IBACTP® Accessibility Statement

IBACTP is committed to treating individuals with disabilities with dignity, fairness, respect, and equal opportunity.

We seek to make our services accessible to individuals with disabilities, including people who experience:

• Blindness;
• Low vision;
• Color-vision differences;
• Deafness;
• Hearing loss;
• Limited mobility;
• Fine-motor limitations;
• Speech disabilities;
• Cognitive disabilities;
• Learning disabilities;
• Neurological conditions;
• Photosensitivity;
• Temporary disabilities;
• Age-related limitations; and
• Multiple or combined disabilities.

Accessibility is an ongoing responsibility. Technologies, standards, content, and user needs change over time. IBACTP is committed to reviewing, testing, improving, and maintaining accessibility throughout the lifecycle of its services.

This Accessibility Statement applies to:

• Public IBACTP websites;
• Candidate and credential-holder portals;
• Certification applications;
• Examination registration;
• Eligibility forms;
• Credential-verification services;
• Self-paced training;
• Virtual instructor-led training;
• In-person training;
• Practical laboratories;
• Capstone projects;
• Management simulations;
• Continuing professional development;
• Digital certificates and badges;
• Downloadable documents;
• Videos and webinars;
• Email communications;
• Customer-support services;
• Corporate and university programs;
• Authorized training-partner programs; and
• Other services that link to this Statement.

Third-party services may be governed by their own accessibility statements and practices. IBACTP works to select accessible providers and to address barriers when they affect participation in an IBACTP program.

IBACTP’s target is to make its public-facing websites and core digital services conform, as reasonably applicable, to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA.

WCAG is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Accessibility Initiative and provides internationally recognized guidance for making digital content more accessible. Learn more about WCAG 2.2.

The four primary WCAG principles are:

Perceivable

Information and interface components should be presented in ways users can perceive.

Operable

Navigation and interface components should be usable through different input methods, including a keyboard.

Understandable

Information, instructions, and interface behavior should be clear and predictable.

Robust

Content should be compatible with current and future user agents and assistive technologies.

IBACTP’s reference to WCAG 2.2 Level AA represents an accessibility target and continuous-improvement commitment. It should not be interpreted as a claim that every page, document, platform, or third-party integration has achieved complete conformance unless confirmed through a documented accessibility evaluation.

IBACTP may take the following measures to support accessibility:

• Include accessibility in website design and development requirements;
• Use semantic HTML and logical content structure;
• Include accessibility in procurement and vendor evaluation;
• Request accessibility documentation from technology providers;
• Train relevant employees, instructors, contractors, and content authors;
• Review websites using automated and manual testing;
• Test critical workflows with keyboards and assistive technology;
• Provide accessible templates;
• Add alternative text to meaningful images;
• Provide captions and transcripts for multimedia;
• Review color contrast;
• Use descriptive links and headings;
• Support browser zoom and text resizing;
• Provide alternative formats when reasonably available;
• Maintain an accessibility-feedback process;
• Track reported accessibility issues;
• Prioritize barriers affecting essential certification services; and
• Incorporate accessibility improvements into regular updates.

IBACTP seeks to support the following features across its websites and portals.

5.1 Keyboard Navigation

Core website functions should be operable without a mouse.

Keyboard users should be able to:

• Move through interactive elements;
• Open and close navigation menus;
• Select links and buttons;
• Complete forms;
• Operate dialogs;
• Access account functions; and
• Identify the element that currently has focus.

Keyboard focus should remain visible and should not be completely hidden by menus, banners, dialogs, or other page elements.

5.2 Logical Heading Structure

Pages should use headings in a logical sequence so users can understand the organization of content and navigate efficiently with assistive technology.

5.3 Descriptive Links

Links should describe their destination or function. IBACTP seeks to avoid unclear link text when additional context is not available.

5.4 Alternative Text

Meaningful images should include text alternatives that communicate their purpose or content.

Decorative images should be marked so assistive technologies can ignore them where appropriate.

5.5 Color and Contrast

Text and meaningful visual elements should provide sufficient contrast against their backgrounds.

Color should not be the only method used to communicate status, errors, required information, or distinctions.

5.6 Text Resizing and Zoom

Website content should remain usable when users enlarge text or zoom the page through supported browser functions.

5.7 Forms and Instructions

Forms should include:

• Programmatically associated labels;
• Clear instructions;
• Identification of required fields;
• Understandable error messages;
• Assistance with correcting errors; and
• Logical keyboard navigation.

Where practical, information previously entered during the same process should not be unnecessarily requested again.

