WAA Certification

The Web Analytics Association Certification Test will provide a common reference point for understanding the depth and breadth of knowledge in the field for both practitioners and employers. Certification is a statement of competence in the web analytics field for the certified individual. In general, certification enhances the likelihood of employment and advancement within a field. Benefits include the probability of a higher than average salary for practitioners and a more productive human asset for employers.

The Board of the WAA has directed the Certification Test, like the WAA and UBC Award of Achievement in Web Analytics, to focus on the analytical and business skills of the applicant. The test will not cover the technical or implementation skills associated with web analytics, and will not be specific to any tool. This means that practitioners do not need an IT background to pass the Certification Test.

The process of developing the WAA Certification Test will be as follows:

1. Development of the Knowledge Required for Certification document.
   This document contains a detailed overview of the knowledge required to pass the Web Analytics Association Certification Test. The document has been created and is available for comment through June 30, 2008. You are welcome to leave comments on the WAA Blog.
2. Development of the Certification Test.
   This project is currently underway, and you can help with the effort if you are a WAA member. Contact the to get more information on the test development and to volunteer.
3. Live trials of the Certification Test prototype.
   This is expected to take place in conjunction with the eMetrics Marketing Optimization Summit conferences beginning with the Spring event in May 2009. The WAA hopes that many practitioners will participate in taking the test and providing feedback. The live trials will be free and the results not used for any purpose other than evaluating the quality of the test.
4. Launch of the Certification Test.
   This is intended to occur in  late 2009 or early 2010.  The cost has not yet been determined.