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Why Get Certified? A New Year's Resolution

The new year is almost here, so it's time to get serious about those New Year's resolutions. 🥳 This year, aim to take your accessibility knowledge and skills to the next level. Resolve to earn an accessibility specialist certification.

An accessibility specialist certification proves you have the knowledge and skills to create digital experiences that comply with WCAG, the ADA, Section 508, and other international standards across different platforms and devices.

Why should you put this on your list of top resolutions for 2025? Let’s take a look.

Let's begin by defining some available accessibility certifications and what organizations offer these certifications. 

The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) is the leading provider of web accessibility certification training and the most recognized among employers and professional organizations. They offer four certifications related to the digital environment and one related to the built environment. For this blog, we will focus on the certifications for the digital environment. Those certifications are:

  • Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)
    This is a foundational professional certification covering "web and other digital technologies, architecture and the built environment, consumer and industrial design, transportation systems, and any domain in which thoughtful design, policy, and management can improve disability access."
  • Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS)
    This technical certification "quantifies and represents candidates' expression of their 'current' hands-on technical digital accessibility proficiency" to include, but is not limited to, HTML programming, JavaScript, and Front-end elements.
  • Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) This certification is earned by individuals who successfully pass both the CPACC and WAS exams.
  • Accessible Document Specialist (ADS)
    This certification is intended for accessibility professionals skilled at creating accessible electronic documents.

The Accessibility and Language Services (A&LS) Division (formerly the Office of Accessible Systems & Technology (OAST), which is part of the Office of Homeland Security, offers the Trusted Tester for Web Certification. The Trusted Tester courseware and exam were recently updated to provide "a variety of improvements aimed at offering a more accessible and streamlined learning experience for participants."

Finally, there is the W3C's Front-End Web Developer Professional Certificate. This highly technical certification focuses on HTML5, CSS, and Javascript and how those languages affect the user experience.

The ideal accessibility certification depends on your role, responsibilities, and user needs. Research thoroughly to select the certification that best supports your professional and personal objectives.

Now, let's look at some benefits of obtaining an accessibility certification.

Improved Skills and Knowledge:

  • A deeper understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines and how to integrate them into the digital environment.
  • Obtain or strengthen practical skills for evaluating, testing, and improving digital accessibility.
  • Gain valuable insights into how people with disabilities use the web and other digital technologies and what barriers they encounter.

Improved Communication and Collaboration:

  • More effectively and authoritatively communicate accessibility requirements to developers, designers, and other stakeholders.

Increased Confidence and Credibility:

  • Demonstrate commitment to inclusive design principles.
  • Build trust with clients and employers.
  • Become a valuable asset to any organization.
  • Recognition as an expert in the field of accessibility.

Enhanced Professional Value:

  • Possible increase in job opportunities with higher salaries.
  • Improved career prospects and advancement.

How to Prepare for Accessibility Certification

  • Utilize study materials. IAAP provides a "Body of Knowledge" for each certification exam. Also, look for books, online courses, and practice exams that may be available from certification organizations or independent learning organizations.
  • Join study groups or online communities for support and discussion.
  • Apply accessibility principles to real-world work projects and assignments.
  • Volunteer for accessibility projects within your organization or community.
  • Stay updated on the latest accessibility guidelines and best practices.
  • Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums.

No matter which accessibility certification you choose, you're already taking a significant step in demonstrating your continued commitment to inclusivity. By expanding your knowledge of accessibility principles and best practices, you'll enhance your career prospects with highly sought-after skills and play a critical role in creating a more accessible and inclusive digital experience for everyone.

Resources

Maggie Vaughan, CPACC
Content Marketing Practitioner
DubBot