Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies
The Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) is the foundational accessibility certification offered by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). It's designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of accessibility principles, standards, and best practices across various domains including web, mobile, software, and hardware accessibility.
CPACC certification validates your understanding of the broad concepts in accessibility and demonstrates your commitment to creating inclusive digital experiences. Unlike more technical certifications that focus on implementation, CPACC emphasizes conceptual knowledge, making it an excellent starting point for anyone entering the accessibility field.
The certification is globally recognized and has become the industry standard for professionals who work in accessibility-related roles. Since its introduction, thousands of professionals worldwide have earned their CPACC credentials, establishing it as a mark of credibility and expertise in the accessibility community.
CPACC is ideal for beginners and doesn't require technical coding experience, making it perfect for project managers, business analysts, designers, content creators, HR professionals, procurement specialists, legal professionals, and anyone starting their accessibility journey. The focus is on understanding accessibility from a strategic and organizational perspective rather than technical implementation.
CPACC is designed for professionals at all career stages who want to demonstrate accessibility competency. This certification is particularly valuable for:
One of the most appealing aspects of CPACC is its accessibility to professionals at all levels. There are no formal prerequisites or educational requirements to take the exam. However, IAAP recommends that candidates have:
While no formal work experience is required, professionals with 1-2 years in any digital role (development, design, project management, etc.) often find the concepts easier to grasp as they can relate them to real-world scenarios. However, career changers and students have also successfully passed the exam with dedicated study.
The CPACC exam covers four main domains, each weighted differently. Understanding the distribution helps you prioritize your study time effectively:
This is the heaviest-weighted section, covering the fundamental understanding of disability types and how people with disabilities interact with technology.
Focuses on design principles and theoretical frameworks for creating inclusive experiences.
Covers legal requirements, standards, and organizational implementation strategies.
Practical knowledge of creating accessible digital content.
Recommended Study Period: 8-12 weeks with 8-10 hours per week (total 60-80 hours)
Weeks 1-3: Foundation (Domain 1 - 40%)
Weeks 4-5: Standards and Laws (Domain 3 - 25%)
Weeks 6-7: Practical Application (Domain 4 - 20%)
Weeks 8-9: Design Principles (Domain 2 - 15%)
Weeks 10-12: Review and Practice
Official preparation materials from IAAP
Comprehensive online accessibility training
Note: Becoming an IAAP member saves $55 on the exam and provides access to member-only resources, networking events, and discounts on future certifications.
Employer Sponsorship: Many employers will pay for certification costs as part of professional development budgets. The business case for CPACC includes reduced legal risk, improved product quality, and expanded market reach.
| Certification | Focus | Technical Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPACC | Broad conceptual knowledge | Non-technical | Beginners, managers, designers |
| WAS | Technical implementation | Highly technical | Developers, QA testers |
| CPWA | Mobile and web auditing | Moderately technical | Auditors, consultants |
| Section 508 Trusted Tester | Federal compliance testing | Moderately technical | Government contractors |
Note: CPACC is often the first certification professionals obtain, serving as a foundation for more specialized certifications like WAS or CPWA.
A: No, CPACC is designed to be non-technical. While some questions cover web accessibility concepts, no coding or technical implementation knowledge is required.
A: CPACC is valid for 3 years. You can renew by earning continuing education credits or retaking the exam.
A: While IAAP doesn't publish official pass rates, anecdotal evidence suggests 60-75% of well-prepared candidates pass on their first attempt.
A: Yes, CPACC is available as an online proctored exam through Kryterion, or in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.
A: Yes, CPACC is internationally recognized. The exam is available in multiple languages and accepted by employers globally.
A: You can retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. The retake fee is the same as the initial exam fee ($395 for members, $450 for non-members).
A: Start with CPACC. It provides foundational knowledge and is less technical. Many organizations and the WAS certification itself recommend CPACC as a prerequisite.
A: Yes, increasingly employers require or prefer CPACC for accessibility roles. It demonstrates commitment and validates your knowledge of accessibility principles.
CPACC certification must be renewed every 3 years to maintain active status. You have two renewal options:
Most professionals choose the continuing education route as it's more cost-effective and keeps skills current through ongoing learning.
Looking for accessibility jobs that require CPACC? Browse our latest opportunities.
Last Updated: January 2025