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.
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.
A LinkedIn poll shows that 33% of professionals struggle with remembering terminology, while 33% haven’t started the study journey, and 20% find applying concepts as most challenging. 13% struggle with understanding WCAG.
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.
Using notecards to study for an exam can improve retention and give you positive results.
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.
The CPACC study cards were used by a pro who made a 750/800 score and has helped many pros pass their exam.
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.
Find me on LinkedIn, and join the FaceBook careers group for a network of professionals sharing insights, challenges, and resources to aid your career.
If you have a done some online research on the CPACC, you quickly learn that there aren’t many larger conversations about effective study methods or tools because accessibility (and especially a CPACC) is esoteric. So while preparing for my exams in 2023, I noticed a gap in additional study materials – especially accessible study materials for CPACC prep. For this reason, I had to try a few different study approaches to be adequately prepared for the exam.
If you’re unsure of the best study method for you, it’s general best practice to take a multifaceted approach. This approach works well because no one fully knows what to expect on an exam they’ve never taken – but it can have a few drawbacks when it comes to CPACC prep. Since gaining my CPACC back in 2023, I’ve heard that the exam questions change with every new testing session. So what is the best way to prepare?
By filling you in on my experience, I might be able to help you decide. I obtained my CPACC in 2023 and have helped many test takers pass the CPACC as well since then.
What CPACC study resources do I need?
Determining the best study materials may depend on a few factors. Some professionals prefer Deque’s materials, others prefer Princeton’s, and sometimes it depends on whether your employer sponsors your exam.
In my honest opinion, it doesn’t matter as much which study course you choose, as long as you study the source material thoroughly. I would suggest the obvious, though; and that is to read online reviews about CPACC study courses. Reddit was very useful for this, and of course asking other CPACC holders on professional networks like LinkedIn.
The IAAP Body of Knowledge (BOK) is absolutely necessary because it serves as the general foundation for the concepts you need to know before taking the CPACC.
Sidenote: I’ve also heard of some professionals passing on the first try by reading the BOK alone. More often than not, they were already working in the accessibility field, which helped significantly- but kudos to them regardless. Personally, I’m certain I would have failed if I had relied on the BOK alone, so this is not advised.
After thoroughly reading through these documents (CPACC study course and BOK), your brain will probably feel completely overloaded and fighting just to remember to lock the front door afterwards. It’s common to start doubting whether you retained all the information you studied earlier. If you already have memory challenges, neurodivergence, or a busy lifestyle, trying to retain this much new information can be discouraging.
There are a few additional study resources on the IAAP website, but in retrospect I didn’t find them ultimately useful for what I needed at the time, which was something more accommodating. Either the content felt overstimulating (videos lasting two hours or more), quizzes had slightly conflicting information, or I was having to strain my eyes by reading on the computer for hours.
I assume this is partly because the CPACC is still relatively new in the world of industry certifications, so there simply aren’t many comprehensive study resources available yet in different formats yet.
So while preparing for the exam, I had to find a better way to retain the information.
The study methods and tools that worked for me
I originally wanted to learn accessibility to add to my skillset and increase my employability in the job market. While researching industry certifications, I came across the IAAP.
My manager was also interested in having someone on the team serve as an accessibility specialist for contracts, so he decided to sponsor my certification and I began studying.
We initially agreed that I would take the exam three months later, which sounded like plenty of time to prepare- or so I thought.
I started reading through the first few chapters of Deque’s CPACC study course. After a while, the lengthy text became monotonous and caused some vision discomfort, so I got very familiar with using a screen reader to help me get through the online course material.
But as time went on, other work obligations piled up. My manager also stopped mentioning the exam, so it gradually slipped down my list of priorities.
That was until one day when my manager informed me that not only had he registered me for the exam, but I would be taking it in two weeks.
He was always the type to move quickly- even sometimes against my best interests- but now I suddenly had 14 days to prepare for a serious exam. I could barely contain my enthusiasm (sarcasm).
Many test takers prepare for the CPACC by studying only the source material and the BOK. However, I was not one of those people. Whether it truly would have been enough for me to pass or not, I felt severely underprepared.
The anxiety started affecting me, and since I couldn’t reschedule, I needed to do something quickly.
So I decided to write high-level concepts onto notecards, and it ended up serving me very well.
Since it had already taken longer than 14 days just to read through Deque’s study course, I knew I didn’t have time to reread both that material and the BOK again. That realization made me doubt I would have a positive outcome.
So I decided to “cheat” the system a little.
I had 2 weeks to prepare. So during the first week of those 2 weeks, I spent my time handwriting key concepts and high-level topics onto notecards. This allowed me to study more efficiently and focus on the major concepts within the limited time I had. This method moved me closer to my goals because while writing, I was able to not only go through the study course one last time, but also cement it into my memory for good by physically writing it down. The notecards also broke up larger concepts into something digestible, and less overwhelming.
During the second week, I focused more on practice questions.
At the time, I searched the internet for CPACC practice questions but only found a few Quizlet sets. Today there are more options available, but in retrospect many of the practice questions didn’t truly simulate the challenging nature of the actual CPACC exam.
