IAAP CPACC Certification Preparation Course 3.0 (2026)

Technical level: Beginner

Duration: 5 hours (online self-paced class, estimate)

IAAP Education Credits: 5.00 (This course counts toward renewal of IAAP certification)

Course Synopsis:

This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to pass the exam to become a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). The course covers all topics covered on the exam in detail, and contains links to external resources for further study.

Version 3.0 brings several notable improvements over the previous version: content has been tightened throughout, the disability statistics section has been updated and streamlined to better align with the IAAP Body of Knowledge, and the accessibility standards and laws section has been reorganized for easier navigation. Language, references, perspectives, and imagery have also been refreshed to be more current and inclusive.

A new graded CPACC practice exam is also available for you to test your knowledge before taking the actual exam.

Course Topics: IAAP CPACC Certification Preparation Course 3.0 (2026)

Introduction
About CPACC Certification
- Why Certify?
- Who Should Certify?
- About the IAAP
- Scheduling an Exam
- Exam Format
- Exam Topics - CPACC Content Outline
- Renewing Your Certification
- Other IAAP Credentials
Basic Disability Concepts
- The Digital Accessibility Revolution
- Accessibility Matters
- Assistive Technologies
- Our Diverse Abilities
Theoretical Models of Disability
- Medical Model
- Social Model
- Biopsychosocial Model
- Economic Model
- Functional Solutions Model
- Social Identity or Cultural Affiliation Model
- Charity or Tragedy Model
- Other Models
Types of Disabilities
- Blindness
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Low Vision
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Color Blindness
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Deafblindness
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Auditory Disabilities
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Mobility, Flexibility, and Body Structure Disabilities
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Cognitive, Intellectual, and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Math Disabilities
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Speech and Language Disabilities
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Seizure Disorders
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Psychological and Psychiatric Disabilities
  - Anxiety Disorders
  - Mood Disorders
  - Schizophrenia
  - Other Disorders
  - Challenges and Solutions
- Multiple/Complex Disabilities
Disability Statistics
- Incidence and Prevalence
- Why Disability Statistics Are So Variable
- Aging and Disabilities
- Education and Employment
- Poverty and Disability
Disability Etiquette
- Talking About People with Disabilities
- Talking to People with Disabilities
- Helping People with Disabilities
- Service Animals
- Assistive Technologies
- Everyone Is Different
Benefits of Accessible Design
- For People with Disabilities
- For Businesses and Organizations
- For People Without Disabilities
Web Accessibility Principles
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
Universal Design for the Web
- Images
- Color
- Contrast
- Video & Audio
- Links
- Headings
- Keyboard Accessibility
- Tables
- Forms
- Dynamic JavaScript
- PDF Documents
Universal Design for the Physical World
- Universal Design Principles
- Applying Universal Design to Physical Spaces
- Sidewalks
- Building Entrances
- Multi-Level Buildings
- Doorways
- Bathrooms
- Drinking Fountains
- Transportation Systems
- Taxis
- Emergencies
- Grocery Stores
- Self Check-In/Check-Out
- Signs
- Printed Materials
- Microwaves
- Televisions
- Movies
- ATMs
- Mobile Devices
- Philosophy of Accessible Design
Universal Design for Learning
- Multiple Means of Engagement
- Multiple Means of Representation
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression
- Learner Diversity
Usability and Accessibility
- Defining Usability
- Commonalities
- Differences
Myths and Misconceptions about Accessibility
- Myth: Accessibility Benefits Only a Small Minority
- Myth: Accessibility Is a Short-Term Project
- Myth: Accessibility Should Be the Last Step
- Myth: Accessibility Is Hard and Expensive
- Myth: Accessibility Is Ugly
Accessibility Standards and Laws
- Civil Rights Laws
  - UN Declaration of Human Rights
  - Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons
  - UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  - Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
  - African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
  - Inter-American Convention
  - Equality Act 2010
  - EU Employment Equality Directive
  - Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001
  - ADA
  - Marrakesh Treaty
- Procurement Laws
  - Section 508
  - US FAR
  - EU Public Procurement Directives
  - EN 301 549
  - EU Directive 2016/2102
- Industry-Specific Laws
  - CVAA
  - ACAA
  - AVMSD
  - EECC
  - eIDAS
  - EAA
Organizational Governance and Management
- European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE) Guidelines
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Recommendations
- Business Disability Forum Accessibility Maturity Model
- Capability Maturity Model
- Management Champions
- Integration Management
- Web Development Process
- Scope Management
- Time Management
- Cost Management
- Quality Management
- Human Resource Management
- Communication Management
- Risk Management
- Procurement Management
- Stakeholder Management
Conclusion