5.8 Accessible Authentication

IBACTP seeks to support authentication processes that work with:

• Password managers;
• Copy-and-paste functions;
• Accessible multifactor authentication; and
• Reasonable alternatives when an authentication method creates a disability-related barrier.

Security requirements may still apply, but IBACTP will consider accessible alternatives where reasonably available.

5.9 Consistent Navigation

Common navigation, support, and contact features should appear in a generally consistent location and order across related pages.

5.10 Responsive Design

IBACTP websites should support commonly used screen sizes and orientations, including mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

5.11 Skip Navigation

Where appropriate, pages should provide a method for keyboard and screen-reader users to bypass repetitive navigation and move directly to primary content.

5.12 Status and Error Messages

Important status changes and validation errors should be communicated in ways that do not depend exclusively on visual presentation.

5.13 Time Limits

Where a website function imposes a time limit, users should receive appropriate notice and an opportunity to extend the session when technically and legally appropriate.

Security-sensitive certification examinations may have fixed time limits. Approved testing accommodations may provide additional time where appropriate.

IBACTP seeks to make core digital services compatible with current versions of commonly used:

• Screen readers;
• Screen magnification software;
• Speech-recognition software;
• Keyboard-only navigation;
• Alternative input devices;
• Browser zoom;
• High-contrast settings;
• Operating-system accessibility features; and
• Mobile accessibility tools.

Accessibility may vary depending on:

• Browser;
• Operating system;
• Assistive technology;
• Device;
• User settings;
• Third-party integrations; and
• Whether software is current and supported.

Users should keep browsers and assistive technologies reasonably current where possible.

If a particular combination creates a barrier, contact IBACTP so we can investigate or provide an alternative.

IBACTP seeks to make downloadable documents accessible.

Accessibility practices may include:

• Using meaningful document titles;
• Applying logical heading structures;
• Maintaining a sensible reading order;
• Adding alternative text to images;
• Using descriptive hyperlinks;
• Creating accessible tables;
• Providing sufficient color contrast;
• Avoiding reliance on color alone;
• Setting document language;
• Using searchable text rather than image-only scans;
• Adding bookmarks to long documents;
• Tagging PDF files;
• Using accessible form fields; and
• Testing important documents with accessibility tools.

Document formats may include:

• HTML;
• Microsoft Word;
• PDF;
• PowerPoint;
• Spreadsheets; and
• Plain-text alternatives.

Some historical, archived, scanned, or third-party documents may not yet be fully accessible.

If you encounter an inaccessible document, contact IBACTP and identify:

• The document title;
• The webpage where it appears;
• The format requested;
• The accessibility barrier; and
• Any deadline associated with your request.

IBACTP will make a reasonable effort to provide an accessible version or equivalent information.

IBACTP seeks to make multimedia content accessible through measures such as:

• Synchronized captions;
• Edited transcripts;
• Audio descriptions when visual information is essential;
• Accessible media-player controls;
• Keyboard operation;
• Visible focus;
• Volume controls;
• Pause and stop functions; and
• Avoidance of unnecessary flashing content.

Automatically generated captions may contain errors. IBACTP will prioritize corrected captions for required training, examination instructions, major public communications, and other essential content.

If captions or transcripts are inaccurate or unavailable, contact IBACTP and identify the affected content.

IBACTP seeks to make certification applications accessible to individuals using assistive technology.

Application processes should support:

• Keyboard navigation;
• Screen-reader-compatible labels;
• Clear eligibility instructions;
• Understandable document-upload controls;
• Accessible error messages;
• Sufficient time to complete required steps;
• Saving progress where practical;
• Alternative submission methods when reasonably necessary; and
• Support for disability-related assistance.

Applicants who cannot independently complete an online application because of an accessibility barrier may request assistance or an alternative method.

Requesting assistance will not reduce eligibility or affect certification decisions.

IBACTP is committed to providing reasonable examination accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, subject to applicable law, examination security, and the essential competencies measured by the certification.

10.1 Examples of possible accommodations

Depending on individual needs, technical availability, and the nature of the examination, accommodations may include:

• Additional testing time;
• Rest breaks;
• Reduced-distraction testing;
• Accessible testing stations;
• Screen magnification;
• Screen-reader compatibility;
• Keyboard-accessible testing;
• Adjustable font size;
• High-contrast display settings;
• Permission to use approved assistive devices;
• Sign-language interpretation for permitted communications;
• Reader or scribe assistance;
• Alternative check-in procedures;
• Accessible physical facilities; or
• Another reasonable modification.

