MIEM School Administrative Professional Certification Program (SAPC) FAQ's

Who is the SAPC Program for?

The School Administrative Professional Certification Program (SAPC) is for central office and school building secretaries, and individuals employed in administrative support positions in Michigan schools. Although anyone may benefit from certification, the full program is designed for those in their first five years of employment. MIEM will evaluate the professional development and work backgrounds of those who have substantial experience to determine how much additional training is required prior to granting “Grandparenting” credit for certification.

What can the SAPC Program do for me?

By participating in the program you will:

• Expand your knowledge base, skills and confidence as an administrative professional.
• Receive on-going training and support from experienced instructors and MIEM staff.
• Become part of a statewide network of administrative professionals who are interested in advancing their profession.

What classes do I need to take in order to become certified?

Participants must complete 13 classes within three years of beginning the program, unless a waiver is obtained. Ten of those classes are part of the required core curriculum:

• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Business Communications
• The Business of Schools: What They Do and How They Do It
• Crisis Management/Safety Issues
• Customer Service
• Data and Recordkeeping
• The Leader in You (online class)
• Marketing Your School (online class)
• School Law for the Secretary (Central Office or Building Level)
• Time Management and Productivity
  

Three classes should be elective classes. Any of the programs that MIEM offers can be counted as electives. MIEM will provide an annual schedule for certification classes. Every class will be offered at least once in a three-year period. Many classes are offered every year or every other year based on need.

How do I know if I qualify for the Grandparenting provision?

If you have 6 or more years of prior professional development and work experience in Michigan schools, you may be eligible for Grandparenting. To apply, fill out the Grandparenting Application. As part of the Grandparenting, you are required to complete at least 2 of the MIEM SAPC required classes.

How do I begin the program?

Fill out the Letter of Application to be enrolled in the SAPC program.

What do I need to do to complete the program?

Upon completing your last class, fill out the SAPC Final Application and send it to MIEM.

Are there any fees to be in the program?

There is a $60 application fee due with the submission of the Letter of Application. A $30 fee is due every five years for continuing certification. All records are maintained by MIEM.

Can classes from other organizations count towards SAPC certification?

In some circumstances, courses from other sources may be counted toward SAPC certification. These situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Paperwork may be submitted for review.

Once I become certified, then what?

Once you are certified, you have 5 years to obtain 45 hours of continuing education. You can earn these hours by taking any of the classes MIEM offers. Conferences or seminars attended by other organizations can help you get hours for SAPC certification. One college semester hour is equal to 30 hours toward SAPC certification. If you are uncertain that something would count for the SAPC program, simply contact our office before attending. To have hours recorded, send an agenda or other outline of the event to the MIEM office for approval. At the end of five years, fill out the SAPC Renewal Application to keep your certification.