APAC-BE Exam Information and Outline
APA Certification in the Built Environment
Syllabus Update Checked on: November 12, 2026
APAC-BE Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the
official APAC-BE exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.
The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
APA.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
- Exam Format
- Closed-book, multiple-choice examination (Pearson VUE test centres or OnVUE)
- Based on federal accessibility requirements and model codes/standards (not stricter state requirements)
- Assumes general knowledge of construction documents and legal terms
- Domain 1: General Accessibility Requirements
- ADA Titles II and III; 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- Fair Housing Act design requirements; Section 504; ABA
- ICC A117.1 and IBC Chapter 11
- Domain 2: Determining Services the Accessibility Professional Will Provide
- Scoping the engagement and defining deliverables
- Domain 3: Applying Accessibility Requirements to a Project Scope of Work
- Accessible routes, entrances, parking, ramps and elevators
- Toilet rooms, dwelling units, assembly areas and signage
- Alterations, path of travel and readily achievable barrier removal
- Domain 4: Collecting and Reporting Information Using Sound Methods
- Measurement tools and data collection techniques
- Domain 5: Reviewing Plans, Specifications and Documents
- Identifying potential problems before construction
- Domain 6: Conducting Site Visits
- Field surveys and inspection procedures
- Domain 7: Writing, Explaining and Defending a Report
- Report structure, findings, recommendations and testimony
- Domain 8: Assisting Clients with Post-Report Services
- Remediation planning and follow-up