The Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) represents the pinnacle of accessibility certification, combining both conceptual knowledge and technical expertise. CPWA credential holders have demonstrated mastery across all aspects of web accessibility, from strategic planning to hands-on implementation.
CPWA is unique because it requires candidates to hold both CPACC and WAS certifications, plus demonstrate significant professional experience in accessibility. This combination ensures CPWA holders possess comprehensive knowledge of accessibility principles, laws, and standards (CPACC) alongside deep technical implementation skills (WAS).
Organizations value CPWA certification because it represents a complete accessibility professional who can lead programs, train teams, conduct audits, remediate issues, and work with stakeholders at all levels. CPWA holders are equipped to serve as accessibility subject matter experts (SMEs) and program leaders.
The credential is recognized globally as demonstrating senior-level expertise in web accessibility, making CPWA holders qualified for leadership positions, consulting engagements, and strategic accessibility roles.
CPWA requires meeting specific prerequisites and maintaining active certifications:
Pathway to CPWA:
- Earn CPACC Certification: Demonstrate foundational accessibility knowledge
- Earn WAS Certification: Prove technical accessibility implementation skills
- Maintain Both Certifications: Keep CPACC and WAS current and in good standing
- Professional Experience: While not formally required, most CPWA holders have 3-5+ years of accessibility work
- Apply for CPWA: Submit application through IAAP demonstrating you hold both credentials
Note: CPWA is not a separate exam. Once you hold both CPACC and WAS certifications simultaneously, you automatically qualify for CPWA designation.
Achieving CPWA requires significant investment in both time and finances, as you must complete both CPACC and WAS:
Total Cost Breakdown:
- CPACC Exam + Study Materials:$800-$1,400
- WAS Exam + Study Materials:$2,200-$3,400
- IAAP Membership (2 years):$300
- CPWA Application Fee:$0 (automatic)
- Total Investment:$3,300-$5,100
Timeline: Expect 12-18 months from starting CPACC studies to earning CPWA, including 2-3 months for CPACC prep, 6-12 months gaining experience, then 4-6 months for WAS prep.
CPWA certification opens doors to the highest-level accessibility positions and consulting opportunities:
Salary Ranges (2025)
- Accessibility Program Manager: $110,000-$160,000
- Senior Accessibility Consultant: $130,000-$180,000
- Director of Accessibility: $150,000-$220,000
- VP of Accessibility: $180,000-$280,000
Consulting Rates
- Hourly Rate: $200-$400/hour
- Daily Rate: $1,500-$3,000/day
- Project-Based: $20,000-$100,000+
- Retainer: $10,000-$30,000/month
- Executive Recognition: CPWA commands respect from C-level executives and demonstrates comprehensive expertise
- Consulting Credibility: Essential credential for independent accessibility consultants and agency leads
- Program Leadership: Qualifies you to build and lead enterprise accessibility programs
- Global Opportunities: Opens doors to international roles and remote consulting engagements
- Expert Witness: Qualifies for expert witness testimony in accessibility-related legal cases
CPWA is designed for senior accessibility professionals who:
- Accessibility Program Managers: Lead organizational accessibility initiatives and strategy
- Senior Consultants: Provide comprehensive accessibility advisory services to clients
- Technical Leads: Manage accessibility engineering teams and set technical direction
- Directors/VPs: Executive-level accessibility leaders driving enterprise programs
- Independent Practitioners: Freelance consultants needing comprehensive credentialing
- Training Professionals: Develop and deliver accessibility training programs
CPWA maintenance requires keeping both underlying certifications current:
- Renew CPACC: Every 3 years through 45 CAE credits or re-examination
- Renew WAS: Every 3 years through 45 CAE credits or re-examination
- Combined Credits: Same activities can count toward both CPACC and WAS renewal
- CPWA Status: Automatically maintained as long as both CPACC and WAS remain active
Important: If either CPACC or WAS expires, you lose CPWA designation until both are restored.
CPWA is unique in requiring multiple certifications. Here's how it compares:
- CPWA (IAAP): Requires both CPACC + WAS, demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and technical skills, globally recognized
- Section 508 Trusted Tester: Government-specific, focuses on federal compliance testing, free but requires government training
- ADA Compliance Specialist: Less technical, focuses on legal compliance and policy, not as widely recognized as CPWA
- Usability Analyst: Broader UX focus, includes accessibility but not specialized
CPWA remains the gold standard for comprehensive web accessibility expertise in the private sector.