WAS certification preparation training

Course description

This course is designed to prepare you for the International Association of Accessibility Professionals’ (IAAP) exam required to attain Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) certification. It emphasises hands-on technical proficiency without requiring specific knowledge in programming.

The course is focused on the ability to:

• identify and articulate issues in programmatic content,
• comprehend usability and testing methodologies, including the use of assistive technologies
• grasp the end-user impact of accessible techniques and strategies

Outline of the content

The course is divided into two parts exploring the three knowledge domains that are included in the IAAP WAS certification exam.

Part 1: Creating Accessible Web Solutions
Learning objectives:

• Understand and interpret key accessibility standards like EN 301 549, WCAG, WAI-ARIA, and ATAG,
• Identify coding principles and practices that impact and support accessibility.

Part 2: Identifying and Remediating Accessibility Issues in Web Solutions
Learning objectives:

• Know how assistive technologies work, and how to make design decisions to support accessibility, and ensure compatibility with various browsers.
• Master testing methodologies with assistive technologies, user testing and automatic/manual testing tools, and understand strategies for remediating accessibility issues.

Live trainer-led or self-paced training?

We offer courses live with the possibility to ask questions and interact with the trainer, as well as self-paced courses delivered through our accessible e-learning platform.

The live trainer-led course is delivered through two online live sessions led by our IAAP certified instructors. The duration of each of the sessions is three hours.

The self-paced courses are based on a multi-modal approach where video, audio, text summaries, screenshots, illustrations, captions and transcripts are provided to cater for various learning styles.

The self-paced courses are currently available in English only.

Who would benefit from the course?

The course is specifically tailored for individuals involved in designing, developing, implementing, evaluating, or managing accessible web content and services. Prior general knowledge of programmatic code elements is presumed.

Why choose us as a provider?

The Funka Foundation is an IAAP Approved Certification Training Preparation Provider. Our trainers are certified. Our trainers have in-depth knowledge of the content of the WAS Body of Knowledge and Foundation staff have overseen the 2023 revision of the WAS BoK. Foundation staff members are co-founders of IAAP, and members of IAAP Certification Committee. The Funka Foundation is also leading the IAAP Nordic chapter.

Our approach is based on engagement and active learning:

• The training sessions are enhanced with examples from real life to illustrate how the knowledge can be applied in practice.
• Interactive exercises in the sessions will help you check what you learned as you go and support you on how to employ the knowledge.
• Each training session ends with test-questions created to be similar to actual exam questions.
• For live trainer-led courses, the training material (power point) is distributed to participants together with tips for further studies.
• For self-paced online courses, you have access to the material during 12 months.

Application and execution of the WAS exam is handled by IAAP

Please note that completion of the training programme does not guarantee the success of your professional certification exam. The course should be used in complement to your own studies to prepare for the exam.

To apply for WAS certification, you must have at least 3 years of documented roles and responsibilities in web accessibility. Applicants will be asked to provide written explanations that illustrate their roles or responsibilities with first-person, ongoing, regular work in technical digital accessibility. The IAAP Certification staff assesses the applications received and determines whether you fulfil the requirements to take the exam.

Web Accessibility Specialist certification on IAAP website (opens in new window)