WAS Certification - Preparatory training course

Overview of the course

The IAAP Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) is a technical professional certification that requires a minimum of three years of documented roles and responsibilities in web accessibility.

To become certified, you must pass the IAAP examination. Funka's preparatory course addresses the knowledge and skills included in the WAS exam. The course consists of three parts: a pace-yourself introduction followed by two live sessions taught by Funka experts. 

Why Funka?

There are several good reasons to choose a preparatory course from Funka before you attempt the exam:

• Funka is a founding member of the IAAP.
• Being an Approved Provider means that Funka offers training content that addresses the knowledge and skills included in the IAAP exams overview content outline.
• Funka's experts convey the training content in an inspiring and clear way 
• Funka's pedagogical model. The combination of a pace-yourself introduction and live teacher-led sessions provides quick access to the course and means that you gradually build up and reinforce your skills set.

For whom?

WAS is aimed at those who design, develop, implement, evaluate and manage the technical details of accessible web solutions. Successful completion of the exam demonstrates that you can, based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1:  

• Create accessible web solutions
• Identify accessibility issues in existing solutions
• Solve web accessibility problems

Please note that WAS is a technical professional certification that requires a minimum of 3-5 years experience performing the job tasks described in the WAS Content Outline and WAS Body of Knowledge.

When you apply to register for the exam, the IAAP will require you to provide written explanations that illustrate your role or responsibilities with first-person, ongoing, regular work in technical digital accessibility that reflect the WAS Body of Knowledge job tasks. 

Any individual who passes both the CPACC and WAS exams will receive the designation of Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA).

About IAAP

The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) is a member-based international organisation for accessibility professionals. IAAP's purpose is to define, promote and improve the profession of accessibility professionals globally through networking, education and certification.

Why certification?

Funka belives that an IAAP certification provides benefits for organisations as well as individuals:

• a prestigious international qualification that is valid globally.
• a competitive advantage for your organisation; in tenders, contracts and projects.
• proof of solid knowledge in one or more areas of accessibility.
• enhances your professional development and strengthens your CV.
• contributes to the development of the profession.

Course content

The WAS course is structured around the WAS Credential Content Outline:

• Creating Accessible Web Solutions.
• Identify accessibility issues in web solutions.
• Remediating issues in web solutions.

More specifically, the course covers the following main topics:

• Introduction to accessibility. 
• Knowledge of HTML code.
• Knowledge about the use of JavaScript.
• Usability testing in iOS, Android, Windows and MAC environments.
• Usability testing with multiple forms of assistive technology.
• ARIA.
• ATAG.
• Understanding WCAG 2.1 standards.
• Understanding accessibility best practices.
• Web accessibility analysis.
• Understanding different end-user needs.

How is the course delivered?

The Funka CPACC certification preparation course consists of three modules, a pre-recorded pace-yourself introduction and two instructor-led live sessions conducted online.

• Module 1: Pace-yourself Introduction (1 hour and 30 minutes, 13 parts), available upon registration.
• Module 2: 3-hour live session, delivered online
• Module 3: 3-hour live live session, delivered online

An Independent study is also required. You will receive clear study instructions in the study materials and directly from Funka’s experts. The amount of time needed for self-study depends on your existing knowledge and experience of accessibility work.

The administration and delivery of the WAS exam are managed by the IAAP. It is important to understand that completing the course does not ensure passing the professional certification exam. This course is intended to supplement your personal study efforts in preparation for the exam.

More information about IAAP and WAS

IAAP is the principal of the certification. For registration for the exam, choice of exam venue, information on exam periods and exam fees, see links to IAAP below.   

IAAP international website, opens in new window.

IAAP approved training providers, opens in new window.

More about WAS, opens in new window.

IAAP WAS Body of Knowledge (October 2020), opens in new window) 

Registration for the IAAP exam, opens in new window.

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