Although I passed the exam, I believe harder practice questions would have helped me psychologically prepare for actual exam. I tend to experience severe testing anxiety, and that definitely affected my performance- even though I passed.
Many other professionals have mentioned facing similar challenges, which is why I eventually created more difficult practice questions designed to reflect the CPACC’s wording and format; which has helped many disabled test takers also achieve their goal.
Additionally, many professionals with disabilities- particularly blind professionals- have reached out to me for more accessible study materials. Because of this, I also converted the study cards into an audio version.
Deciding what works best for you
Finding the most effective study method often depends on the individual learner and their needs/preferences.
However, regardless of the method you choose, an open approach can be extremely helpful. The general process below can work well for many test takers:
Dedicate 2–3 hours every other day reading Deque’s, Princeton’s, or another CPACC study course. (Tip: become familiar with your computer’s screen reader to prevent your eye strain from computer use.) It may take 1–3 months to complete the material, but understanding it thoroughly is critical.
Read the IAAP Body of Knowledge (BOK) and briefly review the linked resources within it.
Write high-level concepts, definitions, statistics, and major ideas onto notecards. If you’re short on time or need additional tools, the study cards I originally hand wrote and used for my exams may help. You can get some 3×5 blank index cards and print them out for a more tactile, no-tech learning tool.
Find practice questions that are challenging. Many available questions don’t accurately reflect the nature of the exam, so try to find ones that do.
If you need hands-free or low-tech study tools, many blind learners prefer CPACC study cards in audio format.
The r/Accessibility subreddit on Reddit was also a goldmine for getting my questions answered and searching through previous discussions about the CPACC- don’t overlook it.
If you follow a process like this, you’ll put yourself in a strong position to pass the exam. It’s the same advice I’ve given that has helped many others succeed.
Written by Brooke Burke, CPACC, a learning and multimedia designer and disability advocate.
The IAAP badge earned by professionals who successfully passed the CPACC Exam.
In 2024, I took a proctored exam with the IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals). After many weeks of reading, studying, and review, I passed with a 750 out of 800. In this blog, we’ll cover my study journey, exam day prep, good test taking strategies, and my advice to those aspiring to ace the CPACC.
Just a fair warning- this blog dives into my full, detailed experience.
TL;DR: If you struggle with memory retention, live with a TBI, have test anxiety, or you’re neurodivergent like me – consider transferring the study material onto notecards by hand. Writing the material on notecards is inexpensive, customizable, and one of the most effective ways to retain the core information you need. This is exactly what I did to pass my exams, and have converted them into a digital version to help you pass faster.
Now onto my full experience with the CPACC exam.
A young woman in a hijab reads over her hand written notes for preparation.
What is the CPACC Exam?
CPACC is the acronym for Certified Professionals of Accessibility Core Competencies. The CPACC is an exam for professionals seeking to upskill and gain in depth knowledge about disabilities, accessibility, in the digital and physical space. It is held by the IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals), who is the only certifying body in accessibility in the world, with chapters in over 100 countries. They provide certifications in accessibility for Web, Built Environments, Documents, and more. In order to get any specialized certification from IAAP, you have to get your CPACC first.
The CPACC exam covers information that is likely esoteric to most people. It’s about accessibility, and it’s quite thorough. Accessibility refers to the ease of use for people with disabilities.
If you’ve ever walked places using flat sidewalks or using bright signage, these are examples of accessibility in the real world. If you adjust the brightness or use speech functions on your mobile phone you have leveraged accessibility.
Although, you don’t need a certification to practice accessibility, it does look good on resumes, and some disability and accessibility roles will explicitly state CPACC preferred.
A highly contrasted black and white pedestrian signage and an arrow symbol to guide people on a paved sidewalk.
The CPACC exam poses a challenging feat because like many exams, the questions vary in complexity, and some questions (along with their answers) are meant to confuse you to test your comprehension. The questions are also weighted variably, meaning you get more “points” for correctly answering particular questions. There are 100 questions, and it has to be submitted within 2 hours.
My Study Journey
I studied for the CPACC 6 months before I took the exam, only reading through Deque’s Prep Course. Four weeks before the exam, my boss informed me that I will be taking the exam in the next examination window. After receiving the news, I picked back up sifting through Deque’s study material, took a look through the Body Of Knowledge, and did a mock test online.
This long text format served its purpose as it is an adequate introduction to accessibility concepts. However, these PDFs can be daunting due to their length. Was I comprehending and synthesizing this newly learned information?
Well, at the time, I did not feel like I had. There were flashcards of mock questions available online, but I felt that my insecurity stemmed from whether I was truly retaining the source material or not.
I also wasn’t too keen about staring at a screen to study for hours after a long work day that essentially revolves around staring at a computer.
A young man sits at a desk and stars at his computer screen intensely.
It’d been years since I had taken any exam, and now I started to feel the familiar dread of possibly failing it. This $500 exam, that if I failed, would be another $300 to retake. Working for a smaller firm, the stakes became immense; and like any other demanding yet supportive manager, he made this known (in the most professional way that he could).
These concerns I had were the catalyst for me transferring the study material onto notecards. This way I could study without my laptop, and revisit information in a more practical, digestible way.
