Conformance Requirements (a.k.a. Success Criterias (SC) Level A, Level AA and Level AAA)
The Success Criterias are all yes/no statements and are Objectively Testable. In order for a Web page to conform to WCAG 2.0, all of the following conformance requirements must be satisfied
- Level A SC (Lowest Level: provides Minimum Access). For Level A conformance (the minimum level of conformance), the Web page satisfies all the Level A Success Criteria, or a conforming alternate version is provided.
- Level AA SC (2nd Level: provides Greater Access) For Level AA conformance, the Web page satisfies all the Level A and Level AA Success Criteria, or a Level AA conforming alternate version is provided.
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Level AAA SC: For Level AAA conformance, the Web page satisfies all the Level A, Level AA and Level AAA Success Criteria, or a Level AAA conforming alternate version is provided.
WCAG 2.0 Guidelines - W3C Recommendations to meet Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) 2.0 Requirements
Guideline 1.1 Text Alternatives: Provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language.
- 1.1.1 Non-Text Content (Level A)
Guideline 1.2 Time-based Media: Provide alternatives for time-based media.
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1.2 Time Based Media (video, audio, captions, Sign language (prerecorded)) (Level A)
Guideline 1.3 Adaptable: Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure.
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1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Structure, reading sequence, sensory characteristics) (Level A)
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1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound) (Level A)
Guideline 1.4 Distinguishable: Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background.
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1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A)
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1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A)
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1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)
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1.4.4 Resize Text (Zoom in BR, OS, SW is acceptable) (Level AA)
Guideline 2.1 Keyboard Accessible: Make all functionality available from a keyboard.
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2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)
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2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A)
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2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception) (Level AAA)
Guideline 2.2 Enough Time: Provide users enough time to read and use content.
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2.2.1 Enough Time (Timing Adjustable) (Level A)
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2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Moving, Blinking, Scrolling or Auto Updating) (Level A)
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2.2.3 No Timing (Level AAA)
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2.2.4 Interruptions (Level AAA)
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2.2.5 Re-authenticating (Level AAA)
Guideline 2.3 Seizures: Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures.
2.2.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A)
2.3.2 Three Flashes (Level AAA)
Guideline 2.4 Navigable: Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are.
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2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A)
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2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)
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2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A)
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2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A)
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2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA)
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2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)
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2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)
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2.4.8 Location (Level AAA)
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2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) (Level AAA)
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2.4.10 Section Headings (Level AAA)
Guideline 3.1 Readable: Make text content readable and understandable.
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3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A)
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3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)
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3.1.3 Unusual Words (Level AAA)
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3.1.4 Abbreviations (Level AAA)
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3.1.5 Reading Level (Level AAA)
Guideline 3.2 Predictable: Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
3.2.1 On Focus (Level A)
3.2.2 On Input (Level A)
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA)
3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AAA)
3.2.5 Change on Request (Level AAA)
Guideline 3.3 Input Assistance: Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A)
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A)
3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA)
3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA)
3.3.5 Help (Level AAA)
3.3.6 Error Prevention (Level AAA)
Guideline 4.1 Compatible: Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.
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4.1.1 Parsing (Level A)
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4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)
Office of the Chief Information Officer
U.S. Department of Commerce
Page last updated August 8, 2014

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