Certification maintenance ensures that members keep up with developments in the field of archives.  Members must recertify every 5 years through one of two methods of certification maintenance.

Option A: Recertification by Examination

Simply resubmit the exam application and indicate that the exam is for recertification purposes. Recertification applicants pay no exam fees and need not submit any documentation in addition to their application. The application must be submitted by the deadline in the year recertification is due.

Recertification by examination has several advantages:

Universal credential. Certification by examination allows archivists to remain certified even during periods of unemployment or while otherwise unable to pursue professional development.

Minimal fuss. Examination is the fastest and easiest way to recertify. Most persons complete the examination in about an hour to an hour and a half.

Minimal paperwork. All Certified Archivists are forever qualified to sit for the examination.

Self-evaluation. The certification examination is your best available method for comparing your professional knowledge to a consensus current view of archival standards.

Option B: Recertification by Petition

The petition option uses a point system to reward experience, continuing education, and contributions to the profession such as attendance at archival meeting, participation in workshops, presentation of papers, service on archival committees, etc. Such activities are important for maintaining professional skills and advancing the profession.

The petition method requires completion of the petition form once every five years. On the form, you briefly describe the activities for which you claim credit. This is on the honor system; unless a question arises you need not submit evidence of your activities. Applicants must demonstrate a variety of professional activities to qualify for recertification by petition. The petition form should be submitted by the exam deadline in the year recertification is due.

Recertification by petition has several advantages:

Archival specialization. Recertification by petition allows you to specialize in particular aspects of archival practice without keeping up-to-date on the entire scope of the profession. This is an advantage for people who are relatively settled in a career and ready to specialize.

Academic archivists. The scope of activities for which recertification credits may be given includes a host of writing and research activities particularly well suited for archivists working in an academic settings.

Continuing education. Archivists who are able to attend archival workshops and conferences will be given credit for these activities.

For more information about recertifying by petition, please review "Recertification Definitions, Special Instructions and Templates".

Which recertification option should you choose?

Regardless which option you choose, the Academy will always consider both alternatives equally valid. Your recertification choice should be determined solely by your preferences, circumstances, and goals.

Fees

You must maintain your annual dues, but, regardless which certification maintenance option you choose, there is no recertification fee.

To Apply