Examination Information

Examination Dates: June 11-13, 2026

The 2026 Certified Archivist Examination will be administered online June 11-13, 2026. The three-hour examination will be offered at multiple scheduled time options across the three days of testing. Registered applicants will receive instructions in early to mid-May regarding how to select their preferred examination date and time, along with technical requirements and testing procedures. ACA no longer offers an in-person examination option.

If you are retaking the examination, please contact the ACA Office at office@certifiedarchivists.org by April 30 to inform ACA of your intention to sit for the exam in 2026. You do not need to submit a new application

Application Period: March 1 - April 30, 2026

The application will open at 12:00 PM ET on March 1, 2026, and will remain open until 11:59 PM ET on April 30, 2026.

To apply, visit https://app.prolydian.com/organizations/ACA

Application Fee: $125 USD

The application fee for the 2026 Certified Archivist Examination is $125 USD. This fee is paid at the time you submit your application (a "pay by check" option is also available).

We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from taking the examination after registering:

• If you cancel your examination more than 24 hours prior to your scheduled testing appointment, you will receive a refund of the examination fee minus a $15 USD processing fee.

• If you cancel less than 24 hours prior to the examination, fail to appear, or provide inadequate identification at the time of testing, you will forfeit the full amount of the examination fee.

Annual Membership Dues: $75 USD

Upon achieving a passing score on the Certified Archivist Examination, candidates become eligible to activate their Certified Archivist (CA) credential.

Activation requires payment of first-year ACA membership dues in the amount of $75 USD, due within thirty (30) days of receiving notification of examination results. Once membership dues are received and the credential is activated, individuals may use the designation Certified Archivist (CA), provided they maintain annual ACA membership and complete recertification requirements every five years, either by petition or by re-examination.