Guide to the Exam | The Academy of Certified Archivists

Examination Structure

100 multiple-choice questionsThree-hour time limit
One correct answer per question
No penalty for guessing
Questions may be flagged and revisited

The exam is based on the Role Delineation Statement for Professional Archivists.

Virtual Proctoring

The examination is administered virtually and proctored individually in a secure environment.

Candidates must:

Present a government-issued photo ID
Ensure a quiet, uncluttered testing space
Permit the proctor to access their computer via Zoom to initiate the examination
Agree to the General Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Permitted:

Restroom breaks
One clear bottle of water
Mask or face covering (with temporary removal for ID verification)

Not permitted:

Reference materials
Writing instruments
Electronic devices (unless approved for accommodation)
Virtual or blurred backgrounds

Special Accommodations

ACA maintains a formal accommodation policy and works to support applicants with documented needs. Indicate your need during registration or contact our Regent for Exam Administration.

Examination Results

Results are released approximately four weeks after testing.

Scores are reported as:

High Pass
Pass
Low Pass
Did Not Pass

Domain-level performance feedback is included.

Certification Cycle

Certification is valid for five years (beginning July 1 of the examination year).

Active ACA membership is required to maintain use of the Certified Archivist designation.

General Terms of Use & Non-Disclosure

Candidates must agree to ACA's Examination General Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to testing. Violation of examination policies may result in:

Dismissal from testing
Score cancellation
Forfeiture of fees
Ban from future testing
Additional disciplinary action

General Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement
Updated June 9, 2021

Please read carefully. You must agree to the General Terms of Use and the Non-Disclosure Agreement to take the examination. This will be sent to you in Prolydian for your digital signature.

General Terms of Use

You will need to agree to the following terms prior to taking the exam:

I have read and I understand and agree to the procedures and rules presented to me prior to testing.
I certify that I am the person whose name and address appear on the check-in screen.
I also certify that I am taking the ACA Examination intending to become a Certified Archivist, and I agree to comply with and be bound by the ACA Examination General Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions set forth in the Guide to the Certified Archivist Examination, including without limitation those related to:
- ACA fees and other testing policies, and score cancellations for irregularities and inappropriate examinee conduct.
- Ownership of the ACA Examination, all rights therein, and all test related records by the Academy of Certified Archivists.
- Privacy policies describing the collection, use, processing, protection and transmission to the United States of my personal information (including a picture of my government-issued ID and any audio and video recording collected during remote proctoring if required), my test responses, and those describing the disclosure of such data to ACA, its service provider, Prolydian, and others as necessary to prevent fraud or other unlawful activity or as required by law.

The exclusive remedies available to me in the event of an error in scheduling, administration or security of the reporting of my scores.

I understand that the ACA Examination is a confidential and secure test, protected by civil and criminal laws of the United States and elsewhere.

I certify that I have not knowingly accessed “live” ACA Examination questions or answers that might appear on my test and will not discuss the content of the examination with anyone during or after the examination period.

I will not record, copy, or disclose any examination questions or answers, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means before, during, or after I take the ACA Examination (orally; in writing; in any Internet “chat room” or website, through social media, message boards, or virtual or in person forums; by SMS or text; or otherwise).

I understand and agree that if I provide false information or if I violate any of the ACA Examination rules and procedures, or any other terms or conditions stated in the ACA Guide to the Certified Archivist Examination:

The examination proctor/test administrator may immediately dismiss me from the examination session.
My scores may be canceled without refund.
I may be banned from retaking the ACA Examination.
I may be subject to other consequences, as ACA deems appropriate.

I understand that if I do not agree to these conditions, I will not be permitted to take the examination, and I will forfeit my examination fee.

Non-Disclosure Agreement

You must not:

Record
Copy
Disclose in any fashion any examination question or answer, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means (orally, in writing, on any Internet “chat room” or website, through social media, message boards, or virtual or in person forums; via SMS/text, or otherwise) at any time.

If you are found to have disclosed any information about your examination, your examination (or membership in the Academy) will be forfeited and you may not be permitted to sit for the examination in future.

By providing my digital signature, I give ACA and Prolydian my permission to retain, process, store and transmit the following:

My personal information related to the examination, including the picture of my government-issued ID if required.
Any video and audio recordings that include me while taking the examination.
My test responses to the United States, which may be outside of the country in which I am taking the examination.

For additional information concerning the collection, transmission, and processing of your personal data (including, without limitation, examination results and any audio/video recording), refer to the Prolydian Privacy Policy at https://www.prolydian.com/privacy-policy.

If you do not agree to comply with and be bound by the Academy of Certified Archivists Examination (ACA Exam) General Terms of Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement, you will not be allowed to take the examination.