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Frequently Asked Questions

What is WebProfessionals.org Web professional certification?
What organizations support WebProfessionals.org CPW certifications?
Why should I become WebProfessionals.org certified?
How do I get WebProfessionals.org CPW certified?
Does WebProfessionals.org offer training?
How much are the exams?
Where do I take the exams?
How do I get the education and training I need to become certified?
How do I register for the exams?
What do I need to do once at the testing center?
When do I receive my certificate?

Answers:

What is WebProfessionals.org Web professional certification?
Certification adheres to professional standards developed by the non-profit professional association in collaboration with business and industry and education and employers that hire Web professionals.

WebProfessionals.org Web professional certification is based on vendor neutral skills and competencies needed to compete in today’s competitive economy. These skills are obtained several ways: a) through comprehensive courses available at high schools, colleges, universities and training companies in traditional classrooms or online. b) By self study.

What organizations support WebProfessionals.org CPW certifications?
The CPW Web professional certification program is recognized and endorsed by the following organizations:

    • The U.S. Department of Education
    • The League for Innovation
    • Adobe Systems, Inc.
    • Cisco
    • The Community College Foundation
    • Government Technology Conference
    • Public Broadcasting System
    • SkillsUSA
    • Hundreds of high schools, colleges and training companies worldwide.

Why should I become WebProfessionals.org certified?

  • Studies show that employees who seek certification on average receive higher compensation.
  • Pathways developed for certifications provide you with a better understanding of the skills required by employers.
  • Understanding the skills and topics you need to know can save you time and money in the training.

How do I get WOW CPW certified?

There are several steps to become CPW certified.

Step 1: Determine which WebProfessionals.org CPW Certification pathway is right for you
Step 2: Prepare for the Certification exams
Step 3: Take and pass the Certification exams

Step 1: Determine which certification pathway is right for you. Choose the Certification pathway below that matches your job needs.
The first level of certifications is the Certified Novice certification for middle school students. The second level of certification is the Certified Apprentice for secondary and post-secondary students, or career-changing professionals:

Novice Exams

The first level of certifications is the Certified Novice. This exam measures a fundamental skill level for those individuals studying and working to become Web professionals. Novice level exams are designed for those just getting started in their education as an aspiring web professional. They are meant to confirm a base level of understanding of appropriate web technologies.

The following exams are available at the novice level:

  • Certified Web Designer Novice (CWDSA-novice): Web Designer Novices are learning the fundamentals of visual arts and are learning to create images and designs that capture and keep visitors’ interest. They present initial designs that meet the requirements and preferences of their audience.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Developer Novice (CWDVA-novice): Web Developer Novices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating web site structure and interactivity. They are learning to use database tools to custom applications and develop sites with dynamic presentation of content to the visitor.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Animator Novice (CWAnim-novice): Web Animator Novices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating animations and interactive animations which can be used on web sites. They are learning to use tools to develop these animations and engage web site visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web and Mobile App Developer Novice (CWMA-novice): Web and Mobile App Developer Novices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating both web and mobile apps. They are learning to develop these apps to engage visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>

Apprentice Exams

The second level of certifications is the Certified Apprentice. This exam measures a fundamental skill level for those individuals studying and working to become Web professionals. Apprentice level exams are the same exams offered for the associate level. If you pass the exam at 60% you rank as an apprentice. 70% or higher automatically gives you an associate level certification.

The following exams are available at the apprentice level:

  • WebProfessionals.org Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA-apprentice): Web Designer Apprentices are familiar with the visual arts and are learning to create images and designs that capture and keep visitors’ interest. They present aesthetically enticing designs that meet the requirements and preferences of their audience.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Apprentice Webmaster (CAW-apprentice): Certified Webmaster apprentices understand the basic breadth of topics that fall under Webmastering. Apprentice Webmasters know about the majority of subjects within the Associate Webmaster criteria, but with less depth into the individual topics.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Developer Apprentice (CWDVA-apprentice): Web Developer Apprentices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating web site structure and interactivity. They are learning to use database tools and custom applications to prepare sites for dynamic presentation of content to the visitor.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Administrator Apprentice (CWAA-apprentice): Web Administrator Apprentices are aware of the fundamental concepts for the hardware and software infrastructure supporting Internet communications. The CWAA-apprentice possesses a basic understanding of servers, routers, security, network management, and systems maintenance.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Animator Apprentice (CWAnim-apprentice): Web Animator Apprentices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating animations and interactive animations which can be used on web sites. They are learning to use tools to develop these animations and engage web site visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web and Mobile App Developer Apprentice (CWMA-apprentice): Web and Mobile App Developer Apprentices are familiar with the fundamentals of creating both web and mobile apps. They are learning to develop these apps to engage visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>

Associate Level Exams

Associate certifications reflect that the individual has a proficient level of understanding with regards to the exam topics.

