All pathways lead to ACA!
The Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) announces a new, simplified approach to becoming a Certified Archivist (CA) with the removal of all education and work requirements to qualify for the examination.
Approved by the Board of Regents in February 2025, this change, effective with the 2026 exam, enables us to better serve and support the entire archival community. ACA recognizes that current and future archival professionals with diverse experiences and perspectives enter the profession through a variety of pathways. We embrace this diversity in education, experience, and identity through our new, unobstructed path to membership.
All pathways lead to ACA!
This decision brings ACA in closer alignment with our mission and allows us to reimagine the Certified Archivist designation as a resource available to the entire archival community: The move away from complex, expensive prerequisites eliminates requirements that imposed disproportionate economic pressure. The updated qualifications, ACA improves inclusiveness and increases accessibility.
Our vision for the future relies on the strength and resilience of our community. We invite all archive-focused professionals to join us as we move forward together.
For background on ACA’s decision-making process, we invite you to consult available additional information about the New Pathways to Membership Task Force.
2024-2025 ACA Board
Dara A. Baker, President
Stephanie Bayless, Vice President
Liz Scott, Regent for Nominations (past-President)
Mary McRobinson, Treasurer
Lauren Goodley, Secretary
Gina Nichols, Regent for Exam Administration
Amanda Focke, Regent for Certification Maintenance
Dina Mazina, Regent for Outreach
Cheryl Oestreicher, Regent for Exam Development
Julia Stringfellow, Regent for Member Services
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In February 2024, the ACA Board voted to establish the New Pathways to Membership Task Force (NPTF) to examine, develop, and provide recommendations for applicants seeking to qualify for the ACA exam and become certified archivists. The NPTF reviewed historical and current ACA practice, reviewed practices for similar organizations, and considered statistical and anecdotal data related to the profession. NPTF met monthly to explore alternative pathways for qualifying to take the exam and to create new opportunities for cultural heritage professionals and practicing archivists to join the Academy of Certified Archivists.
The Task Force Chair invited community members, approved by the ACA Board. Members served as subject matter experts, primarily advising, consulting, and making recommendations.
Special thanks to our task force members: Dr. April Anderson-Zorn, CA; Terry Baxter, CA; Dr. Lara Godbille, CA; Dr. Ashley Todd-Diaz, CA; Dara Baker, CA (ACA President 2024-2025);
Stephanie Bayless, CA (ACA Vice President, 2024-2025); Gina Nichols, CA (Regent for Exam Administration (2023-2027).
Ex-officio Members: Mary McRobinson, CA (ACA Treasurer 2022-2026); Lauren Goodley, CA (ACA Secretary 2023-2025); Amanda Focke, CA (ACA Regent for Certification Maintenance 2023-2027); Cheryl Oestreicher, CA (ACA Regent for Exam Development 2022-2026); Julia Stringfellow, CA (ACA Regent for Member Services 2023-2025); Liz Scott, CA (ACA Past-President 2024-2025); Dina Mazina, CA (ACA Regent for Outreach 2024-2026)
A special thanks to Terry Baxter, who brought his concerns about the high bar for becoming a CA to the ACA Board.