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IAAP Certification Exam Topics

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From: Paul Bohman
Date: Nov 9, 2015 9:34AM

Here's another update on the IAAP certification process.

We are still on schedule to start offering the associate level exam in the
first quarter of 2016. This associate level exam will cover the following
three topics:

- Disabilities, Challenges, and Assistive Technologies
- Accessibility and Universal Design
- Declarations, Standards, Laws, and Management Strategies

The exam outline is here:
http://www.accessibilityassociation.org/content.asp?admin=Y&;contentid40

We are also still on track to release the second exam -- a more technical
certification which focuses specifically on web accessibility -- later in
2016, probably in the fourth quarter, but possibly sooner.

*Details about the associate level credential:*

The associate certification is the core foundation credential, and is
conceptual in nature, rather than technical. This credential is appropriate
for anyone in a wide variety of accessibility fields, including those who
deal with accessibility on the web, in software design, in transportation
systems, in architecture, web accessibility, software design,
transportation systems, architectural spaces, consumer product design,
industrial design, automotive design, and other fields. In other words, the
intent of this first credential is to create a common base of knowledge
across accessibility domains, to ensure that accessibility professionals
can speak with a common vocabulary and be aware of the important
over-arching concepts of accessibility across domains. In fact, we want to
encourage cross-domain thinking and cross-domain problem solving.

For those who oversee accessibility projects or initiatives (program
managers, product managers, project managers, business analysts,
executives, salespeople, customer service representatives, etc.) this first
credential will likely be the only accessibility credential they need.

*Details about the web accessibility credential:*

The second exam, which focuses on the technical aspects of web
accessibility, is a more targeted credential, primarily for those who
either create or test web accessibility solutions. The questions will focus
on WCAG, supplemented by testing strategies (e.g. how to write effective
accessibility bug reports, the integration of accessibility testing into
agile workflows, etc.), and also supplemented by modern considerations
about mobile web accessibility, low vision accessibility, and cognitive
accessibility. At least those are on the current list of topics to include.
Some of that may be subject to change as we fine tune the list.

The credential system is designed so that an individual would first take
the associate exam to certify knowledge in the core concepts of
accessibility, then go on to take the more specialized exam in web
accessibility as the next step.

*Other possible exams:*

The IAAP is not actively developing other exams right now, but the intent
is to create other technical exams on other topics, which may include
things like accessible software, consumer products, transportation systems,
and other areas. The IAAP needs to ensure the quality and success of the
first two credentials before branching out to the other areas, so there is
no scheduled release date or roadmap yet for other credentials. We will
update you when that changes.

*Where we are in the process:*

The list of topics for the first credential (the associate level
certification), has been finalized, based on the deliberation of the IAAP
Certification Committee, and on results from the survey that was
distributed to accessibility professionals worldwide. I encourage you to
look through the list of topics. Here is the link again:
http://www.accessibilityassociation.org/content.asp?admin=Y&;contentid40

We have written test questions for the exam. These questions were written
in accordance with psychometric best practices (in other words, we followed
strict rules for writing the questions in a way that is intended to ensure
the accuracy and validity of the test itself). The next step is to have a
different set of experts review the questions to ensure those test
questions achieve their intended goal. There will be some back and forth as
some questions will probably be rejected, and other questions approved,
possibly with edits. Once this validation process is complete, the exam
will be ready for the public.

*Certification Exam Preparation:*

The IAAP is in the process of writing the "Body of Knowledge" document for
the associate level credential. This document can serve as a study guide
for the exam, and will include references to outside resources for
additional information.

The IAAP will not create or sponsor an official certification preparation
exam class, and in fact no class is required to pass the exam. The
individual must pass the exam, of course, but no prior courses, education,
or experience are required for the associate exam.

The exam will not be easy though. It is intended to test a person's
knowledge of the accessibility field. There will be no trick questions, but
the exam will be rigorous, and will require a person to study. The exam
outline (in the link I provided earlier) is a good place to start
preparing. The Body of Knowledge document will be another important
resource when it released. And there are courses and workshops offered by
many accessibility companies and consultants already that can help prepare
a person for the certification exam.

If you are interested in creating a certification exam preparation course,
the same guidance applies. Refer to the exam outline and to the forthcoming
Body of Knowledge document.

I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Paul Bohman, PhD
Director of Training, Deque Systems, Inc
703-225-0380, ext.121
https://DequeUniversity.com