The Ultimate WCAG 2.1 & 2.2 Level AA Checklist

Building an accessible website isn’t just good practice, it’s essential. Whether you're designing a new digital product or auditing an existing one, aligning with WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 Level AA guidelines helps ensure your content is usable by people with a wide range of disabilities. But navigating the technical jargon and ever-evolving requirements can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this clear, actionable WCAG checklist to help you meet Level AA compliance with confidence. In this guide, we break down the core accessibility guidelines, explain what they mean in plain English, and offer tips to implement them effectively.

Let’s make the web more inclusive, together.

What Is WCAG and Why It Matters

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of internationally recognized standards developed by the W3C to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.

• WCAG 2.1 added guidelines for mobile accessibility, low vision, and cognitive disabilities.
• WCAG 2.2 introduced further enhancements focused on navigation and user input.

Note
Many accessibility lawsuits reference WCAG Level AA as the legal benchmark. Compliance isn’t just ethical, it’s often a legal necessity.

WCAG 2.1 & 2.2 Level AA Checklist

1. Perceivable

Ensure users can perceive content regardless of their sensory abilities.

Text Alternatives

• Provide alt text for images.
• Use meaningful link text.

Time-Based Media

• Provide captions for videos.
• Transcripts for audio content.

Adaptable Content

• Ensure content is structured with HTML landmarks (headers, lists, etc.).
• Avoid using shape, size, or color alone to convey meaning.

Distinguishable

• Maintain a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for text.
• Text must be resizable up to 200% without loss of content/functionality.
• No text in images unless essential.

Pro Tip
Use tools like WAVE or axe DevTools to spot perceivability issues.

2. Operable

Users should be able to navigate and interact with the site using a keyboard or other assistive technology.

Keyboard Accessibility

• All functionality is available via keyboard.
• No keyboard traps.

Enough Time

• Allow users to adjust time limits if applicable.

Seizures and Physical Reactions

• No content should flash more than three times per second.

Navigable

• Clear and consistent navigation.
• Skip-to-content links.
• Page titles and headings accurately describe topic or purpose.

WCAG 2.2 Additions

• Focus Not Obscured: Keyboard focus indicators must be visible.
• Accessible Authentication: Users should not rely solely on memory tests (like CAPTCHA) to log in.

3. Understandable

Your content and interface must be easy to understand.

Readability

• Use clear, concise language.
• Define unusual terms.

Predictability

• Consistent navigation and element behavior.

Input Assistance

• Help users avoid and correct errors (form validation, error messages, etc.).

Pro Tip
Use readability tools like Hemingway App or Grammarly to assess text complexity.

4. Robust

Content must be compatible with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.

• Use valid HTML/CSS.
• Elements have complete start and end tags.
• ARIA roles and properties are correctly implemented.

Note
Improper use of ARIA can break accessibility. Stick to native HTML elements whenever possible.

Comparison Table: Level A vs. AA vs. AAA

Example: E-Commerce Accessibility Win

A mid-sized retail brand implemented WCAG Level AA improvements: clear alt text, keyboard-friendly navigation, and color contrast fixes. The result? A 15% boost in conversions from mobile users and a 23% drop in cart abandonment.

Accessibility is not just a compliance goal, it’s a business advantage.

Final Thoughts 

Accessibility isn’t a checklist you tick off once, it’s a continuous commitment to inclusive design. Whether you’re updating an existing site or building a new one, using this WCAG checklist ensures your digital experiences are welcoming to all.

Want help auditing your site for WCAG Level AA compliance? Contact our accessibility experts or check out our in-depth audit services.