Web Accessibility Certifications (Are They Worth It?)

“Why get a web accessibility certification?”

“Would it help me get a better job offer?”

“How does it improve my credibility as a professional?”

These are common questions that web accessibility professionals ask. I’ll do my best to answer these and more questions in this article. But first, for the uninitiated, what is web accessibility?

Web accessibility is the practice of making web content accessible to people with disabilities. This practice ensures that web content and websites are built to give everyone a good user experience. Check to see if your website is accessible.

Why Get a Web Accessibility Certification?

Certifications, in general, are documents that verify an individual’s competence in a field or topic. Depending on the issuing body, a certification can provide respect and distinction to the person who has it.

The field of digital accessibility is relatively new, and certifications only began to be issued around 2016. Most accessibility experts today are self-taught and do not have formal credentials. So why are accessibility certifications becoming increasingly important?

1. Define the Scope of Knowledge for Professionals

While you can learn a lot from various resources online, a well-structured curriculum ensures you cover all the necessary ground. Web accessibility certification programs provide a comprehensive set of modules designed to give you a solid foundation in accessibility. Certifications cover essential topics such as accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and best practices for universal design.

2. Provide a Reference for Quality Work in the Industry

A certification serves as a benchmark for what’s expected from professionals in the field. It ensures a certain level of knowledge and skill, helping the industry maintain quality work standards. This is especially important as accessibility becomes more regulated and incorporated into web development processes.

3. Enhance Job Opportunities and Career Growth

Accessibility certifications make it easier for employers to assess your qualifications. A certified professional’s competency is recognized and trusted, removing some of the guesswork during hiring. As more organizations prioritize accessibility, certified individuals often stand out in the hiring process.

Let’s Find Out About the IAAP

The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) introduced a series of certifications for the digital accessibility industry in 2015. These certifications aim to standardize knowledge and professionalism for experts in the field.

Here’s what an IAAP certificate looks like:

IAAP certifications are highly respected and globally recognized. They are divided into two levels of accreditation:

1. Professional level: This includes an entry-level credential assessing foundational knowledge and a broader certification covering more concepts, though not technical in nature.
2. Technical level: These certifications focus on technical skills, requiring a deeper understanding of accessibility standards and web development guidelines.

In addition to these levels, IAAP offers several specific certifications. Let’s explore them to help you decide which might be right for you.

IAAP Certifications

CPACC: The Fundamental Level

The Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) certification is the entry-level credential for people working in web technologies that require accessibility optimizations.

• Exam Costs: $385 for IAAP members, $485 for non-members. Discounts for Developing and Emerging Economies bring the cost to $170.
• Prerequisites: Knowledge in accessibility and universal design, disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility-related laws and standards.

This certification is ideal if you’re looking to establish a foundation in accessibility and gain a working understanding of essential accessibility concepts.

WAS: The Intermediate Level

The Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) certification is aimed at professionals specializing in evaluating and fixing accessibility errors in programming code.

• Exam Costs: $430 for IAAP members, $530 for non-members. Discounts for Developing and Emerging Economies lower the cost to $225.
• Prerequisites: Ability to identify issues in code, understand accessibility features, and ensure usability for all end users.

The WAS certification is ideal for those focused on the more technical aspects of web accessibility, particularly developers and technical experts.

CPABE: The Advanced Level

The Certified Professional in Accessible Built Environments (CPABE) certification assesses knowledge in implementing accessibility standards for physical environments and digital spaces.

This credential has three levels of expertise:

1. Level 1: Associate: $430 for members, $530 for non-members.
2. Level 2: Advanced: $500 for members, $600 for non-members.
3. Level 3: Expert: $650 for members, $750 for non-members.

Successful candidates are usually those who have passed the CPACC exam and want to broaden their understanding of universal design principles for both digital and physical environments.

ADS

The Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) certification is designed for professionals who create and remediate electronic documents to ensure they are accessible.

• Exam Costs: $430 for members, $530 for non-members, with Emerging Economy discounts.
• Prerequisites: Knowledge of assistive technologies and document formatting across platforms.

This certification is especially useful for individuals working with electronic documents, ensuring they can meet accessibility standards.

CPWA

The Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) credential is awarded to professionals who pass both the CPACC and WAS exams.

Professionals with the CPWA certification have a combination of conceptual and technical knowledge, making them highly skilled in accessibility. This is a comprehensive certification that reflects a deep commitment to accessibility and is respected globally.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you choose to pursue a web accessibility certification depends on your career goals. As the digital world expands and accessibility becomes more essential, having a formal credential can distinguish you from others in the industry. Certifications like CPACC are a great way to get started and can significantly improve your chances of landing specialized roles in accessibility.

Common FAQs About Web Accessibility Certifications

• How do I apply for a Web Accessibility Professional (WAP)  certification?

If you attended an IAAP event, submit your registration or confirmation email along with documentation such as certificates of attendance. If it’s an on-demand program, a screenshot and URL of the program opening will suffice.

• How do I maintain my certification?

You can maintain your certification by engaging in professional development activities or sharing your accessibility expertise through formal training.

• What is the validity period of my certification?

Each IAAP certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, you must:

• Complete an IAAP-approved number of continuing education credits.
• Submit an application for renewal.
• Pay the certification renewal fee (waived for IAAP members during the validity period).

• Can I renew my certification after the renewal period has elapsed?

If you miss your renewal period, you will need to retake the exam. You can schedule a retake via the IAAP website.

Final Thoughts on Certification

Accessibility certifications are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s digital landscape. They provide a clear way to demonstrate expertise, stay competitive in the job market, and show your commitment to inclusive design. If you aim to build a career in accessibility, these certifications are well worth considering.