Certification Maintenance

Quick Links

• Recertification Portal (Prolydian)
• Recertification Petition Guidelines (Current)
• Prior Recertification Petition Guidelines (available to CAs recertifying in 2026 and 2027 only)

Overview

The Certified Archivist (CA) credential is maintained on a five-year recertification cycle. During each cycle, Certified Archivists may maintain their credential by completing recertification through one of two pathways:

• Recertification by petition (earning and submitting a minimum of 60 continuing education credits), or
• Recertification by examination (retaking and passing the Certified Archivist Examination)

You may check your recertification status and cycle dates at any time through the Recertification Portal. ACA also sends reminder notices by email as you approach the end of your cycle.

Option 1 (Most Common): Recertification by Petition

Recertification by petition allows you to maintain your CA credential by earning and submitting a minimum of 60 continuing education credits (CEs) during your five-year recertification cycle, in accordance with the applicable petition guidelines.

Submitting CE Credits

Continuing education activities may be submitted at any time through the Recertification Portal and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

To ensure credits are reviewed in time, Certified Archivists are strongly encouraged to submit all CE credit requests no later than April 30 of the year recertification is due.

Common Questions

What if I reach 60 credits before my certification period ends?
Congratulations. You have met the minimum requirement for recertification. You may continue to enter additional credits if you wish. Recertification will occur at the end of your current five-year cycle.

Do credits carry over into the next five-year cycle?
No. Credits do not carry over between recertification cycles.

Option 2: Recertification by Examination

Certified Archivists may elect to recertify by retaking the examination. To do so, submit the Intent to Recertify by Examination form.

Timing

You may take the examination:

• During your final year of certification, or
• At the earliest examination offered during the following year

Example: A CA with a recertification period ending June 30, 2026 may take any examination offered in 2026 or the earliest examination offered in 2027.

If You Do Not Pass

If you take the exam during your final year and do not pass:
Your credential remains valid through the end of your original five-year cycle. You may still complete recertification by petition before your deadline or retake the exam at the earliest available administration during the following year.

If you take the earliest exam offered during the year following your certification and do not pass:
Your credential will lapse. If you wish to continue as a Certified Archivist, you will need to pursue certification again in accordance with ACA policy.

Updated Petition Guidelines (Transition Information)

ACA recently implemented a revised and simplified set of recertification guidelines to make the credit request process clearer and more equitable. As part of this transition, ACA completed a crosswalk of member credits from the prior system to the updated system. Members whose credit totals were affected were contacted directly to review their records and discuss available options.

Which Guidelines Apply to You?

• CAs recertifying in 2026 or 2027 may use either the prior guidelines or the updated guidelines.
• CAs recertifying in 2028 and beyond must use the updated guidelines.

Key Changes Include:

• Increased credit availability for chairing committees, task forces, or serving as an executive officer
• Updated credit values for writing, publishing, and editing (based on scope and length)
• A requirement to earn credits across categories, rather than earning all 60 credits in the Education category alone

Using the Prior Guidelines (2026 Recertification Only)

Certified Archivists recertifying in 2026 who wish to use the prior recertification petition guidelines must notify ACA by submitting this brief form.

This option is primarily intended for certificants whose credit totals exceed the updated 30-credit per category maximum under the revised guidelines.

After submitting this form, ACA will follow up with you directly to support your recertification process.

Important: This form does not automatically capture your name or email address. Please be sure to provide your contact information so ACA can follow up with you.

COVID-19 Extension (If Applicable)

Certified Archivists who were active as of August 1, 2020 received a one-year extension of their certification cycle to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on professional activities. Please refer to the Certification Maintenance page or contact ACA for updated certification cycle dates if you believe this applies to you.

Questions?

If you have questions about recertification requirements, credit submission, petition guidelines, or are concerned about meeting your recertification deadline, please contact the Regent for Certification Maintenance. We are here to support you.