Why the A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility Certification?
Digital accessibility is no longer optional—it is a legal requirement, an economic advantage, and a social responsibility all at once. The A4Q certification “Certified Professional for Digital Accessibility” comprehensively qualifies professionals and decision-makers to meet the demands of modern, inclusive digital services.
Your benefits at a glance:
Legal Compliance & Risk Reduction: Ensures knowledge of laws like ADA, EAA, Section 508, and EN 301 549, helping organizations avoid legal risks and penalties.
Practical expertise: You’ll gain concrete skills for planning, implementing, and evaluating accessible web content—including testing methods, tools, and implementation tips.
Cross-disciplinary relevance: Whether in development, UX/UI design, content creation, project management, or leadership—accessibility affects everyone. The certification targets various roles and fosters a shared understanding.
Improved usability for all: Accessible digital offerings are often more user-friendly, SEO-optimized, and enhance a company’s image—boosting both reach and user satisfaction.
What does digital accessibility actually mean?
Digital accessibility means that digital content and services are designed to be usable by all people—regardless of physical, sensory, cognitive, or situational limitations.
The four fundamental principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide the foundation:
• Perceivable: Content must be visible, audible, or otherwise perceivable—e.g., via alternative text, good contrast, or subtitles.
• Operable: Functions and navigation must be usable by everyone—for example, via keyboard or screen reader.
• Understandable: Content and interactions should be clear, logical, and predictable.
• Robust: Technical implementation must work reliably across different devices and assistive technologies—now and in the future.
What you'll learn in the curriculum
The certification provides hands-on knowledge across six structured modules (chapters):
- Introduction to Digital Accessibility: Fundamentals, key terms, and the significance of accessible digital services.
- User Groups: Needs and requirements of people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
- Legal Requirements and Standards: Overview of relevant guidelines (e.g., WCAG, BITV, EAA/BFSG).
- Testing Methods and Evaluation: Conducting accessibility tests—both manual and tool-assisted—based on WCAG criteria.
- Implementation Strategies: Integrating accessibility into development processes and team workflows.
- Automated Testing Tools: Overview of tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse—including their strengths and limitations.
The A4Q Certified Professional for Digital Accessibility syllabus and exam have been localized for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). The German-language syllabus reflects not only EU-wide requirements such as the EU Accessibility Act, WCAG, and EN 301 549, but also national laws and standards, including:
• Germany: BITV (Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung), BGG (Disability Equality Act), BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz, effective June 28, 2025), BMAS guidelines, and the BITV-Testreferenz
• Austria: WZG (Web-Zugänglichkeits-Gesetz) and BGStG (Federal Disability Equality Act)
• Switzerland: BehiG, VbgeB, and relevant eCH standards for accessible digital federal services
A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility: Exam Details
A preparatory training course with an accredited training provider is recommended before taking the exam. Training providers interested in offering this certification can license the official training material. Please contact A4Q directly for more information.
You can book the A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accesibility exam here.
Exam format:
40 multiple-choice questions
60-minute exam duration
+25% extra time for non-native speakers (15 minutes extra)
Pass mark: 65% (at least 26 out of 40 correct answers)
Downloads:
Download the syllabus:
English: A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility / Syllabus
German: A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility / Syllabus
Download sample exam:
English: A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility / Sample Exam (coming soon)
German: A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility / Sample Exam
German: A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility / Sample exam with solution
FAQ
I have lost my certificate. Is it possible to apply for a new one?
It is possible to apply for a replacement certificate; a processing fee of € 35 will be charged.
Is it possible to review the exam?
For a fee of € 80, a target-actual comparison can be performed at our business premises in Oberhaching, Germany. Conducting a target-actual comparison means that you will be presented the exam questions along with the solutions. You will have a time limit of 15 minutes to conduct this review. Subsequently, you will be denied access to the questions that are currently being used in the exam.
If I do not pass, is it possible to take the exam again?
Yes, you can re-take the exam; however, you will be charged another exam fee.
Do I have to meet any requirements to participate in the Exam?
No, there are no prerequisites for taking the A4Q Certified Professional Digital Accessibility exam.
Will my certificate expire?
No, the certificate is lifelong valid.
Will I incur any other fees besides the exam fee?
No.
Will I have to attend a course before I sign up for the exam?
No, attending a course is a choice you make at your discretion. You can also take the test right away.
However, we recommend you attend a course offered by an accredited company.
Will you notify my supervisor/employer as to whether I have passed or failed the exam?
No.