CPACC study guide
CPACC · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) is a foundational credential administered by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). It certifies that a candidate understands disability from conceptual, legal, and practical perspectives rather than that they can build or audit accessible products. People in project management, policy, procurement, UX research, HR, communications, teaching, and software roles take it to establish shared vocabulary before specializing. The exam is delivered in English as multiple-choice questions spanning five areas: disability concepts and models, accessibility and universal design principles, assistive technologies and adaptive strategies, standards and laws, and organizational accessibility practice. The CPACC study guide has 5 sections and about 1,609 words.
01Disabilities, Models of Disability, and the Disability Community
Domain 1 asks you to distinguish impairment from disability, compare models, and use respectful, community-preferred language. CPACC questions often present a workplace or service scenario and ask which model is being applied.
349 words, about 2 min02Accessibility and Universal Design
Domain 2 tests the difference between accessibility, usability, and universal design, the seven Principles of Universal Design, and WCAG’s POUR structure. Accessibility : people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, interact, and contribute.
318 words, about 2 min03Assistive Technologies and Adaptive Strategies
Domain 3 covers assistive technology (AT) categories, how AT depends on accessible content and interoperability, and adaptive strategies people use. AT is any item, equipment, software, or product system used to maintain or improve functional capabilities (US Assistive Technology Act definition).
296 words, about 1 min04Accessibility Standards, Laws, Regulations, and Policies
Domain 4 tests the standards landscape: WCAG, EN 301 549, Section 508, ADA, the European Accessibility Act, and the UN CRPD, plus which level applies where. WCAG 2.1/2.2 : A, AA, AAA.
336 words, about 2 min05Organizational Accessibility Practices and Management
Domain 5 tests how organizations operationalize accessibility: governance, procurement, testing, training, and continuous improvement. Policy and ownership : an accessibility policy, an executive sponsor, and named roles across design, development, content, and procurement.
310 words, about 2 min