WCAG success criteria, explained for testing
One page per requirement: the official wording, the matching EN 301 549 clauses, what it means on web, iOS, and Android, and what actually counts as a fail.
Looking for the strategic overview that used to live here? Read the executive guide to WCAG.
All 55 Level A and AA success criteria, each explained in depth
Principle 1
Perceivable
Users can perceive the content: alternatives, contrast, adaptable structure.
20 criteria
- 1.1.1
Non-text Content
A - 1.2.1
Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
A - 1.2.2
Captions (Prerecorded)
A - 1.2.3
Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
A - 1.2.4
Captions (Live)
AA - 1.2.5
Audio Description (Prerecorded)
AA - 1.3.1
Info and Relationships
A - 1.3.2
Meaningful Sequence
A - 1.3.3
Sensory Characteristics
A - 1.3.4
Orientation
AA - 1.3.5
Identify Input Purpose
AA - 1.4.1
Use of Color
A - 1.4.2
Audio Control
A - 1.4.3
Contrast (Minimum)
AA - 1.4.4
Resize Text
AA - 1.4.5
Images of Text
AA - 1.4.10
Reflow
AA - 1.4.11
Non-text Contrast
AA - 1.4.12
Text Spacing
AA - 1.4.13
Content on Hover or Focus
AA
Principle 2
Operable
Users can operate the interface: keyboard, timing, navigation, input.
20 criteria
- 2.1.1
Keyboard
A - 2.1.2
No Keyboard Trap
A - 2.1.4
Character Key Shortcuts
A - 2.2.1
Timing Adjustable
A - 2.2.2
Pause, Stop, Hide
A - 2.3.1
Three Flashes or Below Threshold
A - 2.4.1
Bypass Blocks
A - 2.4.2
Page Titled
A - 2.4.3
Focus Order
A - 2.4.4
Link Purpose (In Context)
A - 2.4.5
Multiple Ways
AA - 2.4.6
Headings and Labels
AA - 2.4.7
Focus Visible
AA - 2.4.11
Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)New in 2.2
AA - 2.5.1
Pointer Gestures
A - 2.5.2
Pointer Cancellation
A - 2.5.3
Label in Name
A - 2.5.4
Motion Actuation
A - 2.5.7
Dragging MovementsNew in 2.2
AA - 2.5.8
Target Size (Minimum)New in 2.2
AA
Principle 3
Understandable
Users can understand content and controls: language, predictability, input help.
13 criteria
- 3.1.1
Language of Page
A - 3.1.2
Language of Parts
AA - 3.2.1
On Focus
A - 3.2.2
On Input
A - 3.2.3
Consistent Navigation
AA - 3.2.4
Consistent Identification
AA - 3.2.6
Consistent HelpNew in 2.2
A - 3.3.1
Error Identification
A - 3.3.2
Labels or Instructions
A - 3.3.3
Error Suggestion
AA - 3.3.4
Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)
AA - 3.3.7
Redundant EntryNew in 2.2
A - 3.3.8
Accessible Authentication (Minimum)New in 2.2
AA
Principle 4
Robust
Content works reliably with assistive technologies.
2 criteria
Related reading
- The executive guide to WCAG for the business and legal context.
- EN 301 549 explained for the European standard these criteria map into.
- The in-app standards reference for how the AUDITSU platform presents these requirements during an audit.