Interview with Radek Pavlí?ek
Radek Pavlí?ek is Senior accessibility specialist, project lead, and event manager at teiresias centre masaryk university in Brno, Czechia. Radek is Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA).
Why did you become certified?
I consider accessibility not only my mission but also a passion and fulfilling work. My professional journey began as an instructor teaching visually impaired individuals to operate specially adapted computers. This experience naturally led me to the field of digital accessibility, to which I have dedicated myself since 1998. Obtaining the certification from IAAP was a natural step to formally validate my knowledge and skills in this area. This certification demonstrates my expertise and ability to provide high-quality services in accessibility.
What has the certification meant to your career/ you personally?
Professionally, the certification has helped me earn the trust of clients and partners who value formal validation of my capabilities. It serves as a straightforward and clear way to demonstrate my expertise in accessibility. Personally, it has brought me a sense of satisfaction and confirmation that I am on the right path in my career. Additionally, it has opened doors to new opportunities, such as collaborating on international projects and participating in professional conferences.
What would you say professional certification means for society/our community at large?
Establishing a professional's expertise involves multiple facets, with certification being a significant component. Professional certifications enhance the quality of services in accessibility by standardising the knowledge and skills of practitioners, leading to improved understanding and implementation of accessibility measures within society.
The implementation of legislative measures regarding accessibility has led to a growing interest in this field, encouraging many individuals to offer their services. However, the quality of their work can vary. Therefore, professional certification serves as a reliable indicator of genuine expertise and a commitment to maintaining high standards in accessibility.
Moreover, obtaining certification can greatly benefit those who are earnest about pursuing a career in accessibility. It provides a clear and efficient means to demonstrate that the holder possesses the requisite knowledge in the field. This formal acknowledgment not only boosts the individual's credibility but also instills confidence in potential clients and employers regarding their capabilities.
What is CPWA?
The designation of Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) is earned by individuals who successfully pass both the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) exam and the Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) exam.
The IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) credential is IAAP's foundational certification, representing broad, cross-disciplinary conceptual knowledge about 1) disabilities, 2) accessibility and universal design, and 3) accessibility-related standards, laws, and management strategies.
The IAAP Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) credential is a technical level exam for an individual with at least an intermediate level of detailed technical knowledge about the WCAG guidelines and other related web accessibility topics. This exam is not intended for beginners or those without regular hands-on experience in writing, remediating, or identifying accessibility issues in code.
IAAP has chosen to award those individuals with a higher level credential as evidence of the significant achievement of passing both exams.
The Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) is one of various certification that IAAP - International Association of Accessibility Professionals has created for accessibility professionals. Find out more in the IAAP website.