The Academy of Certified Archivists
The professional certification for archivists
The Certified Archivist (CA) credential recognizes archivists who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills the profession requires, and who commit to maintaining that expertise throughout their careers.
Open now Membership renewal closes September 30
Annual dues keep your CA credential active. If dues are unpaid after September 30, the credential enters Lapsed status on October 1.
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Why certification matters
An independent standard
Certification is granted by examination against a role delineation statement developed by practicing archivists, not by coursework or self-report. It gives employers a consistent measure of professional competence.
A commitment that continues
The credential is not permanent. Certified Archivists recertify every five years through continuing education or re-examination, so the designation reflects current knowledge rather than a past achievement.
Open to the whole profession
ACA removed all education and work prerequisites for the examination beginning with the 2026 exam. Archivists enter the profession through many routes, and the credential is available to all of them.
1989 Certifying archivists since
1,200+ Certified Archivists
Annual Examination, held each June
Latest
July 2025
ACA has removed all education and work requirements to qualify for the examination, effective with the 2026 exam.