How to Become a Web Accessibility Professional (and Take Your Career to the Next Level)

If you work in web accessibility, you already know it's not exactly a walk in the park. It's work that demands knowledge, patience, and a solid dose of empathy.

You may have asked yourself before: "How can I show the world (and my boss) that I really know accessibility well?" That's exactly where one of the IAAP certifications comes in – a kind of confirmation that you're not just "that person who deals with accessibility," but a genuine specialist.

This article is the extended, less stumbling version of the discussion I had with Martin Michálek at FrontKon. If you want to see what it looked like, check out the recording of the discussion.

Why consider it?

Certification isn't just about having another piece of paper framed on your wall (though yes, it does look nice). It's real proof of your knowledge and that you genuinely care about making the web accessible to everyone.

What's more, we live in a time when accessibility isn't just some trend. It's a necessity. And when the market is looking for people who genuinely know their stuff, having a certification is like having a VIP pass into a world where employers and clients take you seriously.

From my own experience

At Superkoders, we've been handling accessibility as a natural part of our websites for a long time (at least for the more than 6 years I've worked here). That's why it's always a bit of a shock to me when, outside our own projects, I come across a website that doesn't even handle basics like keyboard access. You may have run into this too – where accessibility is just a foreign word to someone, and you'd like to show them how to make their site accessible, simply to pass along your experience and knowledge. But you have no tangible proof of your knowledge, so there's a chance that person won't take you seriously.

I have to be honest – as a woman in a technical field, I've felt in the past a certain distance in how people around me treated me. It wasn't outright exclusion; women in technical roles are sometimes taken a bit less seriously, subconsciously. That's exactly why certification is such a great calling card for me – proof that I have something to say in this field. And what I'm saying isn't just a feeling, but backed by real knowledge and experience.

What can an IAAP certification give you?

• Recognition and trust: Certification gives you that proper "wow effect" – your clients and colleagues will see you're not just someone who's "also a bit into accessibility." You're a specialist backed by a certificate that proves it.
• A competitive edge: You're job hunting, or you're up against a pile of specialists in a project selection process. Who has a better shot? Yes, you – the certified specialist! And it's not just an individual benefit; the whole company can benefit too. If you have an accessibility expert on your team, consider whether it might be worth investing in their certification.
• Improving the digital world: But it's not just about you – every accessible website is a step toward making the internet an easier-to-use and fairer place for everyone.
• A sense of satisfaction: Let's be honest, it feels great knowing you're contributing to making the digital world a better place.

How to get started?

Earning an IAAP certification definitely isn't an easy road – it requires a lot of time and effort to prepare. But the reward is the knowledge and skills that turn you into a genuine expert in accessibility, or in a specific area of it.

• Choosing the right certification: IAAP offers several certifications. You can choose based on which area you want to focus on:
• • CPACC  is the foundational certification, covering the principles of accessibility and inclusion;
  • WAS  focuses on technical skills in web accessibility;
  • CPWA  is a combination of the previous two;
  • ADS  verifies skills in creating accessible documents;
  • CPABE  focuses on accessibility in physical environments and public spaces. IAAP no longer offers this certification.
• Preparation: I'd recommend checking out online courses, books, or even webinars from people who already hold an IAAP certification. Also, don't skip the Body of Knowledge (PDF opens in a new tab) a other materials that IAAP offers directly. And if you have colleagues with the same goal, study together!
• The exam: The certification process is demanding, but with honest preparation, you have nothing to worry about.

How does the whole process work?

First, you have to go through a selection process. You need to submit an application in the form of a completed form, where, besides personal details, you're also asked about your experience in various accessibility areas. I'd recommend reading the questions carefully, understanding them, and only then answering them – been there, and I had to file an appeal because I misunderstood a question. 😀 Luckily, IAAP is fair and gave me a second chance.

Then, if the selection committee decides you're a suitable candidate for certification, you'll get an email with a link to a form where, among other things, you choose:

• the exam language (the exam is only available in English, and in some cases also in German and Spanish),
• when and where you want to take the exam (online, or at one of the testing centers near you)
• and any accommodations you might need for your exam – for example, you can request an extra hour as a non-native speaker, or the option to take the exam using assistive technology.

After that, all that's left is to wait for the day you've been preparing for.

If, like me, you're a worrier, you're in for a tough 4 to 6 weeks after taking the exam before your test gets evaluated. From my own experience, I'd really recommend having a supportive group of people around you. Thanks to my colleagues and loved ones, I didn't fall apart during the wait, and as a bonus, I got to properly celebrate the congratulatory email with them afterward. 🙂

Did you know…?

• IAAP certifications (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) are recognized worldwide – so if you dream of working on international projects, this is a great opportunity!
• IAAP also offers paid prep courses – but that's only available to IAAP members.
• IAAP regularly updates its certifications to reflect current trends and technologies in accessibility, ensuring the knowledge of certified professionals stays relevant.

In closing…

Accessibility needs professionals. If you really want to become one and take your career to the next level, IAAP certification is one of the best ways to get there. Whether you're a developer, designer, or manager, this certification will open up new opportunities for you and give you the confidence that what you're doing truly matters.