WCAG reference
WCAG 2.2 AA: every success criterion explained
The WCAG are the international standard for accessible web content and the technical benchmark behind EN 301 549, the European Accessibility Act and Germany's BFSG. Here are all 56 Level A and AA success criteria — organised by the four POUR principles, each with a plain-language explanation, its conformance level and the EN 301 549 mapping.
Principle 1: Perceivable
- 1.1.1Level ANon-text ContentAll non-text content has a text alternative serving an equivalent purpose.
- 1.2.1Level AAudio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)Alternatives are provided for prerecorded audio-only and video-only media.
- 1.2.2Level ACaptions (Prerecorded)Captions are provided for prerecorded audio in synchronized media.
- 1.2.3Level AAudio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)An audio description or full text alternative is provided for prerecorded video.
- 1.2.4Level AACaptions (Live)Captions are provided for live audio in synchronized media.
- 1.2.5Level AAAudio Description (Prerecorded)Audio description is provided for prerecorded video in synchronized media.
- 1.3.1Level AInfo and RelationshipsInformation, structure, and relationships conveyed visually are programmatically determinable.
- 1.3.2Level AMeaningful SequenceThe correct reading sequence is programmatically determinable when it affects meaning.
- 1.3.3Level ASensory CharacteristicsInstructions do not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as shape, color, or location.
- 1.3.4Level AAOrientationContent does not restrict its view to a single display orientation unless essential.
- 1.3.5Level AAIdentify Input PurposeThe purpose of common input fields is programmatically determinable (e.g. autocomplete).
- 1.4.1Level AUse of ColorColor is not the only visual means of conveying information or indicating an action.
- 1.4.2Level AAudio ControlAudio that plays automatically for more than 3 seconds can be paused or stopped.
- 1.4.3Level AAContrast (Minimum)Text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text).
- 1.4.4Level AAResize TextText can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality.
- 1.4.5Level AAImages of TextText is used rather than images of text except where essential or customizable.
- 1.4.10Level AAReflowContent reflows to a single column at 320 CSS px without loss of information or 2D scrolling.
- 1.4.11Level AANon-text ContrastUI components and graphical objects have at least 3:1 contrast against adjacent colors.
- 1.4.12Level AAText SpacingNo loss of content when line, paragraph, letter, and word spacing are overridden.
- 1.4.13Level AAContent on Hover or FocusContent shown on hover/focus is dismissable, hoverable, and persistent.
Principle 2: Operable
- 2.1.1Level AKeyboardAll functionality is operable through a keyboard interface.
- 2.1.2Level ANo Keyboard TrapKeyboard focus can be moved away from any component using only the keyboard.
- 2.1.4Level ACharacter Key ShortcutsSingle-character key shortcuts can be turned off, remapped, or are active only on focus.
- 2.2.1Level ATiming AdjustableUsers can turn off, adjust, or extend time limits set by the content.
- 2.2.2Level APause, Stop, HideMoving, blinking, or auto-updating content can be paused, stopped, or hidden.
- 2.3.1Level AThree Flashes or Below ThresholdNothing flashes more than three times per second, or is below the flash thresholds.
- 2.4.1Level ABypass BlocksA mechanism is available to bypass blocks of content repeated on multiple pages.
- 2.4.2Level APage TitledPages have titles that describe topic or purpose.
- 2.4.3Level AFocus OrderFocusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability.
- 2.4.4Level ALink Purpose (In Context)The purpose of each link is determinable from its text or its context.
- 2.4.5Level AAMultiple WaysMore than one way is available to locate a page within a set of pages.
- 2.4.6Level AAHeadings and LabelsHeadings and labels describe topic or purpose.
- 2.4.7Level AAFocus VisibleAny keyboard-operable interface has a visible focus indicator.
- 2.4.11Level AAFocus Not Obscured (Minimum)When a component receives focus it is not entirely hidden by author-created content.
- 2.5.1Level APointer GesturesMultipoint or path-based gestures have a single-pointer alternative.
- 2.5.2Level APointer CancellationFunctions using single-pointer activation can be aborted or undone.
- 2.5.3Level ALabel in NameThe accessible name of a control contains the text presented visually on it.
- 2.5.4Level AMotion ActuationFunctionality operated by device or user motion has a UI alternative and can be disabled.
- 2.5.7Level AADragging MovementsFunctionality using a dragging movement has a single-pointer alternative.
- 2.5.8Level AATarget Size (Minimum)Pointer targets are at least 24×24 CSS px, with spacing or inline exceptions.
Principle 3: Understandable
- 3.1.1Level ALanguage of PageThe default human language of each page is programmatically determinable.
- 3.1.2Level AALanguage of PartsThe language of each passage or phrase is programmatically determinable.
- 3.2.1Level AOn FocusReceiving focus does not trigger an unexpected change of context.
- 3.2.2Level AOn InputChanging a setting does not automatically cause an unexpected change of context.
- 3.2.3Level AAConsistent NavigationNavigation repeated across pages appears in the same relative order.
- 3.2.4Level AAConsistent IdentificationComponents with the same functionality are identified consistently.
- 3.2.6Level AConsistent HelpHelp mechanisms repeated across pages occur in the same relative order.
- 3.3.1Level AError IdentificationInput errors are identified and described to the user in text.
- 3.3.2Level ALabels or InstructionsLabels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.
- 3.3.3Level AAError SuggestionWhen an input error is detected and suggestions are known, they are provided.
- 3.3.4Level AAError Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)Submissions with legal/financial/data consequences are reversible, checked, or confirmed.
- 3.3.7Level ARedundant EntryInformation already entered is auto-populated or available to select, not re-entered.
- 3.3.8Level AAAccessible Authentication (Minimum)A cognitive function test is not required for authentication unless an alternative exists.
Principle 4: Robust
- 4.1.1Level AParsingMarkup has complete tags and unique ids. Obsolete/removed in WCAG 2.2.
- 4.1.2Level AName, Role, ValueFor all UI components, name and role are programmatically determinable; states/values are set.
- 4.1.3Level AAStatus MessagesStatus messages are programmatically determinable through role or properties.
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