• You should submit your application after you know you can comfortably explain both the technical implications and the people-based impact of the learning objectives for the credential.
• You should understand the terms of agreement in an IAAP Exam Application before submitting your application.
• IAAP Certification Applications must be completed by the candidate. Organizations cannot fill out certification applications on behalf of candidates.
• IAAP Certification Applications are applications to qualify to participate in IAAP Certifications. Applications are not registrations and exams are not items for purchase.
• If a candidates certification application is approved, further instructions will be sent regarding scheduling and payment for the certification exam.
• To determine if you qualify for the WAS certification, you will first fill out the WAS Screening Application using the link below for the current exam session. After we review your WAS screening application, if you are approved, you will then be emailed the WAS candidate application to complete.

Current Applications

Use the Certification Portal to log in to your account or create an account to apply. The application link will take you to the Certification Portal, which will take you away from this IAAP website.

When application links are available above, the following information will help you begin your application process.

1. Confirm you meet the Professional Certification requirements
2. Open the Certification Portal
3. Log in if you hold a current certification or create a new account
4. Navigate to Apply for a Certification
5. Select the Professional Certification you would like to apply for
6. Complete the application
7. Wait up to 5 business days to hear from the Certification team

PLEASE NOTE: If you hold a current certification and have not gained access to the Certification Portal, please contact the certification team before creating a second account. Contact Us.

Obtaining an IAAP credential is a significant achievement. As technology, standards and practices change, it is important for all professionals to keep up with those changes. IAAP recognizes this and therefore requires each certificant to maintain their credentials through continuing education.

The WAS Certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by earning 35 Continuing Accessibility Education Credits (CAECs). Any WAS CAEC submission must be directly related to the WAS Content Outline.

The IAAP will offer CAECs for classes, workshops, webcasts, conference attendance, and other similar IAAP-approved activities. The IAAP will implement a process to allow other organizations or individuals to offer IAAP-approved continuing accessibility education credits for similar career-enhancing educational opportunities.

Types of Activities that may qualify for CAECs

WAS CAECs will only be approved for content related to the WAS Content Outline.

• Attending classes, workshops, webinars, and other educational events.
• Presenting educational materials outside your job function.
• Publishing articles, books, blogs, or other publications.
• Participating in formal Mentoring programs.
• Speaking engagements at IAAP or other approved educational events.
• Volunteer service with IAAP.

View pre-approved WAS CAEC providers. You are responsible for ensuring that the content in your WAS CAECs is directly related to the WAS Content Outline.

Submitting CAECs

You can submit CAECs by logging into the Certification Portal (opens in a new tab) and Navigating to the 'My Certification and CAECs' page.  

Things to remember when submitting: 

• Organize your CAECs into either Professional Development or Sharing Your Knowledge.  
• Organize your CAECs by content provider- Each Content Provider will need its own CAEC form.  
• You can submit multiple CAEC events in one form if they are from the same content provider. Example: All IAAP webinars into one form, All Deque webinars in another.  
• Auditable supporting documentation is required to process and award CAECs. Review the 'What documents do I need to Submit with my CAEC request? ' section on the CAEC FAQ page.  
• Calculate the CAECs you will request for each activity as you will need to provide this on the form. Review the calculation details in the 'How are CAECs Calculated' section on the CAEC FAQ page.  
• CAECs will be reviewed monthly.  
• Once your CAECs have been processed you will receive an automated email urging you to log into the portal and check the submission status and outcome notes.  
• If you would like a guide to review how to submit your CAECs please view the CAECs in the IAAP Certification Portal- Steps and Overview (opens in a new tab) document or attend a CAEC Drop-in Session. 

Every three years, certificants will be required to:

• Complete 35 hours of continuing accessibility education credits, which must be approved by IAAP.
• Submit an application for certification renewal.
• Pay the certification renewal fee at time of renewal.
• For IAAP members, the renewal fee is waived as part of your membership benefits as long as your membership has not lapsed during the three-year period.
• For Non-IAAP Members, or those whose membership has lapsed at any time during the three-year period:
• $200 renewal fee payable at time of renewal.
• For those in Emerging Economies the total fee is $75 every three years.

Individuals do not need to retake any of the exams to maintain their certification unless they allow their certification to lapse.

As technologies and professional expectations evolve, these renewal requirements are subject to change.

Once you have renewed your certification, your Credly digital badge will be updated with your new expiration date. If you do not renew your certification, your badge will display that it is expired to anyone who views it. If you are displaying your badge outside of Credly, we recommend removing it once it has expired.