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
Perceivable
Users can perceive the content: alternatives, contrast, adaptable structure.
1.1.1 · Level A
Non-text Content
Since WCAG 2.0
1.2.1 · Level A
Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
Since WCAG 2.0
1.2.2 · Level A
Captions (Prerecorded)
Since WCAG 2.0
1.2.3 · Level A
Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
Since WCAG 2.0
1.2.4 · Level AA
Captions (Live)
Since WCAG 2.0
1.2.5 · Level AA
Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Since WCAG 2.0
1.3.1 · Level A
Info and Relationships
Since WCAG 2.0
1.3.2 · Level A
Meaningful Sequence
Since WCAG 2.0
1.3.3 · Level A
Sensory Characteristics
Since WCAG 2.0
1.3.4 · Level AA
Orientation
Since WCAG 2.1
1.3.5 · Level AA
Identify Input Purpose
Since WCAG 2.1
1.4.1 · Level A
Use of Color
Since WCAG 2.0
1.4.2 · Level A
Audio Control
Since WCAG 2.0
1.4.3 · Level AA
Contrast (Minimum)
Since WCAG 2.0
1.4.4 · Level AA
Resize Text
Since WCAG 2.0
1.4.5 · Level AA
Images of Text
Since WCAG 2.0
1.4.10 · Level AA
Reflow
Since WCAG 2.1
1.4.11 · Level AA
Non-text Contrast
Since WCAG 2.1
1.4.12 · Level AA
Text Spacing
Since WCAG 2.1
1.4.13 · Level AA
Content on Hover or Focus
Since WCAG 2.1
Operable
Users can operate the interface: keyboard, timing, navigation, input.
2.1.1 · Level A
Keyboard
Since WCAG 2.0
2.1.2 · Level A
No Keyboard Trap
Since WCAG 2.0
2.1.4 · Level A
Character Key Shortcuts
Since WCAG 2.1
2.2.1 · Level A
Timing Adjustable
Since WCAG 2.0
2.2.2 · Level A
Pause, Stop, Hide
Since WCAG 2.0
2.3.1 · Level A
Three Flashes or Below Threshold
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.1 · Level A
Bypass Blocks
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.2 · Level A
Page Titled
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.3 · Level A
Focus Order
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.4 · Level A
Link Purpose (In Context)
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.5 · Level AA
Multiple Ways
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.6 · Level AA
Headings and Labels
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.7 · Level AA
Focus Visible
Since WCAG 2.0
2.4.11 · Level AA
Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
New in WCAG 2.2
2.5.1 · Level A
Pointer Gestures
Since WCAG 2.1
2.5.2 · Level A
Pointer Cancellation
Since WCAG 2.1
2.5.3 · Level A
Label in Name
Since WCAG 2.1
2.5.4 · Level A
Motion Actuation
Since WCAG 2.1
2.5.7 · Level AA
Dragging Movements
New in WCAG 2.2
2.5.8 · Level AA
Target Size (Minimum)
New in WCAG 2.2
Understandable
Users can understand content and controls: language, predictability, input help.
3.1.1 · Level A
Language of Page
Since WCAG 2.0
3.1.2 · Level AA
Language of Parts
Since WCAG 2.0
3.2.1 · Level A
On Focus
Since WCAG 2.0
3.2.2 · Level A
On Input
Since WCAG 2.0
3.2.3 · Level AA
Consistent Navigation
Since WCAG 2.0
3.2.4 · Level AA
Consistent Identification
Since WCAG 2.0
3.2.6 · Level A
Consistent Help
New in WCAG 2.2
3.3.1 · Level A
Error Identification
Since WCAG 2.0
3.3.2 · Level A
Labels or Instructions
Since WCAG 2.0
3.3.3 · Level AA
Error Suggestion
Since WCAG 2.0
3.3.4 · Level AA
Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)
Since WCAG 2.0
3.3.7 · Level A
Redundant Entry
New in WCAG 2.2
3.3.8 · Level AA
Accessible Authentication (Minimum)
New in WCAG 2.2
Robust
Content works reliably with assistive technologies.
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.