Certified Office Automation Professional
through the
Office Automation Society International

The Certified Office Automation Professional (COAP) status can be obtained through the Office Automation Society International (OASI).

The COAP program has been a valuable asset in furthering members' careers. Acquiring credits for COAP certification is relatively simple, and most can be obtained from local courses, work experience, professional educational activities, and from continuing education through attendance at conference and seminar programs. There are six categories in which a COAP applicant can qualify or requalify:

Category 1: College or university coursework
Category 2: Formally organized continuing education
Category 3: Professional presentations
Category 4: Teaching/instruction
Category 5: Publications: papers, articles, books
Category 6: Continued full-time experience

There are three types of memberships: active, student, and honorary. COAPs re certify every three years by obtaining 90 points in one or all of the six categories. Credits earned above the required 90 (which are earned in the past six months) can be applied to the next recertification period. To apply for certification, contact the OASI office by phone, fax, email, or mail. The certification committee will process your application. When you receive certification, you are entitled to use the COAP designation following your name on your business documents, such as correspondence and business cards.

OASI address:

Office Automation Society International
5170 Meadow Wood Boulevard
Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Phone and Fax: (216) 461-4803
Email: JBDYKE@aol.com

Purposes of Office Automation Society International:

1. To promote professionalism in office automation and management through training, continuing education, encouraging commercial and academic research, providing networking among professionals, and recognizing individual achievement through a program of certification.
2. To provide an educational forum for the exchange of office automation problem solving, through conferences, seminars, meetings, and exhibits.
3. To encourage expanded and improved use of products and services in the office automation field by providing accurate and timely information about hardware, software, accessories, training, and services.
4. To cooperate and maintain liaison with other organizations with similar purposes and interests.
5. To publicize to members and the public the potential benefits of office automation through newsletters, information services, and direct mail.

Office Systems Technology

Pellissippi State Technical Community College

P. O. Box 22990Knoxville, TN 37933-0990

Phone 865-694-6400

Email comments to author: rbuckley@pstcc.edu