I am now a IAAP Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA)

I recently found out that I passed the CPACC exam with a score of 684/800!

This combines with my WAS certification that I passed earlier in the year into Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA).

The exam

I found the CPACC exam harder than WAS, likely because I’m a developer with a lot of experience with web accessibility, but not so much in the broader area of accessibility such as theoretical models and Universal Design in a learning environment.

I did a remote proctored exam like last time - read Taking the IAAP Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) exam on how the WAS exam went.

CPACC or WAS first?

I’m glad I did the WAS exam before the CPACC exam. It felt like the right order, though I can imagine others feeling different.

Now I’ve done both I’d suggest anyone who has a lot of experience with web accessibility to do WAS first, but for others, it likely makes sense to do the CPACC first. Do whatever feels right to you though.

Thoughts

It was good to read about the different models of disability. I’d seen various ways of thinking and talking about disability in the past but hadn’t known there was a set of models defining them.

I grew up around many people who are disabled in various ways, so I already understood much about the types of disabilities, etiquette and assistive technologies available.

Going through the definitions of the various design terminology helped. I had a good grasp of them all but they tend to blend into each other. I’m talking about User experience, Usability, Universal design, and Inclusive design and how accessibility is a part of those. They all sound very similar to each other which doesn’t help.

Originally I had thought the legal section would be a dry read, however, I found that to be one of the most interesting sections, especially the history of the legal systems around the world.

Difficulties

Ironically, I struggled to understand the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. It seems like a fantastic tool to ensure everyone can learn better.

However, I found the explanations for the framework principles confusing and the way it’s been organised into “how”, “what” and “why” hasn’t clicked even now.

It seems to me that it’s far more complex than it needs to be. I realise it’s a tool aimed at educators, researchers, curriculum creators etc. but it should be easier to understand.

Their website currently only provides blocks of text for each principle which isn’t engaging or motivating and makes the content quite difficult to consume.

What’s next

I’m proud of passing both exams to achieve CPWA. I don’t think I will do further exams as the other ones that are available don’t particularly apply to my work.

For now, I will continue to learn and apply my knowledge and experience in accessibility to the work I produce.