If you’re new to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the different versions and conformance levels might seem somewhat arbitrary, but everything is actually quite straightforward.
The easiest way to think of WCAG is everytime we move to a higher number or level, there are more technical requirements (referred to as success criteria) necessary for conformance.
Table of Contents
WCAG Versions
WCAG versions are somewhat like software updates.WCAG has evolved over time, just like your phone’s operating system gets updates. Each new version adds more features without removing what was already there.
WCAG 1.0 (1999): The original version. Think of this as accessibility 1.0 – groundbreaking for its time, but outdated now.
WCAG 2.0 (2008): A complete overhaul that introduced the fundamental principles we still use today. This was a massive improvement, like going from the original version of Playstation to a version a decade later.
WCAG 2.1 (2018): Added 12 new success criteria (in level AA) focused on mobile accessibility, low vision, and cognitive disabilities. So all this means is WCAG 2.0success criteria remained in tact, but 2.1 addressed needs that became apparent as technology evolved and added those requirements as new success criteria to 2.0.
WCAG 2.2 (2023): The newest version, adding 6 more success AA criteria to make websites even more accessible, particularly for users with cognitive disabilities and those using mobile devices.
When someone says they’re “WCAG 2.1 conformant,” they’re saying they meet the requirements in that version. Each newer version includes everything from previous versions (with one minor exception in 2.2 that removed a technical requirement about parsing – you don’t even need to worry about this).
Conformance Levels
The different WCAG versions consist of three conformance levels: A, AA, and AAA. When it comes to accessibility and compliance, we almost always focus on level AA (which includes level A).
Here’s what the different levels mean.
Level A: The foundational success criteria. These are must-have accessibility implementations that remove the most critical barriers. Think of this as the “minimum viable accessibility” level. Without these, many people with disabilities will have a very difficult time using your digital asset and they may be outright blocked.
Level AA: The comprehensive, default standard. This level includes everything from Level A plus additional requirements that remove significant barriers. Most laws and regulations that reference WCAG require Level AA conformance.
Level AAA: The extreme standard. This includes everything from Levels A and AA, plus enhanced accessibility features that make your digital asset accessible to the widest possible audience. Level AAA conformance is very difficult to reach.
Combined
When someone says “We’re WCAG 2.1 AA conformant,” they’re telling you two things:
- Their chosen WCAG version is 2.1
- They meet all level AA success criteria
And, of course, Level A includes all Level AA success criteria for WCAG 2.1.
Best Standard
WCAG 2.1 AA is our default recommendation for clients. Some clients elect to go for WCAG 2.2 AA and we’ve even had requests for WCAG 2.0 AA audits – what works best for each client depends on what their needs and objectives are.
We like WCAG 2.1 AA because it’s commonly referenced and provides an excellent level of accessibility. And if a client wants to go above and beyond, of course WCAG 2.2 AA is always a great choice.
Summary
As you can see, the version and conformance level you use for your standard is intuitive once you understand what the different versions and conformance levels.
If you would like training on the actual WCAG requirements, our WCAG Course has everything you need.
If you need help with a WCAG audit, we’re happy to help. We’ve helped clients around the world with audits for all types of digital assets – just send us a message and we’ll be right with you.
