Organizational Management Specialty

The OM
Exam Guide
iaap-hq.org/certifcation
General Info
This guide provides complete information about
the Organizational Management specialty exam.
All applicants need a complete copy to apply
for approval to take the exam. Included are:
Regulations for applying
Deadline dates
Exam outline
Suggestions on how to prepare
Complete bibliography
Sample questions
Examination Outline
The outline provides the content areas that
will be tested on the exam. All courses
of study should follow this outline.
Examination Bibliography
References listed in the Examination
Bibliography are college-level textbooks used
in writing actual examination questions.
References for Broad Overview are intended
for use as a review of material previously learned.
They may be used in conjunction with the
references listed in the Examination Bibliography.
Examination Sample Questions
Sample questions are a means of acquainting
candidates with the examination.
The Organizational Management specialty
examination is a scenario-based, multiple-choice
exam. Questions based on the scenarios are
designed to test application of concepts.
Summary
Every effort is made in the examination to adhere
to the common office experience familiar to any
effective administrative professional. However,
some of the examination is necessarily based
on information which must be obtained through
formal education and informal reading. The Institute
believes that a top-level administrative professional
should have basic knowledge of office systems,
technology, office administration, and management
from which to draw as required on the job.
The suggested plans and sample
questions in this guide should assist in
intelligent preparation for the Organizational
Management specialty exam; however, they
do not guarantee passing the examination.
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Candidates for the
Organizational Management
specialty exam must have a
current CAP certification or be
applying to take the CAP exam
at the same time. The guide to
that program is found here.
2 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
IAAP, the premier association for
administrative professionals, offers the Certifed
Administrative Professional (CAP) certifcation,
and specialties in Organizational Management
(OM) or Technology Applications (TA).

Todays administrative professional needs a wide
base of knowledge ranging from technical skills
to expert communication abilities. As you prepare
to take the certifcation exam, youll increase
your aptitude in key areas of organization
and planning, information distribution and
administration skills. Employers expect their admin
to be familiar with current technologies as well
as advanced practices and procedures that are
integral in business today. Be in the know. Get
certied.
Improve your professional qualifcations
Increase your skills and knowledge
Earn a higher salary
Raise your profle as the go-to resource in
your offce
Certication
Benets of
3 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Experience Requirements
Applicants for the Organizational Management specialty
exam must have a current CAP certifcation or be applying
for the CAP exam at the same time.
Applying
for the Organizational Management
specialty exam
Taking The Exam
If you are thinking about taking this exam,
you must frst have the CAP certifcation or be
applying for the CAP exam at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I study to prepare for the exam?
Each candidate must decide which method or methods
of preparation work best for them. Use the information in
this packet to direct your study for the exam. The guide
includes outlines, sample questions, bibliography of
recommended study materials and suggestions on exam
review. College texts listed in the bibliography are the
materials used to write the exams.
Are there review materials available specic to the
Organizational Management specialty exam?
Yes. Review materials by Metcalf Educational
Services can be used as one tool to prepare for the
exam. However, the review materials should not be
a candidates primary source of study. Any review
materials used should be in conjunction with college texts
listed. Using a variety of materials is key in successfully
preparing for the exam.
If I take the CAP exam and Organizational Management
specialty exam at the same time, and pass only the
specialty exam, will I be certied?
No. The IAAP certifcation is the CAP. You cannot attain a
specialty certifcate without passing the CAP exam.
Can I take the Organizational Management specialty
exam and then take the CAP exam?
No. You must have a current CAP certifcation before
taking the Organizational Management specialty exam;
or be applying for the CAP exam at the same time.
Find The Exam Dates Online:
www.iaap-hq.org/certifcation
Dates To Remember
Exams are administered on the frst Saturday of May and November,
unless otherwise noted.
Exam Date Application Deadline Application Deadline with late fee
May Received by Feb. 15 Received by Feb. 28
November Received by Aug. 15 Received by Aug. 31
The Organizational Management specialty exam is a 3-hour exam
administered Saturday afternoon. Certain international centers have
been approved to give the exam on days other than Saturday.
