Certification attests to the competence of those in the profession. Achievement of the coveted rating entitles one to use the initials CPS after his or her name and to a CPS certificate pin. Del Mar College offers 27 semester hours of credit in specific courses for CPSs. Attainment of the Associate in Applied Science degree in office administration, which is offered by the Department of Business Technology, is great preparation for the CPS examination. The CPS exam is administered internationally in May and November of each year, and Del Mar College is one of the testing centers.
Candidates have three consecutive years, if necessary, to pass all three parts of the examination.