The availability of a specific accommodation depends on the candidate’s documented need, the examination platform, applicable law, and whether the accommodation would fundamentally alter the assessment or compromise examination security.

10.2 Requesting an examination accommodation

Candidates should submit accommodation requests as early as possible and before scheduling or taking the examination.

A request should include:

• Candidate’s name;
• Contact information;
• Certification or examination;
• Description of the requested accommodation;
• Explanation of the disability-related barrier;
• Relevant supporting information; and
• Preferred testing timeframe.

Supporting documentation should be limited to information reasonably necessary to evaluate the request.

Candidates should not send detailed medical information through ordinary email unless specifically instructed to use a secure method.

10.3 Review process

IBACTP will:

• Review requests individually;
• Protect accommodation information;
• Limit access to personnel with a legitimate need;
• Engage in an interactive process where appropriate;
• Coordinate with the examination provider;
• Communicate the decision;
• Explain any approved conditions; and
• Provide information about review or appeal options where applicable.

10.4 Essential examination requirements

An accommodation is intended to provide equal access. It does not:

• Guarantee a passing score;
• Remove an essential competency;
• Permit prohibited assistance;
• Disclose confidential examination content;
• Waive identity-verification requirements without an approved alternative; or
• Eliminate legitimate examination-security controls.

IBACTP will seek an accessible alternative when a standard security method creates an unnecessary disability-related barrier.

IBACTP seeks to make self-paced, virtual, and in-person training accessible.

Potential training accommodations may include:

• Accessible digital materials;
• Captions;
• Transcripts;
• Alternative document formats;
• Advance access to materials;
• Accessible virtual platforms;
• Keyboard-accessible activities;
• Modified participation methods;
• Additional breaks;
• Sign-language interpretation;
• Accessible seating;
• Accessible physical facilities;
• Alternative presentation methods; and
• Reasonable deadline modifications.

Participants should submit requests as early as possible so IBACTP and the training provider have sufficient time to coordinate appropriate support.

An accommodation must not compromise safety, assessment integrity, confidentiality, or an essential learning objective.

IBACTP seeks to use virtual-training platforms that support:

• Keyboard navigation;
• Screen-reader access;
• Captions;
• Chat;
• Accessible participant controls;
• Alternative dial-in methods where available;
• Recorded content when authorized;
• Transcripts where appropriate; and
• Accessible shared materials.

Participants should notify the instructor or IBACTP if:

• Captions are missing or inaccurate;
• Shared content is not announced;
• A document is inaccessible;
• A laboratory cannot be completed with assistive technology;
• Breakout-room functionality creates a barrier; or
• Another participation method is needed.

Self-paced learning materials should support:

• Logical navigation;
• Keyboard operation;
• Clear instructions;
• Captions and transcripts;
• Accessible assessments;
• Visible progress indicators;
• Adjustable playback controls;
• Accessible downloadable documents;
• Sufficient color contrast; and
• Compatibility with common assistive technologies.

If a self-paced activity is inaccessible, IBACTP will seek to provide an equivalent accessible activity or reasonable alternative.

Technology laboratories may involve software, command-line environments, remote systems, virtual machines, dashboards, or specialized platforms that vary in accessibility.

IBACTP will seek to:

• Identify accessibility limitations before required activities;
• Select accessible tools where reasonably possible;
• Provide keyboard-accessible methods;
• Offer written instructions;
• Provide alternative demonstrations;
• Permit approved assistive technology;
• Offer equivalent activities when feasible; and
• Ensure that alternatives evaluate the same essential competency.

An alternative laboratory method will not be required when it would fundamentally alter an essential technical competency. In such circumstances, IBACTP will engage with the participant to determine whether another reasonable accommodation is available.

Participants who require accommodations for a capstone project or presentation may request:

• An accessible template;
• An alternative document format;
• Additional preparation time when appropriate;
• Captioning;
• Sign-language interpretation;
• An alternative presentation method;
• Accessible presentation technology;
• Modified question-and-answer procedures; or
• Another reasonable adjustment.

The participant must still demonstrate the required program learning outcomes.

IBACTP seeks to make digital credential and verification information accessible.

Credential-verification pages should provide information in text and should not communicate status through color alone.

Third-party digital-badge platforms may have their own accessibility features and limitations. If a third-party badge creates a barrier, contact IBACTP for an alternative method of verifying the credential.

IBACTP seeks to make important emails and electronic communications understandable and accessible.