  • Certified Web Designer Associate (CWDSA): Web Designer Associates are proficient in the visual arts and creating the images and designs that capture and keep visitors’ interest. They present aesthetically enticing designs that meet the requirements and preferences of their audience.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Associate Webmaster (CAW): WOW Certified Web Associates are proficient at blending the art of HTML-coding with the visual arts to create pages that are content-rich and visually pleasing. They are proficient at page layout, image creation and manipulation, interactivity, content creation, project and business management.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Developer Associate (CWDVA): Web Developer Associates are proficient at creating web site structure and interactivity. They use database tools and custom applications to prepare the site for dynamic presentation of content to the visitor.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Administrator Associate (CWAA): Web Administrator Associates are responsible for the hardware and software infrastructure supporting Internet communications. These technology professionals possess a strong understanding of servers, routers, security, network management, and systems maintenance.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web Animator Associate (CWAnim-associate): Web Animator Associates are familiar with the fundamentals of creating animations and interactive animations which can be used on web sites. They are learning to use tools to develop these animations and engage web site visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Web and Mobile App Developer Associate (CWMA-associate): Web and Mobile App Developer Associates are familiar with the fundamentals of creating both web and mobile apps. They are learning to develop these apps to engage visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>

Professional Level WebProfessionals.org Exams

The topmost level of WebProfessionals.org certification are the specialized certifications for those highly experienced Web professionals. These individual exams cover a wide variety of expertise and are meant for those who have already demonstrated generalist proficiency at the CPW level in all areas of the Web. You may be asked to provide a portfolio (examples) of your work when seeking this level of certification. We believe it is important to see actual examples of work done by those seeking this level of certification.

  • Certified Professional Webmaster (CPW): Webmasters are practitioners of web communication. They are responsible for all aspects of an organization’s web presence, including web content development, technical operations, and business management. They may have specific areas of expertise, but are most valuable as generalists who can manage all aspects of web operations.Note! The Certified Professional Webmaster exam (CPW) is achieved either by passing the four Associate-level certifications or by passing the CPW exam directly. These certifications are meant for experienced industry professional who have been working in this field.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Professional Web Designer (CPWDS): Professional Web Designers are masters of the visual arts and creating look and feel that drives a successful website, that capture and keep visitors’ interest and usable designs that meet or exceed the requirements and preferences of their audience.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Professional Web Developer (CPWDV): Professional Web Developers are masters at optimizing web site structure and interactivity. They use database tools and custom applications to enable the site to deliver the highest quality experience to the user.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Professional Web Administrator (CPWA): Professional Web Administrators are masters at acquiring and configuring the hardware and software infrastructure behind successful sites. These technology professionals possess expertise in servers, routers, security, network management, and systems maintenance.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Professional Web Animator (CWAnim): Professional Web Animators are familiar with the fundamentals and more advanced concepts of creating animations and interactive animations which can be used on web sites. They are proficient at using tools to develop these animations and engage web site visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>
  • Certified Professional Web and Mobile App Developer (CWMA): Web and Mobile App Developers are familiar with the fundamentals and advanced concepts of creating both web and mobile apps. They are proficient at developing these apps to engage visitors.
    View Exam Objectives >>

Step 2: Prepare for the certification exams.

Take the CPW instructor-led or CPW distance learning courses and you will get everything you need for certification. For details and locations visit the WOW education site /education

Does WebProfessionals.org offer training?

WebProfessionals.org currently offers a limited number of non credit programs that typically last one to four weeks or in some cases several semesters. WebProfessionals.org also partners with high schools, colleges, universities and training companies and you can find the resources by visiting: /education. WOW also conducts seminars, workshops and conferences. For more information on locations and cost visit: /community/events/

How much are the exams?

WebProfessionals.org exams retail for $95.00. Discounted exams are also available to current members of Web Professionals and Web Professional Academy members.

Where do I take the exams?

CPW exams are available online. They are presently only offered in English.

How do I get the education and training I need to become certified?

Complete the courses through attending classes or self-study.

How do I register for the exams?

Visit the WOW exam registration page

Step 3: Take and pass the certification exams.

What do I need to do once I have registered for the exam?

You will be contacted by one of our training administrators and they will provide you with detailed access information. You will have one hour to take the exam.

When do I receive my certificate?

You should receive your PDF certificate within 3-5 business days after passing the exam.