Federal Accessibility Compliance Certification
Provided by the U.S. Federal Government
Section 508 Trusted Tester certification validates expertise in testing federal Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Section 508 compliance. This certification is essential for federal contractors, government employees, and anyone conducting accessibility testing for federal agencies.
The Trusted Tester program provides a standardized methodology for evaluating web content, software applications, and electronic documents against Section 508 standards. Unlike private certifications that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, Section 508 Trusted Tester training and certification are completely free, provided by the federal government.
The certification is based on the Section 508 ICT Testing Baseline, which aligns with WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. Trusted Testers use a systematic approach to identify accessibility barriers and document conformance issues in detailed reports that federal agencies require for procurement and compliance purposes.
This certification is mandatory for many federal accessibility testing roles and is highly valued by government contractors who must demonstrate Section 508 compliance for their products and services.
Comprehensive understanding of Section 508 requirements, including WCAG 2.0 Level AA alignment and federal procurement standards.
Master the standardized 27 baseline tests used across all federal agencies for consistent accessibility evaluation.
Hands-on experience testing with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies commonly used by federal employees.
Learn to create detailed accessibility conformance reports (ACRs) that meet federal procurement requirements.
Section 508 Trusted Tester certification is essential for professionals working with federal accessibility:
Both certifications are free and focus on federal accessibility, but there are key differences:
| Feature | Section 508 Trusted Tester | DHS Trusted Tester |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | General Services Administration (GSA) | Department of Homeland Security |
| Training Duration | Varies by provider | 5-day intensive program |
| Focus | Section 508 ICT Testing Baseline | DHS-specific testing methodology |
| Renewal | Annual recertification | Annual recertification |
| Best For | General federal testing | DHS-specific projects |
Note: Many professionals obtain both certifications to maximize federal contracting opportunities.
Section 508 Trusted Tester certification requires annual renewal to maintain active status. This ensures testers stay current with updated standards and testing methodologies.
Looking for accessibility jobs that require Section 508? Browse our latest opportunities.
Last Updated: January 2025