Practices may include:

• Meaningful subject lines;
• Logical heading structures;
• Descriptive links;
• Alternative text for meaningful images;
• Sufficient contrast;
• Plain-language instructions;
• Avoidance of image-only messages; and
• Text alternatives for essential visual information.

If an important communication is inaccessible, contact IBACTP for an alternative version.

When IBACTP organizes an in-person event, it will seek to consider:

• Accessible entrances;
• Accessible seating;
• Accessible restrooms;
• Accessible routes;
• Accessible parking where applicable;
• Communication access;
• Signage;
• Dietary and medical needs;
• Service animals;
• Emergency procedures; and
• Reasonable participation accommodations.

Availability may depend on the venue. Participants should submit accommodation requests as early as possible.

IBACTP will work with the venue and participant to identify a reasonable solution.

Where applicable law permits, qualified service animals may accompany individuals with disabilities at in-person IBACTP events or training locations.

A support person may be permitted when reasonably necessary, subject to:

• Confidentiality;
• Examination security;
• Safety;
• Space;
• Venue rules; and
• Advance approval where required.

A support person must not provide unauthorized assistance during an assessment.

IBACTP may use third-party services for:

• Website hosting;
• Candidate portals;
• Payments;
• Learning management;
• Video conferencing;
• Examination delivery;
• Remote proctoring;
• Digital badges;
• Document delivery;
• Customer support; and
• Embedded multimedia.

IBACTP does not have complete control over the accessibility of independently operated third-party platforms.

When selecting and renewing providers, IBACTP may consider:

• Accessibility documentation;
• Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates;
• Accessibility conformance reports;
• WCAG testing results;
• Keyboard support;
• Screen-reader compatibility;
• Captioning;
• Known limitations;
• Remediation commitments; and
• Accessibility support procedures.

If a third-party platform creates a barrier, IBACTP will seek to:

• Provide technical guidance;
• Contact the provider;
• Identify a workaround;
• Offer an alternative method;
• Reschedule an activity when appropriate; or
• Use another reasonable accommodation.

Despite ongoing efforts, some content may not yet be fully accessible.

Potential limitations may include:

• Historical PDF files;
• Scanned documents;
• Complex data tables;
• Older videos without corrected captions;
• Third-party examination platforms;
• Specialized technical laboratories;
• Embedded social-media content;
• Archived presentations;
• Interactive charts;
• External websites; and
• Content supplied by independent partners.

The presence of a limitation does not reduce IBACTP’s commitment to providing reasonable access.

Users are encouraged to report barriers so they can be evaluated and prioritized.

IBACTP may use a combination of:

• Automated accessibility scans;
• Manual keyboard testing;
• Screen-reader testing;
• Color-contrast testing;
• Browser zoom testing;
• Form and error testing;
• Document accessibility checks;
• Mobile-device testing;
• User feedback;
• Expert accessibility reviews; and
• Testing of critical user journeys.

Critical journeys may include:

• Finding a certification;
• Creating an account;
• Applying for certification;
• Registering for training;
• Purchasing a service;
• Requesting support;
• Scheduling an examination;
• Accessing learning materials;
• Verifying a credential; and
• Submitting a privacy or accessibility request.

Automated testing alone cannot identify every barrier. Manual evaluation and user feedback remain important.

IBACTP seeks to include accessibility in procurement and vendor-management activities.

Accessibility considerations may include:

• Conformance documentation;
• Accessible design standards;
• Testing methods;
• Known defects;
• Remediation plans;
• Product roadmaps;
• Support for accommodations;
• Contractual accessibility commitments;
• Update and change-management procedures; and
• Escalation contacts.

Accessibility will be considered alongside security, privacy, reliability, performance, cost, and operational requirements.

Employees, instructors, contractors, and partners who create IBACTP content should:

• Use approved accessible templates;
• Apply headings correctly;
• Add text alternatives;
• Use descriptive links;
• Create accessible tables;
• Maintain sufficient contrast;
• Caption required media;
• Avoid unnecessary animation;
• Use plain and understandable language;
• Check reading order;
• Avoid image-only text; and
• Test essential content before publication.

Authorized training partners remain responsible for the accessibility of independently delivered materials and facilities, subject to applicable agreements and law.

IBACTP welcomes feedback from people with disabilities, assistive-technology users, accessibility professionals, and other stakeholders.

When reporting an accessibility issue, please provide:

• Your name and preferred contact method;
• The webpage, document, course, examination, or service involved;
• The web address, if available;
• A description of the barrier;
• The browser, device, and assistive technology used, if relevant;
• The format or accommodation requested;
• The urgency or deadline; and
• Any suggested solution.

