> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.information-architecture.world/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.information-architecture.world/certificate-program/certificate-program.md).

# Information architecture certificate program

## Build practical IA skills and earn a certificate

The IA Certificate Program includes three live online courses. It serves beginners, career-changers, and practicing professionals.

Take one course or complete all three. You must enroll in each course separately. Earn a Certificate of Completion for every course you complete. Complete all three to earn the WIAA Information Architecture Certificate.

<a href="#choose-and-enroll" class="button primary">Choose a course and enroll</a>

## Who this program is for

This program starts from the ground up. It supports learners who are new to IA and practitioners who want to name and strengthen existing skills.

**This program is for you if you are:**

* New to information architecture and want a clear, structured place to start.
* Changing careers into UX, content, product, or design and need a recognized foundation.
* Already working with content, taxonomies, or navigation (as a writer, librarian, researcher, designer, or product manager) and want to formalize what you know.
* An experienced practitioner who wants a shared vocabulary and an up-to-date view of IA for search and AI.

## Choose and enroll

Choose the courses that fit your goals. **Enroll for each course separately.**

<table data-card-size="large" data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Course title</th><th>When</th><th>Outcome</th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h3>Foundations of Information Architecture</h3></td><td><em>Starts September 2026</em></td><td>Learn the core concepts and vocabulary of IA, and how it supports usability and findability.</td><td><a href="https://forms.information-architecture.world/iacp-26pc1" class="button primary">Enroll in Course 1</a> <a href="/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/7UKXlX6TiBWFoiXV7zKx" class="button secondary">Course details</a></td><td><a href="/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/7UKXlX6TiBWFoiXV7zKx">/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/7UKXlX6TiBWFoiXV7zKx</a></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Content, Structure, and Findability</h3></td><td><em>October 2026</em></td><td>Learn how content decisions shape structure, navigation, and findability as systems grow.</td><td><a href="https://forms.information-architecture.world/iacp-26pc2" class="button primary">Enroll in Course 2</a> <a href="/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/fdGMOv4wyjWpkIGsN1mB" class="button secondary">Course details</a></td><td><a href="/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/fdGMOv4wyjWpkIGsN1mB">/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/fdGMOv4wyjWpkIGsN1mB</a></td></tr><tr><td><h3>IA for Search, AI, and Emerging Technologies</h3></td><td><em>Starts January 2027</em></td><td>Learn to apply IA principles in AI-enabled environments that support trust and transparency.</td><td><a href="https://forms.information-architecture.world/iacp-26pc3" class="button primary">Enroll in Course 3</a> <a href="/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/jiqChkyyQ4tc7kSgJ95n" class="button secondary">Course details</a></td><td><a href="/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/jiqChkyyQ4tc7kSgJ95n">/spaces/d68NMjG1ebteE2XHRwI9/pages/jiqChkyyQ4tc7kSgJ95n</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### What you'll be able to do

This program is built around practice, not just theory. By the end, you will have the vocabulary, the methods, and the confidence to organize information so people can actually find and use it.

**By the end of the program, you'll be able to:**

* Explain what information architecture is and why it matters, in terms a client or teammate can understand.
* Structure content and navigation so people can find what they need across websites, apps, and physical or hybrid spaces.
* Build and reason about taxonomies, labels, and categories that hold up as content grows.
* Test and improve findability using methods like card sorting and tree testing.
* Apply IA thinking to search, AI, and emerging technologies, so your skills stay current as tools change.
* Speak the shared language of IA with confidence in interviews, projects, and cross-functional work.

You'll earn a **certificate for each course** you complete, so you have something to share on LinkedIn and add to your resume as you go. Finish all three and you'll receive the full **WIAA Information Architecture Certificate**, plus a foundation you can keep building on.

### What is information architecture?

Information architecture is the practice of organizing and structuring information. It helps people find what they need and understand where they are.

### Program format and schedule

<table data-search="false"><thead><tr><th width="162.096"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Dates</strong></td><td>September 2026 to January 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Format</strong></td><td><ul><li>4 weeks per course</li><li>1 live 90-min session/week via Google Meet, not recorded</li><li>2–3 hours of async materials in Google Classroom</li><li>4–5 total hours estimated weekly commitment</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Prerequisites</strong></td><td>No prior experience, degree, technical background, or portfolio required.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>What you need</strong></td><td>A reliable internet connection and a Google account for course materials.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cohort size</strong></td><td>10 students per course</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pilot cost</strong></td><td><strong>Free</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Last day to enroll</strong></td><td>September 9, 2026</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Certificate requirements

To earn a Course Certificate of Completion, sign the student agreement. Attend live sessions, complete weekly work, join discussions, and submit the final project.

Missing more than one live session disqualifies you. Live sessions are not recorded.

Complete these requirements for all three courses to earn the WIAA Information Architecture Certificate.