APAC-BE Study Resources

APA Certification Program
Certifying Excellence in Accessibility
The APAC-BE exam is the only national certification for accessibility professionals working in the built environment
Exam topics and domains
The domains covered are
- Understanding accessibility requirements in general (20 questions)
- Determining what services are to be provided by the accessibility professional (5 questions)
- Determining which accessibility requirements are applicable to the project within the scope of work (16 questions)
- Using the appropriate methodologies (e.g., best practices, tools, processes, procedures, approach) to accurately collect and report information (16 questions)
- Reviewing plans, specifications, and other documentation provided by the client to identify potential issues prior to construction (16 questions)
- Conducting site visits (17 questions)
- Writing, explaining, and defending a report (8 questions)
- Assisting clients with post-report services (2 questions)
Total questions: 100
NOTE: Candidates must have a general knowledge of construction documents and practices as well as legal terms and procedures. None of the questions on the exam consider stricter state requirements.
Study resources
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards (from Access Board)
- ADA Title II
- ADA Title III
- ADA Title III Technical Assistance Manual
- US DOJ ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal
- 7 Things Every Playground Owner Should Know
- 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1
- 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1
- 2018 IBC Chapters 10 & 11
- 2021 IBC Chapters 10 & 11
- 2018 IEBC
- Fair Housing Act Design Manual
- Fair Housing Act & Fair Housing Amendments Act
- PROWAG
- UFAS
- HUD Deeming Notice
- 24 CFR 100.205
- 24 CFR part 8 HUD’s Federally Assisted §504 regs
- 24 CFR Part 8 HUD’s Federally Conducted §504 regs