Academy of Certified Archivists
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.
Annual dues keep your CA credential active. If dues are unpaid after September 30, the credential enters Lapsed status on October 1.
Where would you like to start?
Become a Certified Archivist
The CA Examination is offered once a year. There are no education or work prerequisites to sit for it.
Maintain your credential
Certified Archivists pay annual dues and recertify once every five years. The two requirements are separate.
Verify a Certified Archivist
Employers and colleagues can confirm that an archivist currently holds the credential in good standing.
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.
Latest
A plain-language guide to how the credential works, what each status means, and how to return to good standing.
Results of the 2026-2027 Board of Regents election, with thanks to every candidate and voter.
ACA has removed all education and work requirements to qualify for the examination, effective with the 2026 exam.
Questions?
Write to office@certifiedarchivists.org or call (518) 694-8471. For questions about the examination, contact examadmin@certifiedarchivists.org.