Path to ACA Certification

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Are you ready to take the ACA exam? 

The first step to archival certification is passing the ACA’s certification examination.

The certification examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions organized across eight domains, as outlined in the Role Delineation Statement for Professional Archivists. Passing the examination is a requirement for becoming a Certified Archivist.

Although the ACA has eliminated all educational and professional experience obstacles for the exam, we highly recommend having sufficient professional archival knowledge and experience to:

• Show expansive knowledge of the archival field.
• Demonstrate proficiency in all eight archival domains.
• Understand and apply sound archival principles and practices.

The ACA exam assesses knowledge across eight domains of archival practice. These domains include the essential duties and responsibilities that archivists typically perform in their roles, as well as the processes and policies needed to run an effective archival program. To prepare for the exam, candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of archival terminology and concepts, be familiar with both historical and contemporary literature, and be knowledgeable about both theoretical and practical standards. Additionally, professional experience is strongly recommended.

Applying for the Examination

Prospective candidates must pay a non-refundable fee of $30.00 USD to process their application. Candidates are required to complete and submit an Online Application using Prolydian, the ACA’s online testing platform. Once completed, the prospective candidate will be classified as an "Applicant."

ACA representatives will review applications to ensure all necessary information has been submitted. Successful applicants will receive instructions on registering for the examination and begin their journey to become Certified Archivists.

Please note that the official language of the application form and all supporting documentation is English. If you need assistance accessing the application, please contact the Regent for Exam Administration at examadmin@certifiedarchivists.org or ACA's Association Managers at office@certifiedarchivists.org.

Qualifications

Anyone is eligible to take the ACA exam; the exam has no prerequisites or advanced degree requirements.

We celebrate the diversity of the archival profession in education, experience, and identity through our new, unobstructed pathway to membership. We chose to reimagine the Certified Archivist (CA) designation as a resource for the entire archival community, to be utilized throughout one’s career and beyond.

We welcome prospective examinees from a variety of backgrounds, including new professionals, experienced archivists, content managers, records managers, information specialists, faculty, and managers. We also encourage individuals seeking a second or third career, as well as those currently in post-archival careers, to join us. Our invitation extends to individuals from the public, private, non-profit, and business sectors.

Registration

The fee to register for the Certified Archivist Examination is $75.00 USD. This fee must be paid at the time of registration.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise to prevent you from taking the exam after you have registered:

• If you cancel your examination between registration and 24 hours before the exam, you will receive a refund of your examination fee minus a $15.00 USD processing fee.
• If you cancel your exam less than 24 hours before the examination, miss the examination, or fail to provide adequate identification at the time of the examination, you will lose the entire examination fee.

Study for the Exam

We understand that preparing for an exam can be challenging, whether you're currently a student or haven't taken an exam since the 1900s. To help you get ready, visit our "How to Study for the Exam" and "Reading List" webpages for valuable information and preparation tips. Here are some ideas to assist you:

1. Review the Guide to the Exam
2. Create a study plan
3. Prepare exam application
4. Establish a study group
5. Review materials to prepare for the exam
6. Read articles and books on the reading list
7. Make study cards

Take the Exam

The examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the Role Delineation Statement for Professional Archivists. Questions are selected each year from our Exam Item Bank, created and managed by the ACA Exam Development Committee. A qualified psychometrician reviews all exam questions and the final test to ensure their quality and fairness.

You will have three hours to complete the examination; ACA has a formal policy in place for any special accommodation.

The exam timer will start once you begin the first question and will pause while loading the next question. Even if your internet connection is slow, you will still have the full three hours.

The examination will be proctored by Certified Archivists using breakout rooms in Zoom. You will be the only examinee in your breakout room. Proctors may enter and exit the room, similar to a teacher monitoring an in-person examination.

If you have questions about the exam or the exam application, don't hesitate to contact the Regent for Exam Administration at examadmin@certifiedarchivists.org, or ACA's Association Managers at office@certifiedarchivists.org.

 

We hope you join us!