Certified Archivist Examination Practice Test
Archives certification covering archival theory, arrangement and description, reference and access, preservation management, and archival administration. Administered by Academy of Certified Archivists. Key domains include Arrangement and Description, Cultural Competency, Managing Archival Programs and Outreach, Advocacy, and Marketing. The exam consists of 100 questions over 180 minutes.
Sample Questions
Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.
A repository receives a takedown request from a photographer who claims copyright in images posted from a donated collection. The deed transferred physical ownership but not clearly copyright. What is the best first response?
A repository imports MARC records into a collection management system that supports DACS-aligned finding aids. Legacy records lack creator histories, dates are inconsistent, and container lists use local abbreviations. What normalization work should be prioritized?
A community history center has strong holdings on business leaders but almost no records from a neighborhood affected by highway construction. Residents offer meeting flyers, oral history recordings, and a shared cloud folder. Which appraisal approach best addresses the documented gap?
A county clerk offers 900 cubic feet of mixed twentieth-century case files after a move. The archives has a mandate to document county government, limited shelf space, and an existing retention schedule that keeps routine denied applications for 7 years but preserves policy-setting cases permanently. Which first action best meets archival appraisal practice?
A repository discovers acetate negatives with vinegar odor in the same cabinet as stable polyester film. Staff have no cold storage but can isolate materials and monitor conditions. What is the best immediate preservation action?
Why This Certification Opens Doors
Achieving certification provides tangible, real-world value by establishing a recognized standard of professional competency. In a field dedicated to preserving authentic evidence and cultural memory, the CA credential assures employers, donors, and the public that an archivist possesses the necessary skills to manage records responsibly and ethically. It directly impacts career trajectories, often being a preferred or required qualification for advanced positions. Furthermore, it fosters public trust in archival institutions by promoting consistent, high-quality practices that ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of historical materials.