The WAS certification validates your technical expertise in web accessibility. It covers WCAG standards, testing methodologies, and remediation techniques for creating accessible web content.
75
Total Questions
on the exam
75
Practice Questions
available here
65%
Passing Score
minimum
90 minutes
Duration
exam time
Practice each domain to build comprehensive knowledge
Domain One covers creating accessible web solutions including WCAG 2.2 guidelines, WAI-ARIA, ATAG, EN 301 549, semantic HTML, JavaScript accessibility, custom widgets, single-page applications, and strategies of users with disabilities.
Domain Two covers identifying accessibility issues including interoperability with assistive technologies, applying WCAG conformance requirements, automated and manual testing, screen reader testing, keyboard testing, quality assurance, and testing for end-user impact.
Domain Three covers remediation strategies including prioritizing accessibility issues, choosing between fixing and redesign, integrating accessibility into procurement, Accessibility Conformance Reports (VPATs), and using maturity models for sustainable accessibility.
Study the WASBoK chapter by chapter. Each chapter includes flashcards for quick revision and quiz questions to test your understanding. Go at your own pace and track your progress across all 12 chapters.
Focus more on domains with higher weightage. Creating Accessible Web Content, Design, and Documents carries 40% of the exam.
Consistent practice helps reinforce concepts. Try to complete at least one section per study session.
Don't just check answers—read every explanation to deepen your understanding of the concepts.
Use the question review grid to revisit incorrect answers and strengthen weak areas.
The actual exam is 90 minutes for 75 questions. Practice answering within time constraints.
You need 65% to pass. Aim higher in practice to build confidence for the real exam.
The Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) certification is a technical credential offered by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). It validates your ability to evaluate, remediate, and implement web accessibility based on WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), WAI-ARIA, and assistive technology interaction patterns. The WAS is designed for developers, testers, UX designers, and technical professionals who build or evaluate web content. Unlike the foundational CPACC, the WAS requires hands-on technical knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and accessibility APIs.
The WAS exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes. A passing score of 65% is required. The exam is divided into three domains: Creating Accessible Web Content (40%), Testing and Evaluation (30%), and Remediation and Best Practices (30%). Topics include WCAG 2.x success criteria, semantic HTML, ARIA roles and properties, keyboard accessibility, color contrast, accessible forms, data tables, multimedia accessibility, automated and manual testing methodologies, and remediation strategies. The exam fee is $385 USD for IAAP members and $485 USD for non-members.
Begin with the official WAS Body of Knowledge (WASBoK), which maps directly to the exam content. Focus heavily on WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 success criteria — know the principle (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust), the level (A, AA, AAA), and practical implementation for each. Practice identifying accessibility issues in real web code and understanding how screen readers interact with ARIA attributes. Get hands-on experience with testing tools like axe, WAVE, Lighthouse, and screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS). Most successful candidates study for 6 to 10 weeks with prior web development experience.
The WAS exam tests applied technical knowledge, not just theory. Practice tests help you develop the analytical thinking needed to evaluate accessibility scenarios under time pressure. Our free practice test includes 75+ questions across all three exam domains with detailed explanations that connect each answer to specific WCAG success criteria and implementation techniques. By practicing with realistic questions, you build the pattern recognition needed to quickly identify the correct WCAG principle, success criterion, or remediation technique on exam day. Track your domain scores to ensure balanced preparation across all three areas.