Providing technical details is helpful but not required.

IBACTP will make reasonable efforts to:

• Acknowledge an accessibility report within five business days;
• Review the affected content or service;
• Request clarification only when necessary;
• Identify an immediate workaround where possible;
• Explain the proposed response;
• Prioritize barriers affecting essential services;
• Coordinate with third-party providers; and
• Track the issue through resolution.

Complex issues may require additional time, particularly when they involve a third-party platform, specialized examination software, or significant redevelopment.

IBACTP will keep the reporting individual reasonably informed when resolution requires an extended period.

You may request information in an alternative format, such as:

• Accessible HTML;
• Tagged PDF;
• Microsoft Word;
• Plain text;
• Large print;
• Captioned video;
• Transcript;
• Audio format; or
• Another reasonably available format.

Identify the content, preferred format, and required date.

IBACTP will consider the request and provide an accessible alternative when reasonably possible.

If you believe an accessibility request was not handled appropriately, you may submit an accessibility complaint.

The complaint should include:

• Your name;
• The original request;
• The affected service;
• The response received;
• Why the response was inadequate;
• The resolution requested; and
• Relevant supporting information.

Submit the complaint to admin@ibactp.org with the subject line:

Accessibility Complaint

IBACTP will assign the complaint for review by a person who was not solely responsible for the original decision where reasonably practical.

Submitting a good-faith accessibility complaint will not adversely affect certification eligibility, examination results, credential status, training participation, or access to other IBACTP services.

Information submitted in connection with an accommodation or accessibility request may include sensitive personal or health information.

IBACTP will:

• Request only information reasonably necessary;
• Restrict access to personnel with a legitimate need;
• Use the information for accommodation and compliance purposes;
• Apply appropriate security safeguards;
• Avoid including accommodation information in public credential records;
• Share information only as necessary to arrange the accommodation; and
• Retain information according to applicable privacy and retention requirements.

Additional information is available in the IBACTP Privacy Policy.

IBACTP prohibits retaliation against an individual for:

• Requesting an accommodation;
• Reporting an accessibility barrier;
• Assisting another person with an accessibility request;
• Participating in an accessibility review; or
• Submitting a good-faith complaint.

Concerns about retaliation should be reported to admin@ibactp.org.

Accessibility is an ongoing process.

IBACTP intends to improve accessibility by:

• Reviewing high-use and high-impact content;
• Remediating reported barriers;
• Updating templates;
• Improving procurement requirements;
• Expanding captions and transcripts;
• Training content creators;
• Testing critical user journeys;
• Monitoring changes to accessibility standards;
• Reviewing third-party services;
• Consulting users with disabilities; and
• Incorporating accessibility into program planning.

Priority may be given to barriers affecting:

• Account access;
• Certification applications;
• Payments;
• Examination registration;
• Examination delivery;
• Training participation;
• Credential verification;
• Accommodation requests; and
• Essential organizational communications.

IBACTP’s accessibility target is WCAG 2.2 Level AA for public-facing websites and core digital services where reasonably applicable.

Until a comprehensive independent audit confirms complete conformance, IBACTP does not represent that every page, document, platform, or integration fully conforms to WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

IBACTP’s current conformance status may therefore be described as:

Partially conformant and undergoing continuing accessibility improvement.

“Partially conformant” means that some content or functionality may not yet fully satisfy every applicable WCAG 2.2 Level AA success criterion.

This status should be updated after formal accessibility testing.

Accessibility questions, accommodation requests, alternative-format requests, and barrier reports may be directed to:

International Board of AI, Cybersecurity & Technology Professionals (IBACTP®)IBACTP® HeadquartersAttn: Accessibility Coordinator122 W John Carpenter Fwy, Suite 325Irving, TX 75039United States

General Accessibility Inquiries: info@ibactp.orgCertification and Examination Accommodations: certification@ibactp.orgFormal Complaints and Administrative Inquiries: admin@ibactp.org

When contacting IBACTP, do not send passwords, complete payment-card information, complete government identification numbers, confidential examination content, or detailed medical records through ordinary email.

IBACTP will provide secure instructions if supporting documentation is required.

IBACTP may update this Accessibility Statement to reflect:

• Accessibility improvements;
• Audit findings;
• New services;
• Technology changes;
• Vendor changes;
• Updated standards;
• User feedback;
• Legal requirements; and
• Organizational practices.

The revised Statement will be posted with an updated “Last Updated” date.

Material changes affecting accommodation procedures or accessibility contacts will be communicated through an appropriate website, account, or program notice.