Overview: What is CPWA?
The Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) is a master-level certification issued by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).
It is earned after passing two exams:
- CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies)
→ Tests general accessibility knowledge. - WAS (Web Accessibility Specialist)
→ Tests web-specific accessibility expertise, mainly WCAG and development.
Once you hold both CPACC and WAS, you automatically qualify for CPWA.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1. Understand Prerequisites
No formal degree is required, but you should have:
- A good understanding of WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 guidelines.
- Knowledge of assistive technologies (screen readers, voice input, etc.).
- Experience in web design, development, or UX.
Step 2. Create an IAAP Account
- Visit: accessibilityassociation.org/cpwa
- Register for an IAAP account (free).
- Choose which exam you want to start with: CPACC or WAS.
Most people start with CPACC since it’s foundational.
Step 3. Register for an Exam
- Exams are conducted via Pearson VUE (online or in-person test centers).
- Each exam costs about $375 USD (members) or $475 USD (non-members).
- You can schedule the test anytime during the open window (IAAP offers several exam cycles per year).
Step 4. Prepare for CPACC
Topics covered:
- Disability types and barriers
- Accessibility laws and standards (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, etc.)
- Universal Design principles
- Assistive technologies and accommodations
Example Questions:
A. Disability is caused by individual medical impairments.
B. Disability results from barriers created by society.
C. Disability is a personal tragedy.
D. Disability is an unavoidable biological reality.
The social model sees disability as a result of societal barriers, not individual deficits.
A. Any modification that removes all barriers for all people.
B. A change that makes participation possible without causing undue hardship to the provider.
C. A luxury feature added to make the product appealing.
D. Only modifications that are free of cost.
Reasonable accommodation balances accessibility with practicality.
Step 5. Prepare for WAS
Topics covered:
- WCAG 2.1/2.2 criteria (A, AA, AAA)
- HTML semantics & ARIA
- Testing with screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver)
- Color contrast and keyboard navigation
- Accessibility audits and remediation
Example Questions:
A. aria-role="button"
B. role="button"
C. aria-labelledby="button"
D. aria-button="true"
role="button" correctly identifies a custom element as a button.