Late applications will be accepted February 16-28 and August 16-31
with a late fee of $50. No applications will be accepted beyond
those dates.
Submit Your Application:
Submit application, Job Function & Employers Statement (or letter
from employer) and fees.
The application is found at:
www.iaap-hq.org/certifcation
By Email: Electronically fll out or scan and send
documents with credit card authorization
to certifcation@iaap-hq.org
By Mail: IAAP
10502 N. Ambassador Drive
Suite #100
Kansas City, MO 64153
Notication:
You will be notifed by email within three business days of your
application being received. Those who do not have email will be
notifed by mail.
Rescheduling/Cancelation Policy:
Please note that examination fees are nonrefundable. Candidates are
allowed to reschedule to the next available exam with a $75 rescheduling
fee. If a candidate chooses to reschedule, the request must be submitted to
certifcation@iaap-hq.org at least fve (5) business days prior to the
exam date. The $75 nonrefundable rescheduling fee is due at the time of
the request. Those who are scheduled for multiple exams are not eligible to
reschedule a single exam.
Candidates who cancel or who fail to appear for a scheduled exam will
forfeit all fees. Requests for exceptions received within fve (5) business
days following the exam may be considered.
Please note that exam proctors cannot accept or approve cancellation
or rescheduling requests.
4 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Am I required to be a member of IAAP before taking the Organizational
Management specialty exam?
No, although members of IAAP do receive signifcant discounts on
exam fees and some study materials. Details on member benefts are
on the IAAP website (www.iaap-hq.org/join).
How do I nd out where the exams are given?
The list of exam centers can be found on the IAAP website at
www.iaap-hq.org/certifcation. Not all centers listed are used
for each exam, so candidates are asked to make three choices of
possible centers. Candidates will be notifed of their center assignment
approximately one month before the exam.
Do I need to attend college classes before I take the exam?
Depending on the candidates background, three to six hours of course
work at a community college level may be needed for each area
of the exam. General knowledge of management theories is also
recommended.
What happens after the exam?
Approximately 45 days after the exam youll receive a performance
report showing either a pass or need. Those who pass will
receive a certifcate dated for fve years. Scoring is determined by
the educators on the Institute for Certifcation and a psychometric
consultant using psychometric data.
Do I receive certication by passing the Organizational Management
specialty exam?
No. The professional certifcation is the CAP certifcation. The
Organizational Management specialty exam is a certifcate program.
Useful Websites:
IAAP Certifcation Online:
www.iaap-hq.org/certifcation
IAAP Membership Information:
www.iaap-hq.org/join
Organizational
Management
Specialty
Frequently Asked
Questions
36%
Organizational Planning
27%
Advanced Communication
23%
Advanced Administration
14%
Team Skills
What information will be included on the
Organizational Management specialty exam?
5 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
to assist you in preparing
for the exam
Tips
6. Review each outline category separately. Whatever
methods of study are used, take notes, re-read chapters,
use flash cards, and quiz yourself after completing the
study of each area.
7. After completing your initial study for an area, again
compare what youve studied with the outline found in this
guide. Make sure all areas in the outline have been covered.
Quiz yourself.
8. Spend a few days before the exam, going over your notes
again. Some candidates like to spend this time taking quizzes
from the review materials they have used. Remember though, you
will not see those same questions on the exam. Exam day is not
the day to cram.
9. Get a good nights sleep the night before the exam.
If you are not familiar with the location of the exam center,
take a test drive to avoid any delays exam day. For those
candidates traveling a distance to take the exam, make sure
you check into the hotel early and have time to relax. You
should take time to calmly arrive at the exam center. Eat a
nutritious breakfast.
10. When the exam starts, listen carefully to the proctors
instructions. Properly fill out the answer sheets. Relax.
Take a deep breath. Read each question carefully. Do
your best.
11. After the exam, dont try to rehash how well you
did. Enjoy the evening with your family and friends.
12. Relax and wait for the performance report that
will be mailed to you approximately 45 days after
the exam.
