Technology is made accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. As organizations work to build more inclusive digital experiences, there’s a growing demand for professionals skilled in assistive technologies like JAWS (Job Access with Speech). Earning a JAWS Certification not only validates your expertise with one of the world’s leading screen readers but also establishes you as a leader in digital accessibility.
What is JAWS?
JAWS is the world’s leading screen reader, created for individuals with vision loss who cannot see screen content or use a mouse. It provides both speech and Braille output, enabling users to interact effortlessly with today’s most popular computer applications. With JAWS, users can browse the internet, write documents, read emails, and create presentations; whether they're working in the office, connecting through a remote desktop, or working from home.
What is JAWS Certification Program?
The JAWS Certification Program is an online, knowledge-based exam that measures proficiency in using the JAWS Screen Reader. It’s perfect for consultants, trainers, agency staff, and users who want to validate their skills and showcase their expertise. Achieving certification highlights the ability to navigate and work confidently.
JAWS Certification Program Goals
- Help trainers and consultants validate their expertise in using JAWS software for companies, agencies, and end users.
- Strengthen users' overall knowledge and understanding of JAWS.
- Build skills and stay up to date with the latest JAWS features.
- Provide a comprehensive overview of the free training resources available both online and within the software.
JAWS Certification Exam
- JAWS Exam Categories
- JAWS Features: Focuses on detailed questions about various JAWS functionalities, including the use of Braille with JAWS.
- New Features: Tests knowledge of the latest enhancements introduced in the most recent version of JAWS.
- Installation: Addresses all aspects of both standard and custom installations, as well as the JAWS activation process.
- Training: Includes questions about Freedom Scientific’s training resources, JAWS Tandem, and the use of Terminal Services.
- Keyboard Knowledge: Tests familiarity with specific keyboard commands for both desktop and laptop configurations.
- HTML: Focuses on navigating, reading, and customizing HTML content using JAWS.
- Learning JAWS: Covers the basics of JAWS and guides users through the process of customizing an initial setup.
- Cost of JAWS Certification
- Access to the study materials and the exam is completely free. Once you pass, you'll receive a complimentary electronic certificate in HTML format.
- Successfully passing the JAWS exam qualifies you to be included in our list of JAWS Certified Individuals.
- After successfully passing the exam, you’ll have the option to purchase an official printed certificate from Freedom Scientific. Certificates are available in both high-quality print and Braille formats. The initial certification fee is $49, with a $29 renewal fee for those who choose to update their certification. To qualify for the renewal rate, you must retake the exam and achieve a passing score.
- Exam Resources
- JAWS Tandem Quick Start Guide: Accessible from within the JAWS program window. Simply open the Utilities menu, navigate to the JAWS Tandem submenu, and select the Quick Start Guide.
- JAWS Quick Start Guide: Accessible from the Start menu, under the Utilities – JAWS 20xx program group, where you can open "Explore the Manuals." This folder contains the JAWS Quick Start Guide.
- JAWS Basic Training Materials: The training books are provided in DAISY format and can be accessed using FSReader. This collection includes a series of books providing over five hours of lessons. If you are using a downloaded version of JAWS, the basic training materials may not be included.
- DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) format Books: The books can be reviewed using FSReader, launched from within the JAWS program window. Simply open the Help menu, select the Training menu item, and press ENTER to open FSReader. If the books are not already installed, pressing ENTER on a link in the JAWS Basic Training Table of Contents will automatically download and install them from the Freedom Scientific website.
- Web Resources: Accessible from within the JAWS program window. Navigate to the Help menu and choose the Web Resources submenu. It is recommended that you explore the options in the Web Resources submenu, with particular attention to JAWS Headquarters, Technical Support pages, Training and Certification pages, and surfing the Internet.
- JAWS Help: JAWS Help topics are available through the JAWS F1 Help feature. To access JAWS Help, press F1 from within the JAWS program window. For quick navigation, go to the Search tab and type the topic name into the search field.
Expected Capabilities after Successful Completion
Product installation and setup, including:
- Software installation
- Training materials
- Synthesizers
- Braille displays (for JAWS)
A comprehensive understanding of the location and availability of training materials and resources, including:
- Help files
- DAISY and MP3 files (for JAWS)
- Archives of recorded webinars
- Product videos
Product knowledge, including:
- Basic to advanced product skills
- JAWS keystroke commands for both laptop and desktop layouts
- How to recognize and utilize key combinations for different functions
Becoming JAWS certified is a powerful way to demonstrate commitment to digital accessibility and professional excellence. Whether you're a trainer, consultant, agency staff member, or an individual user, certification validates your expertise and opens new opportunities to make a real difference. With the wealth of training resources available and the prestige of being listed on the Freedom Scientific website, there’s never been a better time to enhance your skills and showcase your dedication to accessibility.
Ready to make your digital platforms accessible to everyone? At Skynet Technologies, we help businesses and agencies achieve website accessibility compliance through audit, testing, and web accessibility remediation services. Whether you're working toward ADA and WCAG compliance or aiming to enhance user experience for all visitors, our team is here to support you.
Powered by our cutting-edge solution, All in One Accessibility®, we provide a rich feature set, support for multiple platforms and 140+ languages, and seamless integration with accessibility standards like WCAG. Reach out to us at [email protected], and our team will be happy to help you with your accessibility and digital development needs.
