What is WCAG? Web Content Accessibility Guidelines explained

WCAG is the technical yardstick for digital accessibility. If you buy, build or publish anything online for learners, you will meet it.

What does WCAG contain?

WCAG is published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Its success criteria are organised under four principles: content must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Each criterion has a conformance level: A, AA or AAA. Level AA is the usual target. WCAG 2.2 is the current W3C Recommendation, published in October 2023, and adds criteria such as larger focus indicators, accessible authentication and target size.

WCAG covers text alternatives for images, captions for video, colour contrast, keyboard operation, clear labels and error messages, consistent navigation and compatibility with assistive technology.

How does WCAG apply in FE and apprenticeships?

The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 require covered public sector bodies to make their websites and mobile apps accessible and to publish an accessibility statement. Gov.uk guidance says meeting WCAG 2.2 AA is the route to meeting the legal requirements. Publicly funded colleges should check with their legal advisers whether they are covered. Learning platforms, portals and the documents tutors upload all matter.

Separate from those regulations, the Equality Act 2010 requires reasonable adjustments and the anticipatory duty. Inaccessible digital learning content can be a barrier that falls within them. Our guides to WCAG 2.2 for education software and accessible teaching materials show how to apply WCAG in practice. Inclusion Studio publishes an accessibility statement and describes its approach on the accessibility features page.

When you buy software, ask suppliers for their accessibility conformance report and statement, and test the product with your own learners.

What is a common misconception about WCAG?

One misconception is that meeting WCAG means everyone can use a service. It sets a minimum for web content; it does not cover every need, such as cognitive accessibility in full or physical and sensory needs in the real world. Another is that accessibility is a one-off project. Content changes, and each new document or update can introduce barriers. A third is that overlays and plug-ins fix accessibility. They generally do not replace accessible design and testing.

Where can you find the official source?

The standard is at w3.org/TR/WCAG22. The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative publishes explanatory material. For UK law, read the 2018 regulations and the gov.uk guidance on accessibility requirements for public sector websites and apps. If you are unsure whether the regulations apply, take professional advice.