1. Plan your study around this guide. This guide, which should be
used to direct any course of study, includes the outline, bibliography,
references for broad review and sample questions.
Comparing the outline with your own background helps you
determine what course of study will work best for you.
2. Obtain at least one or two comprehensive textbooks in the areas
tested (these are listed in the bibliography). Check public libraries,
college libraries, publishers, online discount booksellers, bookstores,
etc., for these references. It is important to use several sources
when studying for the Organizational Management specialty
exam.
References listed in the bibliography are actual college texts
used to write examination questions.
3. Plan your study schedule for each area tested. Plan to spend
five to ten hours per week for four to six months, dedicated to
intensive study of each area. Without a good background,
candidates may need course work at community college level in
the areas tested.
4. Some IAAP chapters have study groups. These courses are
intended strictly as a review of materials previously studied. Check
the IAAP website under About > Chapter Locator for information on
IAAP chapters in your area. IAAP does not endorse any particular
course of study.
5. Review materials are available in various forms. Metcalf
Educational Services has audio CD-ROMs, a PC tutorial, PC mock
exams, and flash cards. Keep in mind these are intended strictly for
review of materials previously learned. These materials are not intended
to teach or to cover everything that will be on the exams. These materials
are not used to write the actual examination questions. Any review
materials should be used in conjunction with the bibliographic references
listed in this guide.
6 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
1. Location
Select a location which will encourage participation by the greatest number of
people in your area. Check with educational institutions or businesses in your city
for appropriate facilities.
2. Textbooks for Review
Appropriate textbooks and references are listed in the bibliography of each Exam
Guide. It is important to use references in those guides.
Group leaders need to correlate the text material with the topics on the
Outline section of the guidebooks. Textbooks which have the broadest
coverage of the topics listed will be most suitable for use. Use of
other reference materials should be encouraged and may be shared.
3. Planning
Adapt the schedule to the needs of the group.
In all cases, the course of study/discussion should relate to the current exam
outline.
Meet as a group.
Review the outline.
Review the study tips.
Establish the schedule. It could be four weeks for two hours a week, six weeks
for 90 minutes a week; see what works best for the group.
Reiterate this is a study group to review materials already known.
Outside study is necessary for each group member.
Group leader is not there to teachleader is there to guide the discussion.
Group leaders may want to assign outline categories to a variety of people.
Group leaders need to be prepared to step in if that individual has to drop
out. Group leaders need to touch base with each candidate from time-to-time
throughout the time the group is meeting.
4. Suggested Time Schedule
Two to three hours a week is suggested for meeting with the group. A recom-
mended schedule of 3040 group hours is recommended for each exam.
This schedule should provide adequate time to review all areas of the outline.
Group leaders should encourage candidates to study and read liberally from
supplemental sources in addition to course requirements. All students should have
a copy of this guide to assist in their exam preparation.
5. Notify IAAP
Approval must be gained from IAAP before using trademarks and logos. IAAP
does not endorse any particular study group.
Suggestions
for establishing a study group
A group leader may assign one or more study
sessions to one course or several. One or more
courses may be completed during one year. The
study group may be scheduled once a week for
three hours, or the instructor can plan options to fit
student or instructor requirements.
Participation in a study group is not mandatory
prior to taking the exam. Study groups are designed
to refresh, update, and help candidates prepare to
take the examination. Group participants are
expected to have a basic knowledge of
the topics to be covered in the study.
When potential participants do not have this
knowledge, they should be encouraged to
enroll in a regularly-scheduled course in a
postsecondary institution. Candidates may
select the option of attending courses
offered in schools to prepare for the exam
or may find review courses to be more
appropriate for them as an alternative
means of preparation.
