WCAG 2.1 A/AA Principles and Checkpoints

WCAG 2.1 A/AA Has 50 Checkpoints, Categorized by 4 Principles

Principle 1: Perceivable

Information and user interface components must be presented to users in ways they can perceive. This means that users must be able to comprehend the information being depicted: It can't be invisible to all their senses. 

• Checkpoint 1.1.1: Nontext Content Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.2.1: Prerecorded Audio only and Video-only Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.2.2: Captions (Prerecorded) Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.2.4: Captions (Live) Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.2.5: Audio Description (Prerecorded) Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.3.1: Info and Relationships Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.3.2: Meaningful Sequence Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.3.3: Sensory Characteristics Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.3.4: Orientation (Level AA)
• Checkpoint 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.1: Use of Color Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.4.2: Audio Control Level (A)
• Checkpoint 1.4.3: Contrast (Minimum) Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.4: Resize text Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.5: Images of Text Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.10 Reflow (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA)
• Checkpoint 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (AA)

Principle 2: Operable

User interface components and navigation must be operable: The interface cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform. 

• Checkpoint 2.1.1 Keyboard Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.1.2: No Keyboard Trap Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (A)
• Checkpoint 2.2.1: Timing Adjustable Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.2.2: Pause, Stop, Hide Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 2.3.1: Three Flashes or Below Threshold Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.4.1: Bypass Blocks Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.4.2: Page Titled Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.4.3: Focus Order Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context) Level (A)
• Checkpoint 2.4.5: Multiple Ways Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 2.4.6: Headings and Labels Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 2.4.7: Focus Visible Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (A)
• Checkpoint 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (A)
• Checkpoint 2.5.3 Label in Name (A)
• Checkpoint 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (A)

Principle 3: Understandable

Information and the operation of a user interface must be understandable: Users must be able to understand the information as well as the operation of the user interface. 

• Checkpoint 3.1.1: Language of Page Level (A)
• Checkpoint 3.1.2: Language of Parts Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 3.2.1: On Focus Level (A)
• Checkpoint 3.2.2: On Input Level (A)
• Checkpoint 3.2.3: Consistent Navigation Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 3.2.4: Consistent Identification Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 3.3.1: Error Identification Level (A)
• Checkpoint 3.3.2: Labels or Instructions Level (A)
• Checkpoint 3.3.3: Error Suggestion Level (AA)
• Checkpoint 3.3.4: Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) Level (AA)

Principle 4: Robust

Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies: As technologies and user agents evolve, the content should remain accessible. 

• Checkpoint 4.1.1: Parsing Level (A)
• Checkpoint 4.1.2: Name, Role, Value Level (A)
• Checkpoint 4.1.3 Status Messages (AA)