Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Published on 04 Aug 2024

I started searching web accessibility on the Internet. I found frequent bloggers and free presentations that helped me learn what web accessibility was about. I committed to a talk and volunteered for the W3C, so I would have to get involved and learn more about it. Stumbling on IAAP's Web Accessibility Specialist certification was just the thing I needed to push my in a more methodical direction.

My craft is web design and development. At the time, I was working in a state job doing web design. WAS let me start somewhere, and I had their support to go for it. I didn't know if I'd go on to CPWA, so I went for the certification that would create immediate change where I worked.

IAAP recommends taking CPACC first. I agree with that.

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.

Start by visiting IAAP's CPACC page.

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

Start by visiting IAAP's WAS page.

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

Start with the Body of Knowledge document relevant to the exam you want to take. Then explore what resources IAAP offers, before researching on your own.

Deque and Funke offer courses for CPACC and WAS.

• Give yourself plenty of time to study.
• Make time every day to study.
• Choose a method that will keep you accountable.
• Read all materials that IAAP has to offer about your chosen certification.

Some companies state they prefer to have someone who is CPACC, WAS, or CPWA certified. I am unaware of it being required anywhere. However, it can look really good on your resume! Additionally, prepping for this certification helps round out your knowledge of web accessibility.

The Deque courses gave me extra confidence. I did a lot of self-guided study, but those Deque course were very helpful to me!

Maybe. It depends on your current experience and knowledge. If you're brand new to accessibility, I recommend making time for more research.

It is a more technical certification. You should have some basic coding knowledge: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

That's a hard question! I went into WAS with 5-6 years of web design experience. So, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge was already there.

The WAS exam isn't a techincal interview. It doesn't ask you to code anything. It tests you on accessibility knowledge and how code affects accessibility. If you're brand new to code, you may want to get familiar with some HTML and understand what the DOM is.

Deque courses have a few prep questions, but I've found they aren't extrememly helpful.

Only recently has IAAP created some sample exam questions:

• CPACC questions
• WAS questions