Web Accessibility Specialist Certifications: The Complete List
In today’s digital world, web accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. Organizations are seeking professionals who can ensure websites are usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. That’s where accessibility certifications come in.
If you’re a web developer, designer, QA tester, content strategist, or digital marketer, gaining a web accessibility specialist certification is a powerful way to level up your skills and demonstrate your commitment to inclusive design. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most respected certifications, who they’re for, what they cover, and how they help your professional development.
Why Accessibility Certifications Matter
Build Authority and Trust
Whether you're freelancing or working in-house, a certification proves you're serious about digital inclusion.
Boost Career Opportunities
Organizations value certified specialists who can reduce legal risks and create better user experiences.
Stay Current with WCAG and Legal Standards
Many courses include the latest guidelines like WCAG 2.2 and legal mandates such as ADA or EN 301 549.
Top Web Accessibility Certifications (Compared)
| Certification Name | Provider | Ideal For | Format | Cost | Exam Required? |
| Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) | IAAP | All professionals | Online | $470* | Yes |
| Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) | IAAP | Developers, Testers | Online | $470* | Yes |
| Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) | IAAP | Document authors | Online | $470* | Yes |
| DHS Trusted Tester | U.S. Department of Homeland Security | QA, Developers | Online, Free | Free | Yes |
| Web Accessibility Training & Certification | Deque University | Designers, Devs | Online, Self-paced | Varies | Optional |
| WebAIM Training | WebAIM | Teams, Educators | Online/In-person | Varies | No |
| Accessibility Fundamentals | W3Cx (edX) | Beginners | Online | Free/$99 (cert) | No |
1. IAAP CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies)
Best for: Professionals new to accessibility who want a solid foundation.
Overview:
- Covers principles of accessibility, disabilities, and universal design.
- No technical background required.
Why It’s Worth It: It’s globally recognized and vendor-neutral—a great credential for any career path.
2. IAAP WAS (Web Accessibility Specialist)
Best for: Developers, testers, and tech professionals.
Overview:
- Deep dive into WCAG techniques, ARIA, semantic HTML, testing tools.
- Requires hands-on experience.
Pro Tip:
Consider completing CPACC first to strengthen your core knowledge.
3. DHS Trusted Tester Program
Best for: Federal contractors, QA testers.
Overview:
- Free program by the U.S. government.
- Aligns with Section 508 compliance.
Standout Feature: It’s completely free and ideal for those working with U.S. public sector clients.
4. Deque University Courses
Best for: Designers, developers, accessibility advocates.
Overview:
- Modular, self-paced online training.
- Option to get certified after passing the Deque exam.
Bonus: Scholarships available for people with disabilities.
5. W3Cx Accessibility Fundamentals (via edX)
Best for: Beginners looking for a low-cost introduction.
Overview:
- Created by W3C, the organization behind WCAG.
- Taught by industry experts.
Good To Know: You can audit the course for free or pay for a verified certificate.
View Course
How to Choose the Right Certification for You
Ask Yourself:
- What is my role (designer, dev, content, QA)?
- Do I need a beginner or advanced certification?
- Am I looking for general accessibility or technical WCAG compliance?
If You Want to...
- Learn accessibility basics: Start with CPACC or W3Cx.
- Advance technically: Go for IAAP WAS or DHS Trusted Tester.
- Make accessible documents: Choose IAAP ADS.
- Train your team: WebAIM or Deque is ideal.
Investing in Professional Development
Getting certified not only sharpens your skills but shows your commitment to creating an inclusive web. Companies around the globe are hiring web accessibility specialists with formal training and credentials.
If you're aiming to be a leader in digital inclusion, there’s no better way to start than with a respected accessibility certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IAAP CPACC and W3Cx Accessibility Fundamentals are great for beginners.
Not for every certification. CPACC and W3Cx do not require coding knowledge.
It varies, anywhere from a few weeks for self-paced courses to several months for exams like WAS.
Yes, IAAP certifications in particular are globally respected.
Some certifications like CPACC and WAS require renewal every 3 years.
