WCAG 2.1 Level AA: The Complete 50-Point Checklist for 2025

WCAG 2.1 Level AA contains 50 success criteria — 30 at Level A (basic) and 20 at Level AA (the standard required by the EAA). Here's every criterion you need to meet.

Perceivable (20 criteria)

Text alternatives

• 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A) — All images, icons, and non-text content must have text alternatives. Decorative images need empty alt attributes (alt="").

Time-based media

• 1.2.1 Audio-only / Video-only (A) — Provide transcripts for audio and descriptions for video
• 1.2.2 Captions (A) — Synchronized captions for all prerecorded video with audio
• 1.2.3 Audio Description (A) — Audio description or text alternative for prerecorded video
• 1.2.4 Captions Live (AA) — Real-time captions for live audio content
• 1.2.5 Audio Description Prerecorded (AA) — Audio description for prerecorded video

Adaptable

• 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A) — Use semantic HTML: headings, lists, tables, form labels. Don't rely on visual styling alone.
• 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (A) — Reading order must be logical when CSS is disabled
• 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (A) — Don't rely solely on shape, size, position, or sound
• 1.3.4 Orientation (AA) — Content must work in both portrait and landscape
• 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (AA) — Use autocomplete attributes on form fields for personal data

Distinguishable

• 1.4.1 Use of Color (A) — Don't use color as the only means of conveying information
• 1.4.2 Audio Control (A) — Provide a way to pause or stop auto-playing audio
• 1.4.3 Contrast Minimum (AA) — Text must have at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio (3:1 for large text)
• 1.4.4 Resize Text (AA) — Text must be resizable to 200% without loss of content
• 1.4.5 Images of Text (AA) — Use real text, not images of text
• 1.4.10 Reflow (AA) — Content reflows at 320px width without horizontal scrolling
• 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (AA) — UI components and graphics need 3:1 contrast
• 1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA) — Content adapts to increased text spacing
• 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (AA) — Dismissible, hoverable, persistent tooltips/popovers

Operable (17 criteria)

All interactive elements must be operable via keyboard, with sufficient time, clear navigation, and no seizure-inducing content. Key criteria include 2.1.1 Keyboard, 2.4.4 Link Purpose, 2.4.7 Focus Visible.

Understandable (10 criteria)

Content must declare its language (3.1.1), navigation must be consistent (3.2.3), error messages must identify problems (3.3.1) and suggest corrections (3.3.3).

Robust (3 criteria)

HTML must be valid (4.1.1), custom components must expose name/role/value to assistive tech (4.1.2), and status messages must be programmatically available (4.1.3).