7 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Items: Approximately 175
Time: 3 Hours
Organizational Planning ................................................................................................... 36%
Critical thinking and decision making
Strategic planning
Communicating mission and values
Allocating resources
Advanced Communication ................................................................................................. 27%
Nonverbal
Presentation techniques
Legal issues
Professional protocol
Advanced Administration .................................................................................................. 23%
Mentoring and training
Conducting research
Coordinating projects
Delegating and empowering
Team Skills ...................................................................................................................... 14%
Team building and leading
Group problem solving
Resolving conflict
Conducting meetings
Candidates will also need a knowledge base of general management theories,
and of all areas tested on the CAP examination.
Outline
Bibliography
Organizational Management
specialty exam
Organizational Management specialty exam
The references listed are actual college texts used to write the examination questions. Use the latest edition (not more than two years old) of at least one of these
references or similar college-level textbooks for each major subsection of the examination.
Candidates for the Organizational Management specialty exam will also need a general knowledge base from the eight areas tested on the CAP exam.
References listed for the CAP exam may also be used in writing items for the Organizational Management specialty exam.
Note: Many of these books are updated on an annual basis and titles are sometimes changed; using books by the same authors with slightly different titles is
appropriate.
Bateman, Thomas S. and Scott A. Snell. Management: The New Competitive Landscape. Irwin/McGraw Hill.
Bovee and Thill. Business Communication Today. Pearson Prentice-Hall.
David, Fred R. Strategic Management. Pearson Prentice-Hall.
Dessler, Gary. Human Resource Management. Pearson Prentice-Hall.
Guffey, Mary Ellen. Essentials of Business Communication. South-Western Cengage.
Robbins, Stephen P. and Mary Coulter. Management. Pearson Prentice-Hall.
Robbins, Stephen P. and Tim A. Judge. Organizational Behavior. Pearson Prentice-Hall.
Schermerhorn, John R. Jr. Management. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
8 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Sample Questions
Organizational Management specialty exam
Directions: Each of the numbered questions is followed by
answers. Select the ONE letter response that is BEST in
each case. Check your answers with the answer key pro-
vided at the end of the exam.
Notes
The Physical Therapy Assistant
Hinton is a physical therapy assistant who has worked for 17 years in a small town
hospital. His only training, 17 years ago, was a one-year program that legally
entitled him to work as a therapy assistant. During the last 15 years, this hospital has
been sequentially acquired by numerous health organizations. After the last acquisi-
tion, Hinton had some concerns about job security but thought his job was safe.
On the second day of work the supervisor discovers that Hinton does not meet
current requirements. The law regarding certification had changed a number of years
ago to require two years of training. Hinton had heard about the changes in the law
but had ignored the changes; he did not think that the changes would affect him.
1. How should the new owners communicate the changes to Hinton?
A) Send Hinton an email
B) Hold organization-wide staff meeting regarding credentials
C) Put layoff notices with pay check
D) Conduct an individual job specification review for each employee
2. How could the hospital assist Hinton?
A) Provide Hinton an excellence reference
B) Reimburse Hinton for the cost of the training
C) Give Hinton a list of schools
D) Offer Hinton a housekeeping position
3. Whose responsibility was it for Hinton to meet the new requirements?
A) Insurance carrier
B) Hinton
C) Hospital administration
D) Physical therapist certification board
9 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Notes
4. If he wants to keep his job at the hospital, what
is the best action for Hinton to pursue?
A) Sue the hospital
B) Attempt to acquire a waiver for training based on experience
C) Acquire the necessary credentials
D) Apply at another health care facility
5. The administration discovers that 50% of its therapists fail to meet
the current requirements. What should the administration do?
A) Assign a mentor to each therapist lacking credentials
B) Immediately implement an on-the-job recertification/work program
C) Advertise for replacements
D) Notify all employees that they have 13 months to obtain certification
Accounting Associates
Accounting Associates is a small professional accounting firm best described
as a simple structure with little formalization. Decision making is concen-
trated with the three partners, all CPAs. However, the partners have hired
Simpson as office manager in charge of day-to-day operations. Simpson man-
ages two full-time bookkeepers, a receptionist, a filing clerk, and one part-
time employee. Simpson herself does some write-up and tax work, but is not a
degreed accountant. In addition, a friend of one of the partners subleases some
office space and occasionally secretarial assistance from Simpsons staff.
