Welcome to the Academy of Certified Archivists’ home on the web! Since its inception in 1989, ACA has served its

membership and the profession at large by promoting high standards for archival practice and by taking a leadership role in defining professional standards. The Academy develops a certification examination that covers seven defined areas, or domains, of archival knowledge and administers the exam every August. As an ongoing process, the Academy evaluates and revises the exam to reflect best practices.

The Academy encourages and supports ongoing professional development and growth by requiring our members to petition for recertification every five years. ACA members thus are active learners and participants in the archival field. In addition to a wide range of professional activities, they attend and participate in conferences, symposia, and workshops, and stay abreast of the latest theoretical and practical thinking for the field. Recertification also provides recognition for contributions made to the profession, whether as a volunteer in an archival organization, as a writer contributing to archival journals and publications, or as an archivist performing the myriad duties fundamental and inherent in archival enterprise.

I am honored to serve the Academy as president this year. I look forward to fostering and participating in the ongoing conversation within the organization on archival issues such as advocacy and diversity. These issues are common to the greater archival community, and the Academy of Certified Archivists continues to support their advancement in a manner appropriate within the context of ACA. In this way, the Academy not only serves its members but also the common, archival good.

Laura McLemore, ACA President 2012-2013