Having the cards also meant I could brush up on concepts right before the exam, quickly and efficiently. On the morning of the exam, I did just that, while waiting for the proctored exam to begin.
Blank index cards used to write notes for exam preparation.
Exam Day Preparation
I wish there was a bonafide and proven way to combat nervousness about anything. After years of presenting in grade school, public speaking in college, and test-taking all of my life, I am here to report that my search has been in vain.
Although you cannot prevent nerves, the best method to console them is to simply be so prepared that you feel confident on exam day, not insecure. Just nervous. There is a distinction, but I digress.
On the day of, my exam was at 11am. I opted to have a proctored exam because I didn’t want any reviewers to have any reason to deny my submission. I didn’t want to be accused of cheating by staring off into space, or worse- have to retake the exam.
A young woman holds the sides of her head and grits her teeth in frustration.
At about 10:15 am, the proctor emails me and drops a prerequisite request. She apologizes for the late email, but it did nothing to help my nerves.
Luckily, I had gone into the office that day for a quiet testing space, and they had a printer available for me to complete this side quest (printing, signing, and sending a picture of a verification document). I did just that, and sent it in. By the time I was complete, I had about 15 minutes till the exam.
I grabbed my CPACC cards and began skimming through the information. I didn’t read through every card- and that wasn’t the goal. Instead, they served as a quick refresher, reigniting memories from the original study material. The repetitive nature of the cards helped imprint key concepts, sparking my recall by quickly associating bits of information.
Test-Taking Strategies
At 10:55, I logged onto the web conference meeting for the exam. The Proctor and I exchanged pleasantries, and then she turned her camera off. I clicked the exam link, shared my screen, and began the exam.
The first few questions really set the tone for the exam. If you take it, you’ll see what I mean. There are some good practice exams online that happen to have a couple questions that I experienced while taking the exam.
I won’t share the exact questions and answers of course, but please note that CPACC does have a few questions and answers meant to confuse you. Recently I have seen more test takers report on failing the exam, and I suspect this maybe the reason.
Each CPACC exam question has four answers. The answers consist of 2 detractors, 1 possibly, and 1 correct answer.
Of course, I do the process of elimination. This served me well to eliminate 2 answers for nearly all the questions. If 2 answers were left and I truly couldn’t identify the answer, I thought about what the 2 answers had in common and what they did not.
For example, there may be a question about the slight difference between Autism and Asperger’s. Reflecting on the similarities and differences (on my CPACC study cards) is what helped me answer the question correctly.
A young woman sitting on a balcony smiles at a laptop on the table in front of her.
I do believe that while test taking, “if you take too long, you’ll get it wrong” so I try not to get too comfortable with second guessing myself.
During the exam, the proctor let me know that I could skip questions and revisit them later. Thanks! I did just that. Also, skipping forward to answer other questions can sometimes jog your memory, and help you answer the questions that you had skipped before.
This worked for me, and I answered all the questions with 45 minutes to spare. I said a tiny prayer, became comfortable with being uncomfortable, and clicked submit.
My Results and Reflections
About 6 weeks later, I received an email from IAAP with my test scores. I had passed- a 750 out of 800. I was surprised at the higher score, but I did recollect feeling somewhat at ease with my performance after I had left the office on exam day.
I believe that a few things contributed to my success. Studying and reinforcing the information is the best method for memorization.
I’m not a fan of excessive studying, I prefer to familiarize myself by reading the entirety of information (preferably one time), then reinforce it in a more convenient way. The BOK and my study cards were great reinforcements as someone who is also neurodivergent.
For anyone taking the exam, you cannot escape the necessity of reviewing IAAP approved material (I suggest Deque’s CPACC Prep Course) and the BOK.
If you plan to pass CPACC, consider transferring the study material into a format that will be easier for you to retain the info. It is cost-effective to do it yourself, and I can assure you that any additional ways to cement this new information will help you.
The effectiveness of consuming new information in a no-tech, condensed format is a friendly alternative for your eyes and brain, allowing you to reiterate concepts in a way that accommodates diverse learning needs. Also, it prevents you from endlessly rereading the BOK.
My written study cards were crucial to passing the CPACC, so I turned them into digital study cards – plus an audio-only version for blind, neurodivergent, and busy learners. Over time, I’ve refined these cards with feedback from other test-passers, making them sharper and more effective. Today, the CPACC study cards remain a key resource helping countless test-takers succeed.
An Etsy message from a learner who used the physical study cards to prepare for her CPACC Exam.
Print them on blank, standard 3 x 5-inch cards, easily found on Amazon or at office supply stores.
Preparing for the CPACC exam takes time, patience, and the right resources. Give yourself the opportunity to absorb the material by studying the CPACC Prep Course, the BOK, and leveraging supplemental tools.
Remember, it’s not about getting every answer right- it’s about demonstrating a solid understanding of accessibility principles.
Don’t forget to connect with communities like r/accessibility on Reddit for additional support and camaraderie. Join FaceBook groups to get insights about the job market and other resources. By following these recommendations, you’ll be setting yourself up for success and soon showing off your CPACC badge!