Simpson was so excited when she accepted the job, but after two weeks is dis-
couraged. One of the full-time bookkeepers is not knowledgeable. This morning
he asked Simpson, Whats a capital account? A few minutes ago, he cheerfully
queried, Whats accrual accounting? Simpson cringed and thought, I dont sup-
pose I should ask him to calculate ending inventory, amortization or deprecia-
tion! But if he asks me to explain the difference between a debit and credit, hes
gone or Im gone. By contrast, the other bookkeeper is attending the local college
and knows all the answers. Yesterday, she lectured Simpson on profitability mea-
sures and suggested that Simpson carefully manage the offices variable costs.
The partners hold Simpson accountable for costs, though she has relatively little
authority to control costs. One of the partners is thinking about restricting use of
the photocopier because we can save paper by communicating electronically.
Because the part-time employee is the easiest to work with, Simpson is spend-
ing too much time with him. He seems genuinely interested in efficiency. He
is learning how to use an electronic spreadsheet and create macros. Simpson
likes his initiative, It reminds her of her own drive and determination.
When the receptionist calls to Simpson saying, The dry clean-
ers called to say that they still have not found the partners orders,
she shrugs her shoulders, indifferent to this latest affront.
10 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Notes
6. The major problem of the partners at Accounting Associates is
A) establishing parity between authority and responsibility
B) not monitoring costs
C) not monitoring revenues
D) avoiding upward delegation
7. Partners could better delegate to Simpson if they
A) used Theory X
B) lack the time to do the work
C) clarified her role and responsibilities
D) each communicate their individual priorities
8. If the partners empower Simpson, results will be that
A) tasks are readily accepted
B) interpersonal relationships are unchanged
C) organizational inefficiency increases
D) motivation is no longer necessary
9. The part-time employee reminds Simpson of her own drive and
determination. Simpsons attention to this employee illustrates
A) the bureaucratic process
B) leader member exchange theory
C) attribution theory
D) initiating structure
10. Simpsons response to the dry cleaners call indi-
cates that she feels stress. Some of the stress is due to
A) incompetency
B) role conflict
C) uncertainty regarding job evaluation
D) span of control
11 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide
Answer Key
1. D
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. B
Listed below are References for Broad Overview that can be used in preparation for the
exam. However, these are not study materials required by the Institute for
Certification, and should always be used in conjunction with the other
references listed in this guide. The guide should be used to direct any course of study for
the examination.
The examination is not written from the references for broad overview. Books listed on page 8
of this guide are actual college texts used to write examination questions. It is recommended that
candidates use the latest edition of at least one textbook listed in each of the major areas tested.
For those candidates with limited background in the areas tested, the Institute for Certification
recommends 36 hours of course work at community college level or higher in the areas tested.
General knowledge of management theories will also be needed.
IAAP does not endorse or guarantee any particular course.
Taking a review course does not guarantee passing the
Organizational Management specialty exam.
Contact individual publishers for current pricing on the References
for Broad Overview.
Examination Preparation
Metcalf Educational Services CAP

Exam Review, available from: PO Box 678,

Logan, UT 84323-0678.
Phone 435-753-2222; Fax 435-753-7727
Email: support@capreview.com
Website: www.capreview.com
Available materials include: CD and Mock Exam, Audio CD-ROMs, Flash
Cards, Spiral-Bound Textbook
Metcalf materials are not used to write the OM specialty exam.
Current editions of the following references may be helpful for broad range review:
The Gregg Reference Manual. McGraw Hill/Irwin.
Additionally, current issues of periodicals or business such as the following may be helpful:
OfficePro magazine Business Week Research (Google search)
Fortune Wall Street Journal Forbes
Review of common workplace terms
Review of general management theories
For More Information
IAAPCertifcation
10502 N Ambassador Drive
Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64153
tel: 816-891-6600
email: certifcation@iaap-hq.org
web: www.iaap-hq.org
References for Broad Overview
12 Organizational Management Specialty Exam Guide