How do you qualify to sit for the certification examination?

Section 2 in the ACA Handbook contains complete information on the options, the application process, and fees.

Do I need to have a master’s degree in order to take the certification exam?

Yes, you must have completed a master’s degree by August 31st of the year in which you plan to take the exam.

How do you study for the examination?

We recommend joining the online forum to find other applicants interested in forming study groups, comparing notes, and sharing preparation strategies.

The ACA Handbook contains other important resources in sections 4 and 5.

When and where is the examination offered?

The Academy offers the examination in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Society of American Archivists. Simultaneously, the Academy holds the examination at several announced sites and at petitioned sites.  For more information, visit our Test Locations page.

When will I receive my test results?

The test is scored by a professional testing expert and will be reported approximately eight weeks after you take the examination.

What if you do not pass the examination?

The Academy does not require persons retaking the exam to resubmit job descriptions, evidence of degrees, or the like.  Just resubmit the application itself with a note to indicate that the other documentation was sent with your initial application.

The Academy never releases the names of persons who did not pass the examination. Your privacy is very important to us.