. Carolyn hasn’t stopped smiling since she received her test results. She says, “It was a great accomplishment…I was proud of myself.”  At TBR Campus Collaborative, we’re proud of her, too! Getting ready to take the CPS exam? Don’t face it alone—we’ll help you every step of the way so you can get the results that will make you proud, too.

Most Saturday afternoons during autumn, Helen Allen can be found sitting in the stands watching Tennessee Tech University Golden Eagle football. But she never gets nachos during halftime—she’s too busy cheering on her son, the lead saxophone player for TTU’s Golden Eagle marching band. Helen knows it takes the right musical training for her son to stay in the lead saxophone position.

Getting the right training runs in the family. When Helen got ready to take the lead in her career, she turned to TBR Campus Collaborative. She already realized she needed Professional Secretary certification for career advancement, but she also knew that choosing the right training for the exam was crucial.  She chose TBR Campus Collaborative’s online courses to prepare for the three-part Certified Professional Secretary exam. It was the right decision. “I had no idea how much you could learn online or how available the instructor would be.”

Helen was grateful to have the flexibility of online classes when life sounded a few sour notes. “The academic schedule was great. During the months I was taking the classes, my father was hospitalized several times, and I probably couldn’t have kept up with a set schedule,” she remembers. The convenience of studying at her own pace was just one benefit Helen enjoyed with TBR Campus Collaborative.  Another benefit? The quality of instruction. “The test is extremely difficult. I would not have passed if not for this class,” she smiles.

Helen’s favorite benefit of passing the exam just might be the jingle in her pocket.  “As a state employee, I’m getting an automatic two step pay raise.” Now that’s hitting a high note! Thinking about CPS certification? Don’t go solo. Let TBR Campus Collaborative direct you to play the lead in your career!

Joanne Green isn’t your typical great grandmother. As a Learning Center Specialist at a thriving community college, she’s surrounded by those on a quest for learning. It’s something she’s familiar with, having completed her undergraduate degree at age fifty-something via online courses and sheer determination. Her parents encouraged her to fulfill her educational dreams and gave her a special necklace to show their pride in her accomplishment.

This pride is one of the things that encouraged her to pursue the prestigious Certified Professional Secretary designation. But Joanne couldn’t take courses in a traditional, on campus setting due to her full-time job, aging father and responsibilities for a family that includes five children, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

That’s where Joanne’s determination met Tennessee Board of Regents Campus Collaborative. TBR Campus Collaborative brought the CPS preparation courses to Joanne! She had already experienced the convenience of online classes through TBR Campus Collaborative while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree, so she knew it was the answer for her.  “The best part was that I could go back and take the tests and review the materials over and over as many times as I wished,” she recalls.” She also felt the quality of instruction was second to none. “The instructor was exceptionally considerate and helpful to all of us. She kept encouraging us on and would help in any way she could.”