Most professionals who take the CPACC pass on their first try. However, some candidates do fail the CPACC exam. As someone who has helped many people get certified, I’ve noticed clear patterns in how those who pass prepare compared to those who don’t. In this blog I’ll share some findings, the solution to common study problems, and other tips to help you win.
If you’d like to read about my entire experience including preparation, exam day, and my results, read my other blog- How I scored 750 out of 800 on the CPACC exam.
The Real Issues
I had a hypothesis about why some testers fail the CPACC, but I wanted to confirm it. So I ran a poll on LinkedIn asking what the hardest part of studying for the CPACC is. The majority of respondents said remembering terminology.
Beyond the sheer volume of information, another major issue is using effective methods to actually retain it; passive studying does not equal retention.
The second-largest group said they hadn’t started studying yet- which is a whole separate issue. The third largest group said applying concepts. And a small number said remembering WCAG is the hardest part, which still ties back to the core problem: memorizing and retaining information.
This feedback confirmed my hypothesis- retaining all the definitions, concepts, and details is overwhelming. And honestly, it is a lot to remember.
Although the poll responses were shortened for brevity, there are other factors that can make preparation difficult-especially individual differences. Some professionals pass by simply reading the BOK, often because they already have years of experience. However, others take that same advice, rely solely on the BOK, and still fail the CPACC.
These conflicting experiences can be confusing. When people share drastically different study methods and results online, it becomes harder to determine what will actually work for you.
So let’s talk alternative study methods that can help you get the best results regardless of your individual background.
The Fix
Memorizing terminology was the most common challenge among CPACC candidates. But in reality, it’s not just terms—you also need to remember concepts, laws, strategies, and more.
So what’s the best way to retain all of this?
Notecards.
Write down terms, concepts, laws, strategies, and key details on notecards. Writing things out helps reinforce memory, and notecards make it easier to build strong term-definition associations. You can create your own (recommended), or use pre-made cards like the ones I created to help speed up the process.
Another effective method is studying in short bursts. Aim for 20–30 minute sessions, followed by breaks. This keeps your focus sharp and prevents burnout.
During your study sessions, try reading your notes out loud. You can even record yourself and listen back later. This creates an additional way to retain information using audio- especially helpful for neurodivergent learners, blind or low vision individuals, or busy professionals who need a hands-free option.
Lastly, I would be absolutely remiss if I didn’t mention this factor – the CPACC exam questions are written in a way to confuse you at first glance and truly test your comprehension of the information. Get your mind to adjust to the framing of the questions by seeking out tougher practice questions that actually simulate the difficulty of the exam.
Final Thoughts
The challenge of memorizing definitions and concepts is exactly why I created structured study cards. If you struggle with retention, I strongly recommend using this method. It can help you learn faster, recall information more effectively, and walk into exam day with confidence.
That said, these methods aren’t the only path to success. This guide is for serious professionals who need a more structured way to retain information and position themselves for success.
This blog post was written by Brooke Burke, CPACC, a multimedia designer and disability advocate who believes in structural equity in digital and physical spaces.
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