Home | 100 Days of A11y

This site is an archive, where I chronicled my early journey of becoming an accessibility specialist. I'm no longer adding to it, so some documents may be out of date and external links broken. However, I want it to be useful to others starting their own certification journey. All my current writings can be found at The Amy Carney, which is also where you can learn about or hire me.

On November 30, 2018, I set out to learn web accessibility using the International Association of Accessibility Professionals' (IAAP) certification process as guidance. I spent 100 days studying for their Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) certification. It's the only way I knew how to become committed to learning.

During that period of time, I blogged each day about what I was learning. Eventually, I added my study notes as I prepared for the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). Since then, this blog has become a valuable study guide for many folks.

My Certification Journeys

My 100 Days journey started with preparation for the Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) certification. After passing WAS, I eventually prepared for the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) certification. You can read my journaling through each track.

WAS
CPACC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

My journey received more attention than I anticipated. Thanks to a lot of (repetive) questions, I've compiled questions and answers that I've received over the past few years.

You can find more questions under my FAQs page.

How much time should I plan on studying?

It depends on your prior knowledge, and what learning techniques you use. I carved out a lot of extra time due to less experience.

If you're exclusively working through a Deque course, follow their recommended time.

IAAP recommends to spend 5-10 hours a week for 6-8 weeks to prepare for each exam.

I want to get CPWA, which exam do I take first?

IAAP recommends taking CPACC first. I agree with that.

Are the Deque courses enough to prepare for WAS or CPACC?

Maybe. It depends on your prior experience.

I highly recommend reading through their specific Body of Knowledge document alongside the Deque course.

I worked through Deque coursework after I did my own self-guided study. But I had less experience, and was really nervous about taking both exams.

Where do I start with CPACC?

Start by visiting IAAP's CPACC page.

Next, you should read IAAP's CPACC Body of Knowledge (PDF).

Where do I start with WAS?

Start by visiting IAAP's WAS page.

Next, you should read IAAP's WAS Body of Knowledge (PDF).

Interviews & Talks

I've talked with a lot of folks about my 100 Days of A11y journey. Most have been 1:1 conversations. But there are a few conversations online.