CEAC Professional Standards & Competencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a CEAC consultant identifies a conflict between local building code accessibility requirements and federal ADA Standards, which standard generally takes precedence?
- Local code always prevails as it is more specific to the jurisdiction
- The standard that provides greater accessibility protection applies (Correct answer)
- Federal ADA Standards always supersede local codes entirely
- The consultant may choose whichever standard is easier to implement
Correct answer: The standard that provides greater accessibility protection applies
The standard providing greater accessibility protection applies, as the ADA explicitly states that compliance with stricter requirements is encouraged and permitted.
Question 2: A CEAC professional is hired to evaluate a historic building. What is the primary consideration unique to this type of project?
- Historic buildings are fully exempt from all ADA requirements
- Alterations must not threaten or destroy historic significance while maximizing accessibility (Correct answer)
- Only interior alterations are required to meet accessibility standards
- Historic buildings must be demolished if full compliance cannot be achieved
Correct answer: Alterations must not threaten or destroy historic significance while maximizing accessibility
Historic preservation requires balancing accessibility compliance with the obligation not to threaten or destroy the building's historic character, using alternative accessible features when needed.
Question 3: Which professional responsibility requires a CEAC consultant to disclose any financial interest in a product they recommend during an accessibility evaluation?
- Duty of care
- Conflict of interest disclosure (Correct answer)
- Informed consent
- Scope of practice limitation
Correct answer: Conflict of interest disclosure
Conflict of interest disclosure is an ethical obligation requiring consultants to reveal any financial relationships with vendors whose products they recommend.
Question 4: What does 'scope of practice' mean for a CEAC-certified professional?
- The geographic region in which the consultant is licensed to operate
- The range of services the consultant is qualified and certified to perform (Correct answer)
- The maximum number of clients a consultant may serve annually
- The specific building types the consultant is permitted to evaluate
Correct answer: The range of services the consultant is qualified and certified to perform
Scope of practice defines the specific services and activities a CEAC professional is competent and credentialed to perform, and consultants must not work beyond these limits.
Question 5: A client asks a CEAC consultant to certify that a facility is 'fully ADA compliant' after a single walkthrough survey. What is the most appropriate professional response?
- Issue the certification as requested to satisfy the client
- Explain that a comprehensive evaluation is required before any compliance certification (Correct answer)
- Decline the project entirely since certifications are beyond a CEAC's scope
- Issue a provisional certification pending future inspections
Correct answer: Explain that a comprehensive evaluation is required before any compliance certification
Professional standards require a thorough, systematic evaluation before any compliance determination; issuing certifications without adequate assessment is unethical.
Question 6: Continuing education requirements for CEAC recertification primarily serve what professional purpose?
- Increasing the consultant's billing rates over time
- Ensuring practitioners remain current with evolving accessibility standards and best practices (Correct answer)
- Satisfying insurance underwriter requirements for liability coverage
- Meeting state licensing renewal deadlines for building inspectors
Correct answer: Ensuring practitioners remain current with evolving accessibility standards and best practices
Continuing education ensures CEAC professionals stay updated on regulatory changes, new research, and best practices in environmental accessibility.
Question 7: When conducting a barrier removal assessment under Title III of the ADA, which test determines whether barrier removal is required of a public accommodation?
- Technical feasibility test
- Readily achievable test (Correct answer)
- Undue hardship test
- Best practices standard test
Correct answer: Readily achievable test
The 'readily achievable' standard—meaning easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense—governs barrier removal obligations for existing facilities under Title III.
CEAC Professional Standards & Competencies 2
When a CEAC consultant identifies a conflict between local building code accessibility requirements and federal ADA Standards, which standard generally takes precedence?